LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT KANAKAPUR-2 (4D3A9C3a) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Kanakapura-2 microwatershed was conducted using village cadastral maps and IRS satellite imagery on 1:7920 scale. The false colour composites of IRS imagery were interpreted for physiography and these physiographic delineations were used as base for mapping soils. The soils were studied in several transects and a soil map was prepared with phases of soil series as mapping units. Random checks were made all over the area outside the transects to confirm and validate the soil map unit boundaries. The soil map shows the geographic distribution and extent, characteristics, classification, behavior and use potentials of the soils in the Microwatershed. The present study covers an area of 515 ha in Koppal taluk and district, Karnataka. The climate is semiarid and categorized as drought - prone with an average annual rainfall of 662 mm, of which about 424 mm is received during south –west monsoon, 161 mm during north-east and the remaining 77 mm during the rest of the year. An area of about 71 per cent is covered by soil, 12 per cent by mining/industrial, <1 per cent by railway, 1 per cent by rock outcrops and 16 per cent by habitation and water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 21 soil phases (management units) and 6 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is <90 days and starts from 2nd week of August to 2nd week of November.  From the master soil map, several interpretative and thematic maps like land capability, soil depth, surface soil texture, soil gravelliness, available water capacity, soil slope and soil erosion were generated.  Soil fertility status maps for macro and micronutrients were generated based on the surface soil samples collected at every 320 m grid interval.  Land suitability for growing 31 major agricultural and horticultural crops were assessed and maps showing the degree of suitability along with constraints were generated.  Entire area is suitable for agriculture.  About 22 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 2 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 25 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 22 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 5 per cent sandy, 49 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 17 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 28 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 32 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 11 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 42 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 10 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 1 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m), 2 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) and 16 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 12 per cent is nearly level (0-1%) and 59 per cent is very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 29 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 42 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 13 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 23 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 22 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) and 13 per cent is strongly to very strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0 & >9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dSm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in 6 per cent, medium (0.5-0.75%) in 10 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 55 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in <1 per cent, medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 21 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 50 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in 10 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 32 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 29 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is medium (10-20 ppm) in 29 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 42 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 60 per cent, medium (0.5-1.0) in 11 per cent and high (>1.0) in <1 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 2 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 69 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 14 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 57 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area of the microwatershed.  The land suitability for 31 major agricultural and horticultural crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (class S1) and moderately suitable (class S2) are given below. It is however to be noted that a given soil may be suitable for various crops but what specific crop to be grown may be decided by the farmer looking to his capacity to invest on various inputs, marketing infrastructure, market price, and finally the demand and supply position. Land suitability for various crops in the microwatershed Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Crop Suitability Area in ha (%) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Highly suitable (S1) Moderately suitable (S2) Sorghum 15(3) 83(16) Sapota 15(3) 130(25) Maize 6(1) 91(18) Pomegranate 15(3) 212 (41) Bajra 15(3) 221(43) Musambi 15(3) 212 (41) Groundnut - 151(29) Lime 15(3) 212 (41) Sunflower 15(3) 83(16) Amla 15(3) 238(46) Redgram 15(3) 83(16) Cashew 6(1) 139(27) Bengal gram 82(16) 25(5) Jackfruit 15(3) 130(25) Cotton 9(2) 89(17) Jamun 9(2) 218(42) Chilli 6(1) 10(2) Custard apple 15(3) 238(46) Tomato 6(1) 10(2) Tamarind 9(2) 100(19) Brinjal 7(1) 108(21) Mulberry 6(1) 238(46) Onion 7(1) 108(21) Marigold 6(1) 92(18) Bhendi 7(1) 108(21) Chrysanthemum 6(1) 92(18) Drumstick 15(3) 100(19) Jasmine 6(1) 10(2) Mango 9(2) 7(1) Crossandra 15(3) 1(<1) Guava 15(3) 130(25) Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 6 identified LMUs by considering only the highly and moderately suitable lands for different crops and cropping systems with food, fodder, fibre and other horticulture crops.  