LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GASALADODDI (4D4A1R1d) MICRO WATERSHED Irakallagada Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Gasaladoddi 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 536 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 80 per cent is covered by soil, 17 per cent by rock outcrops and 3 per cent by habitation and water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 16 soil series and 36 soil phases (management units) and 8 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 13 per cent of the soils are shallow (25-50 cm), 20 per cent of the soils are moderately shallow (50-75 cm), 26 per cent moderately deep (75- 100 cm) and 21 per cent is deep to very deep (100->150cm) soils.  About 8 per cent sandy, 54 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 18 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 17 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (<15%) soils, 51 per cent has gravelly soils (15-35 % gravel) and 12 per cent very gravelly (35-60 %) soils.  With respect to available water capacity 49 per cent of the area has very low (<50mm/m), 19 per cent of the area has low (51-100 mm/m), 8 per cent medium (101- 150 mm/m), 1 per cent high (151-200 mm/m) and 3 per cent very high (>200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 5 per cent is nearly level (0-1%), 72 per cent is very gently sloping (1-3%) and 3 per cent is gently sloping (3-5%) lands.  An area of about 22 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 58 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 37 per cent is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5), 37 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 5 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8) and 1 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dSm-1 indicating that soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is medium (0.5-0.75%) in <1 per cent and high (>0.75%) in 80 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 68 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) in 12 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is low (<145 kg/ha) in <1 per cent, medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 48 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 32 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 18 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 58 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 3 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 73 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 7 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in <1 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 80 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in 30 per cent and sufficient (>0.6 ppm) in 50 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 3(1) 121(21) Sapota 5(1) 118(22) Maize - 161(30) Pomegranate 5(1) 134(25) Bajra 33(6) 252(46) Musambi 9(2) 131(24) Groundnut 39(7) 254(47) Lime 9(2) 131(24) Sunflower 3(1) 51(9) Amla 39(7) 286(53) Redgram - 54(10) Cashew 5(1) 140(26) Bengal gram 3(1) 157(29) Jackfruit 5(1) 118(22) Cotton 3(1) 120(22) Jamun - 140(26) Chilli - 107(19) Custard apple 42(8) 283(52) Tomato - 107(19) Tamarind - 21(4) Brinjal 39(7) 152(28) Mulberry 5(1) 212(40) Onion 33(6) 141(26) Marigold - 123(22) Bhendi 33(6) 157(29) Chrysanthemum - 123(22) Drumstick 5(1) 106(20) Jasmine - 107(19) Mango - 18(3) Crossandra - 110(20) Guava 5(1) 118(22)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 8 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 STUDY  Results indicated that, 47 farmers were sampled in Gasaladoddi microwatershed among them 10 (21.28%) were marginal farmers, 15 (31.91 %) were small farmers, 14 (29.79 %) were semi medium farmers, 3 (6.38%) were medium farmers and 5 (10.64 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 259 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 137 (52.90%) men and 122 (47.10 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 4, marginal farmer was 6, small, semi medium and medium farmers were 5.  The data indicated that 59 (22.78%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 128 (49.42 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 52 (20.08 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 20(7.72%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Gasaladoddi had 28.96 per cent illiterates, 35.14 per cent of them had primary school education, 11.97 per cent of them had middle school, 13.13 per cent them had high school education, 5.41 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.77 per cent of them had ITI education and masters and 1.93 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicated that, 78.72 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 8.51 per cent of them were agricultural labour, 6.38 per cent of the household heads were general labours and 2.13 per cent were in government service.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 66.80 per cent of the household members, 3.09 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2.70 per cent were general labours, 0.39 per cent were in government service,0.77 per cent housewives, 1.93 per cent were children and 23.17 per cent of them were students. In case of landless farmers, 23.81 per cent were agricultural labour and 33.33 per cent were general labour and student respectively. In case of marginal farmers 65.08 per cent of them were doing agriculture, 3.17 per cent of them were agriculture labour and 26.68 per cent of them were students. In small farmers 71.08 per cent of them were doing agriculture and 27.71 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 79.49 per cent of them were agriculturist, and 14.10 per cent of them were students. In medium farmers 78.57 per cent of them were agriculturist and 14.29 per cent of them were doing other work.  The results showed that 100 per cent of households have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 40.43 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 29.79 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 4.26 per cent of the households possess Pacca house.  The results showed that, 85.11 per cent of the households possess TV, 78.72 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 29.79 per cent of the households possess 2 bicycle, 40.43 per cent of the households possess motor cycle and 95.74 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 6,475, mixer/grinder was Rs. 1,305, bicycle was Rs. 1,285, motor cycle was Rs. 38,600 and mobile phone was Rs. 1,408.  