LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BELUR-2 (4D4A2R2e) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Belur-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 566 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. Entire area is covered by soil and 150cm) soils.  About 9 per cent loamy (sandy clay loam) and 91 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 44 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  About 8 per cent area in the microwatershed is nearly level (0-1%) and 92 per cent very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 28 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 72 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 4 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 10 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 19 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 38 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 29 per cent is very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly <2 dSm-1 indicating that the soils are non saline.  Organic carbon is low (<0.5%) in 16 per cent and medium (0.5-0.75%) in 83 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (<23 kg/ha) in 62 per cent and medium (23-57 kg/ha) in 37 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 87 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 13 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (<10 ppm) in 30 per cent, medium (10-20 ppm) in 66 per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 4 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 54 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 46 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is deficient (<4.5 ppm) in 48 per cent and sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in 52 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper is 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 209(37) 244(43) Sapota - 114(20) Maize 61(11) 393(69) Pomegranate - 356(63) Bajra 126(22) 331(59) Musambi 90(16) 256(45) Groundnut 41(7) 82(15) Lime 90(16) 256(45) Sunflower 90(16) 245(43) Amla 103(18) 370(66) Redgram - 305(54) Cashew 61(11) 52(9) Bengal gram 148(26) 296(52) Jackfruit - 114(20) Cotton 148(26) 306(54) Jamun - 164(29) Chilli 62(11) 74(13) Custard apple 251(44) 222(40) Tomato 62(11) 51(9) Tamarind - 135(24) Brinjal 103(18) 360(64) Mulberry - 303(54) Onion 41(7) 72(13) Marigold 61(11) 392(69) Bhendi 41(7) 422(75) Chrysanthemum 61(11) 392(69) Drumstick - 345(61) Jasmine 61(11) 160(28) Mango - 22(4) Crossandra 61(11) 99(17) Guava - 113(20)  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 7 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, 35 farmers were sampled in Belur-2 microwatershed among them 6 (13.95%) were marginal farmers, 12 (30.23 %) were small farmers, 11 (25.58 %) were semi medium farmers, 1 (2.33%) were medium farmers and 6 (13.95 %) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 188 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 100 (53.19%) men and 88 (46.81 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 4.67, marginal farmer was 3.85, small farmer was 4.6, semi medium farmers were 4.45 and medium and large farmers were 5.  The data indicated that 26 (13.83%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 85 (45.21 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 58 (30.85 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 19 (10.11%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Belur-2 had 27.66 per cent illiterates, 32.98 per cent of them had primary school education, 6.91 per cent of them had middle school, 15.43 per cent them had high school education, 8.51 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.53 per cent of them had ITI education and 3.19 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicated that, 83.72 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 13.95 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 2.33 per cent of the household heads were others.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 29.26 per cent of the household members, 44.15 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2.13 per cent were general labours and 1.06 per cent were in private sector, 0.53 per cent were in government service, 2.66 per cent were housewives and children’s and 15.43 per cent of them were students. In case of landless farmers 57.14 per cent of them were agriculture labours, 14.29 per cent were general labours and 10.71 per cent of them were students.  In case of marginal farmers 32 per cent of them were doing agriculture, 48 per cent of them were agriculture and 16 per cent of them were students. In small farmers 32 per cent of them were doing agriculture, 30.36 per cent of them were agriculture labour, 8.93 per cent were children and 17.86 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 28.57 per cent of them were agriculturist, 53.06 per cent of them were agriculture labour, 2.04 per cent of them were in private service. and 16.33 per cent of them were students. In medium farmers 60 per cent of them were agriculturist, 20 per cent of them were government service and 20 per cent of them were doing other work.  The results showed that 1.06 per cent of them participated in Sthree Shakthi Sangha and 98.94 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Landless, 2 marginal, semi medium and medium farmers were found to have no participation in any local institutions. Small farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 6.98 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 83.72 per cent of the households possess Katcha house and 9.30 per cent of the households possess Pacca house.  