Maintaining soil-health is vital for crop production and conserve soil and land resource base for maintaining ecological balance and to mitigate climate change. For this, several ameliorative measures have been suggested to these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation and drainage line treatment plan has been prepared that would help in identifying the sites to be treated and also the type of structures required.  As part of the greening programme, several tree species have been suggested to be planted in marginal and submarginal lands, field bunds and also in the hillocks, mounds and ridges. That would help in supplementing the farm income, provide fodder and fuel, and generate lot of biomass which in turn would help in maintaining the ecological balance and contribute to mitigating the climate change. SALIENT FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY  The data on households sampled for socio economic survey in Kanakapura-2 micro-watershed indicated that 36 farmers were sampled in Kanakapura-2 microwatershed among them 18 (50 %) were marginal farmers, 6 (16.67 %) were small farmers, 8 (22.22 %) were semi medium farmer, 3 (8.33 %) were medium farmers and 1 (2.78 %) were large farmers.  The data indicated that there were 89 (59.73 %) men and 60 (40.27 %) were women among the sampled households. The average family size of marginal farmers’ was 3.9, small farmers’ was 4, semi medium farmers’ was 4.6, medium farmers’ was 4 and large farmers’ was 5.  The data indicated that, 13 (8.72 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 67 (44.97 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 53 (35.57 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 16 (10.74 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Kanakapura-2 had 38.93 per cent illiterates, 0.67 per cent Functional Literate, 18.12 per cent of them had primary school education, 2.68 per cent of them had middle school education, 16.11 per cent of them had high school education, 12.75 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.67 per cent of them had Diploma, 2.01 per cent of them had ITI, 3.36 per cent of them had degree education and 0.67 per cent of them did Masters.  The results indicate that, 72.22 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture and 22.22per cent of the household heads were agricultural labourers.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 55.03 per cent of the household members, 22.15 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.34 per cent were in Household industry, 18.79 per cent were students and 2.01per cent were housewives.  The results show that, 100 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any of the institutions.  The results indicate that 8.33 per cent of the households possess Thatched house, 27.78 per cent of the households possess katcha house, 13.89 per cent of them possess pucca/RCC house and 50 per cent of them possess semi pucca house.  The results show that 86.11 per cent of the households possess TV, 2.94 per cent of the households possess DVD/VCD Player, 86.11 per cent of them possess mixer/grinder, 2.78 per cent of the households possess Refrigerator, 16.67 per cent of them possess bicycle, 44.44 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 94.44 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs 5,919, grinder was Rs 2,325, Refrigerator was Rs 12,000, bicycle was Rs 1,714, motor cycle was Rs. 36,875 and mobile phone was Rs. 1,576. 2  About 11.11 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 44.44 per cent of them possess plough, 2.78 per cent of them possess Irrigation Pump, 5.88 per cent possess tractor, 33.33 per cent of them possess sprayer and 66.67 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 17,500, plough was Rs. 1,820, Irrigation Pump was Rs.7,000, tractor was Rs 350,000, sprayer was Rs.3,828, Sprinkler was Rs. 8,000, average value of weeder was Rs. 159, Harvester was Rs. 84,000, Thresher was Rs. 277, average value of chaff cutter was 3,000 and the average value of earth mover/duster was Rs. 15,000.  The results indicate that, 13.89 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 30.56 per cent of the households possess local cow, 8.33 per cent of the households possess Crossbred cow, 5.56 per cent of the households possess Buffalo and 5.56 per cent of the households possess Goat.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.80, average own labour (women) available was 1.43, average hired labour (men) available was 9.37 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.77.  The results indicate that, 97.22 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate and 5.88 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Kanakapura-2 micro-watershed possess 17.74 ha (36.01 %) of dry land and 31.51 ha (63.99 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.30 ha (85.80 %) of dry land and 0.55 ha (14.20 %) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 5.65 ha (52.11 %) of dry land and 5.19 ha (47.89 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 5.90 ha (58.47 %) of dry land and 4.19 ha (41.53 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 2.89 ha (16.56 %) of dry land and 14.56 ha (83.44 %) of irrigated land. Large farmers possess 7.03 ha (100 %) of irrigated land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 504,122.95 and the average value of irrigated land was Rs. 617,861.06. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 937,974.69 for dry land and Rs. 1,644,808.15. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 293,858.52 for dry land and Rs. 859,130.44 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 297,937.75 for dry land and Rs. 375,690.75 for irrigated land. In case of medium farmers, the average land value was Rs. 977,437.48 for irrigated land. In case of large farmers, the average land value was Rs. 138,937.50 for irrigated land.  The results indicate that, there were 16 functioning and 11 de-functioning bore wells in the micro watershed. 3  The results indicate that, bore well was the major irrigation source in the micro water shed for 44.44 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicate that, the depth of bore well was found to be 45.72 meters.  