Results showed that about 31.91 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 40.43 per cent of them possess plough, 2.13 per cent of the households possess tractor, 23.40 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 78.72 per cent of the households possess weeder and 2.13 per cent of the households possess chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 27,733; the average value of plough was Rs. 1,354, the average value of tractor was Rs. 700,000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 4,272, the average value of weeder was Rs. 30 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 3,000.  The results indicated that, 38.30 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 27.66 per cent of the households possess local cow and 2.13 per cent of the households possess buffalo and sheep respectively. 40 per cent of the marginal farmers possess bullock. In case of small farmers, 40 per cent of the households possess bullock and 3.33 per cent of the households possess local cow. In case of semi medium farmers, 50 per cent of households possess bullock and 42.86 per cent possess local cow. In case of medium farmers, 66.67 per cent of the households possess local cow and 33.33 per cent of the households possess bullock and buffalo respectively.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 10.68, average own labour (women) available was 6.73, average hired labour (men) available was 10.73 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.12.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was also 1.80, average hired labour (men) was 9.40 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.60. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 13.73, average own labour (women) was 8.47, average hired labour (men) was 11.40 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.20. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 2.23, average own labour (women) was 2.08, average hired labour (men) was 10 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.08. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 61, average own labour (women) was 34.67, average hired labour (men) was 15 and average hired labour (women) available was 15.  The results indicated that, 85.11 per cent of the household opined that the hired labour was adequate and 2.13 per cent of them opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, 1 person was migrated from micro watershed that belonged to marginal farmer category. Total migration in the micro watershed was only 0.39 per cent. 3  The results indicated that, people have migrated on an average of 10 Kms and average duration was 10 months. Semi medium farmers have migrated 10 kms and on an average for 10 months.  The results indicated that, job/work was the only reason for migration for all the migrants.  The results indicated that, households of the Gasaladoddi microwatershed possess 30.84 ha (53.50%) of dry land and 26.80ha (46.50%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 5.14ha (80.79%) of dry land 1.22ha (19.21%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 15.28 ha (83.26%) of dry land and 3.07ha (16.74%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 10.42 ha (40%) of dry land and 15.63ha (60%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.88ha (100%) of the irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 340,354.33 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 522,198.73. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 855,748.04 for dry land and Rs. 1,390,397.36 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 242,028.60 for dry land Rs. 1,106,455.88 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 230,303.03 for dry land and Rs. 498,989.90 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 159,823.53 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 10 defunctioning and 22 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, there were 1 defunctioning and 1 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 46.81 per cent of the farmers and 2.13 per cent were using open well as a source of irrigation.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 42.78 meters and open well was 0.65 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 1.22 per cent of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 3.07 ha of irrigated land, in case of semi medium farmers there was 19.04 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 6.07 ha of irrigated land. On an average there were 29.41 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown maize (31.01ha), groundnut (7.90 ha), bajra (4.14 ha), cotton (1.88 ha), paddy (3.33 ha), sunflower (2.51 ha) and cotton (0.40 ha) in kharif season. Marginal farmers have grown maize and paddy. Small farmers have grown maize, groundnut, bajra, sunflower and cotton. Semi medium farmers have grown maize, groundnut, bajra and paddy. Medium farmers have grown maize, groundnut and bajra. 4  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Gasaladoddi microwatershed was found to be 76.96 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 93.37, in semi medium farmers it was 65.16 and in medium farmers it was 72.22 per cent.  The results indicated that, 70.21 per cent of the households have bank account. 80 percent of landless, 100 marginal, 66.67 per cent small and 64.29 semi medium farmers possess bank account respectively.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of landless, 60 per cent of marginal, 6.67 per cent of the small and 28.57 per cent of semi medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 5.56 per cent have availed loan from friends/relatives and money lender respectively.  The results indicated that, landless farmers availed Rs.25000. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 2777.78.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 32578.46. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 33910.98. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 1332.52. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.04.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 76846.27. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 75018.72. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. -1827.55. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.98.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 92106.94. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 37235.25. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. -54871.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.4.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 27964.69. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 20417.92. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -7546.77. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.73.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 19607.59. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 53768.81. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. 34161.23. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.74.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 59113.07. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 88920. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 29806.93. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.5.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for paddy was Rs. 58431.09. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 91584.65. The net income from 5 paddy cultivation was Rs. 33153.56. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.57.  The results indicated that, 68.09 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 19.15 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate.  The results indicated that, in landless farmers, the average income from wage was Rs. 52800. In marginal farmers the average income from business was Rs.2000, wage was Rs. 37,500 and agriculture was Rs. 29,340. In small farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 25,866.67, agriculture was Rs. 64,640 and dairy farm was Rs. 500. In semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs. 15,714.29, wage was Rs. 15,928.57, agriculture was Rs. 85,357.14 and dairy farm was Rs. 1,142.86. In medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs. 11,666.67, agriculture was Rs. 95,000 and dairy farm was Rs.1833.33.  The results indicated that, in marginal farmers the average expenditure from agriculture was Rs.12000 and goat farming was Rs.8000. In case of small farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 1,166.67, agriculture was Rs. 33,933.33 and dairy farm was Rs. 500. In case of semi medium farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs. 50,000, wage was Rs. 1,833.33, dairy farm was Rs. 1,125 and agriculture was Rs. 35,142.86. In case of medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 7,000, agriculture was Rs. 40,000 and dairy farming was Rs. 1250.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 2 cocoa, 65 coconut, 2 guava and 16 mango trees in their field and also planted 2 coconut trees in their back yard.  The results indicated that, households have planted 51 teak, 85 neem, 3 tarmind trees and 5 banyan trees in their field.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 4276.60 for land development, Rs. 1425.53 in irrigation facility, Rs.2808.51 for improved crop production and Rs.829.79 for improved livestock management.  Marginal households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 5800 for land development, Rs.3700 for improved crop production and Rs.800 for improved livestock management. Small farmers have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3733.33 for land development, Rs. 1600 in irrigation facility, Rs.2800 for improved crop production and Rs.400 for improved livestock management. Semi medium farmers have an average investment capacity of Rs. 6214.29 for land development, Rs. 3071.43 in irrigation facility, Rs.3785.71 for improved crop production and Rs.1785.71 for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, for land development, 40.43 per cent of the farmers were depending on government subsidy and 2.13 per cent were depending on loan from the bank. 19.15 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy 6 for irrigation facility. Similarly for improved crop production, 42.55 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy and 2.13 per cent were depending on loan from the bank and 21.28 per cent were depending on loan from the bank for improved live stock management.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, paddy and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Groundnut and maize were sold to an extent 95.38 per cent and 99.88 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, 6.38 percent of the households have sold their produce to agents/ traders and regulated market respectively and 100 per cent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant.  The results indicated that 6.38 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport, 80.85 per cent of them have used tractor and 36.17 per cent have used truck as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 46.81 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 80 percent of marginal farmers, 40 per cent of small farmers and 57.14 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 63.83 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing including 100 per cent of marginal farmers, 73.33 per cent of the small farmers and 64.29 per cent of the semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 2.13 per cent of them used LPG as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 59.57 per cent and 44.68 per cent of them were using bore well for drinking water.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 17.02 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of landless, 20 per cent of marginal, 13.33 per cent of small, 7.14 per cent of the semi medium and 33.33 per cent of the medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 93.62 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, 2.13 per cent of the sampled households does not possessed BPL card and 4.26 per cent of the sampled households possessed APL card.  The results indicated that, 23.40 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 20 per cent of the landless, 30 percent of the marginal, 13.33 per cent of the small, 14.29 per cent of the semi medium and 100 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits , milk, egg and meat were adequate for 97.87 per cent, 87.23 per cent, 25.53 per cent, 82.98 per cent, 2.13 per cent, 72.34 per cent, 48.94 per cent and 44.68 per cent respectively. 7  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseed; vegetables, fruits and milk were inadequate for 4.26 per cent, 10.64 per cent, 40.43 per cent, 10.64 per cent, 65.96 per cent and 21.28 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil problem was experienced by 29.79 per cent of the households, and wild animal menace on farm field was experienced by 61.70 per cent of the households, frequent incidence of pest and diseases was experienced by 63.83 per cent of the farmers, inadequacy of irrigation water was experienced by 25.53 per cent of the households, high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals was experienced 55.32 per cent and high rate of interest on credit was experienced by 17.02 per cent of the farmers, low price for the agricultural commodities was experienced by 42.55 per cent of the farmers, lack of marketing facilities in the area was experienced 34.04 per cent of the households, inadequate of extension services experienced by 38.30 per cent of the households, lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market was experienced by 53.19 per cent of the households, less rainfall was experienced by 36.17 per cent and of the farmers and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) 4.26 per cent of the households.