The results indicate that marginal, small, semi medium, medium farmers and large farmers had an irrigated area of 2.60 ha, 1.64 ha, 6.34 ha, 1.62 ha and 18.68 ha respectively.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown Bajra (4.37 ha), Bengal gram (6.48 ha), Navane (1.68 ha), Pearl millet (9.66 ha), Groundnut (1.67 ha), maize (18.43 ha), Sesamum (1.32 ha), Red gram (2.19 ha) and Cowpea (0.40 ha).  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Kanakapura-2 micro-watershed was found to be 75.02 per cent.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Bajra was Rs. 26117.90. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 23737.72. The net income from Bajra cultivation was Rs. -2380.18. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.91.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for bengal gram was Rs. 7938.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 74236.52. The net income from bengal gram cultivation was Rs. 22418.17. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.43.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Navane was Rs. 318503.50. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 18516.95. The net income from Navane cultivation was Rs. -1751.47. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.91.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 72585.96. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 58850.69. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. -13735.27. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.81.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sesamum was Rs. 76069.80. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 42048.81. The net income from Sesamum cultivation was Rs. -34020. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.55.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 33731.06. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 43575.50. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 9844.44. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.29.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Cowpea was Rs. 39947.49. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41496. The net income from Cowpea cultivation was Rs. 1548.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.04. 4  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 75605.27. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49810.42. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. --25794.85. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 0.66.  The results indicate that, 44.44 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 47.22 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 2,400 for landless households, for marginal farmers it was Rs. 127,133.33, for small farmers it was Rs. 61,066.67, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 103,312.50, for medium farmers it was Rs. 59,666.67 and for semi large farmers it was Rs. 445,000.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 32,321.01. For marginal farmers it was Rs. 22,912.85, for small farmers it was Rs. 14,583.33, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 20,578.13, for medium farmers it was Rs. 23,000 and for large farmers it was Rs. 430,000.  The results indicate that, sampled households have grown 83 coconut trees in their field and 13 in backyard and 2 Lemon trees in backyard.  The results indicate that, households have planted 6 Cashew, 110 Teak, 128 neem, 3 tamarind, 10 Pongamia and 8 banyan trees in their field. Also, 3 neem trees in their backyard.  The results indicated that, Bajra, Bengalgram, Cow Pea, Groundnut, Maize, Navane, Sesamum and Redgram were sold to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, about 41.67 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants and 8.33 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to regulated market, 8.82 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to Cooperative marketing Society and 75 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to Agent/Traders.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households used tractor as a mode of transportation for their agricultural produce.  The results indicated that, 19.44 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 22.22 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 75 per cent of the households used firewood, 16.67 per cent of the households used LPG as a source of fuel and 2.78 per cent of the households used Dung Cake and 5.56 per cent of the households used Biogas as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 22.22 per cent of the households and bore well was the source of drinking water for 75 per cent of the households in micro watershed. 5  The results indicated that, Electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households in micro watershed.  The results indicated that, 38.89 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 88.89 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 11.11 per cent of the households did not possess PDS card.  The results indicated that, 44.44 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, pulses were adequate for 47.22 per cent, oilseeds were adequate for 77.78 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 77.78 per cent, milk was adequate for 100 per cent, eggs were adequate for 58.33 per cent and meat was adequate for 52.78 per cent.  The results indicated that, pulses were inadequate for 50 per cent of the households, oilseeds were inadequate for 22.22 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 22.22 per cent and Vegetables was inadequate for 22.22 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 22.22 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (58.33 %), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (63.89 %), inadequacy of irrigation water (22.22 %), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (69.44 %), high rate of interest on credit (52.78 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (33.33 %), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (5.56 %), less rainfall (75 %) and source of agri-technology information (27.78 %).