The results showed that, 88.37 per cent of the households possess TV, 79.07 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 55.81 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 44.19 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.33 per cent of them possess tempo and 86.05 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs. 3526, mixer/grinder was Rs. 1188, bicycle was Rs.1041, motor cycle was Rs.48684, Tempo was Rs.2000, Edge shear was Rs.3000 and mobile phone was Rs.1093.  Results showed that, about 16.28 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 25.58 per cent of them possess plough, 2.33 per cent of the households possess tractor, 11.63 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 79.07 per cent of the households possess weeder and 9.30 per cent of the households possess chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.17428; the average value of plough was Rs. 911, the average value of tractor was Rs. 300000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 20200, the average value of weeder was Rs. 36 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 2175.  The results indicated that, 23.26 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 6.98 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.33 per cent of the households possess crossbreed cow, 4.65 per cent of the households possess sheep and 9.30 per cent of the households possess buffalo and goat respectively. 16.67 per cent of the landless farmers possess sheep and goat respectively. In case of marginal farmers, 15.38 per cent of the households possess local cow and 7.69 per cent of the households possess local cow, crossbreed cow and goat respectively. In case of small farmers, 25 per cent of households possess bullock and 8.33 per cent possess local cow, buffalo, sheep and goat correspondingly. In case of semi medium farmers, 45.45 per cent of the households possess bullock and 9.09 per cent of the households possess local cow and buffalo respectively. 100 per cent of the medium farmers possess goat.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.59, average own labour (women) available was 1.39, average hired labour (men) available was 7.70 and average hired labour (women) available was 8.11.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.69, average own labour (women) was also 1.38, average hired labour (men) was 6.08 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.08. In case of small farmers, average 3 own labour men available was 1.54, average own labour (women) was 1.50, average hired labour (men) was 7.08 and average hired labour (women) available was 7.25. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.55, average own labour (women) was 1.27, average hired labour (men) was 10.55 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.73. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1.  The results indicated that, 9.30 per cent of the household opined that the hired labour was adequate and 76.74 per cent of them opined that hired labour was inadequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Belur-2 microwatershed possess 28.99 ha (62.56%) of dry land and 17.35 ha (37.44 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 7.55 ha (89.66%) of dry land 0.87 ha (10.34%) of irrigated land. Small farmers possess 15.78 ha (94.73%) of dry land and 0.88 ha (5.27%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 5.67 ha (32.15%) of dry land and 11.95 ha (67.85%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 3.64 ha (100%) of the irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 298,275.86 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 403,406.44. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 423,806.96 for dry land and Rs. 1,033,953.50 for irrigated land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 256,631.61 for dry land Rs. 569,124.40 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000 for dry land and Rs. 392,992.56 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 247,000 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 14 defunctioning and 15 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 34.88 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 23.09 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of marginal farmers there was 0.87 per cent of irrigated land, in case of small farmers there was 1.28 ha of irrigated land, in case of semi medium farmers there was 12.10 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 3.64 ha of irrigated land. On an average there were 17.90 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown maize (19.93ha), onion (8.51 ha), groundnut (5.81 ha), sunflower (2.43 ha), cotton (1.88 ha), Red gram (1.83 ha), sorghum (1.62 ha), bajra (0.97 ha), banana (0.4 ha) and green gram (0.4 ha) in kharif season. Marginal farmers have grown maize, groundnut, sunflower, cotton, red gram and bajra. Small farmers have grown maize, onion, groundnut, sunflower 4 and green gram. Small farmers have grown maize, onion, cotton, red gram, sorghum and banana. Medium farmers have grown only maize.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Belur-2 microwatershed was found to be 82.12 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 95.19 per cent, in small farmers it was 89.92, in semi medium farmers it was 69.54 and in medium farmers it was 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, 69.77 per cent of the households have both bank account and savings respectively. 92.31 percent of marginal, small and large farmers possess both bank account savings respectively. In small farmers 66.67 per cent of the households have both bank account and savings respectively. In case of semi medium farmers, 90.91 per cent of possess bank account and savings respectively.  The results indicated that, 92.31 per cent of marginal, 66.67 per cent of small and 90.91 per cent of semi medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 32679.41. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35141.18. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 2461.78. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.08.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 32679.41. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 35141.18. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 2461.78. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.08.  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. 49544.52. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 37461.67. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -12082.86. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.76.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 6593.64. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 18278. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 11684.36. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.77.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for green gram was Rs. 43774.34. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 41990. The net income from green gram cultivation was Rs. -1784.34. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.96.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 31943.56. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 132285.50. The net income from 5 onion cultivation was Rs. 100341.94. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:4.14.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 26042.92. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 42306.47. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. 16263.55. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.62.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Cotton was Rs. 38511.39. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 79607.03. The net income from Cotton cultivation was Rs. 41095.63. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.07.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Banana was Rs. 89684.87. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 247000. The net income from Banana cultivation was Rs. 157315.13. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.75.  The results indicated that, 18.60 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate, 11.63 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate and 18.60 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. 27000. In marginal farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.7384.62, wage was Rs. 30384.62, agriculture was Rs. 32015.38 and dairy farm was Rs. 5230.77. In small farmers the average income from business was Rs. 1000, wage was Rs. 21166.67, agriculture was Rs. 43470.83 and dairy farm was Rs. 1166.67. In semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs. 16272.73, wage was Rs. 22454.55, agriculture was Rs. 187236.36 and dairy farm was Rs.363.64. In medium farmers the average income from business was Rs. 6000 and agriculture was Rs. 375000.  The results indicated that, in landless farmers, the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 25000, farm income was Rs.500 and goat farming was Rs.5000. In marginal farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.9090.91, agriculture was Rs.16307.69 and dairy farm was Rs.9333.33. In case of small farmers the average expenditure from business was Rs. 4000, wage was Rs. 11500, agriculture was Rs. 28727.27 and dairy farm was Rs. 2000. In case of semi medium farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.40500, wage was Rs. 8375, dairy farm was Rs.2000 and agriculture was Rs. 60090.91. In case of medium farmers the average expenditure from business was Rs.4000, agriculture was Rs. 50000 and goat farming was Rs. 2000.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 34 coconut trees in their field and also planted 1 coconut tree in their back yard. 6  The results indicated that, households have planted 1 eucalyptus, 5 teak, 58 neem, 1 tarmind tree, 3 pongamia trees and 1 banyan tree in their field and also planted 2 neem tree in their back yard.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 4744.19 for land development, Rs. 441.86 in irrigation facility and 302.33 Rs.2714.29 for improved crop production.  Marginal households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 6846.15 for land development, Rs. 769.23 for irrigation facility and Rs.384.62 for improved crop production. Small farmers have an average investment capacity of Rs. 3666.67 for land development, Rs. 83.33 in irrigation facility and Rs.666.67 for improved crop production. Semi medium farmers have an average investment capacity of Rs. 6454.55 for land development and Rs. 727.27 in irrigation facility.  The results indicated that, for land development, 31.11 per cent of the farmers were depend on government subsidy, 22.22 per cent were depend on loan from the bank. 4.44 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy and 8.89 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from the bank for irrigation facility. Similarly for improved crop production, 4.44 per cent of the households were dependent on government subsidy.  The results indicated that, cotton, onion and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Bajra, banana, groundnut, maize and red gram were sold to an extent 13.04 per cent, 90 per cent, 68.75 per cent, 99.77 per cent and 88.89 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, 2.33 percent of the households have sold their produce to agents/ traders, 16.28 per cent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant, 74.42 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets and 2.33 percent of the households sold their produce in cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that 18.60 per cent of the households have used cart as a mode of transport, 72.09 per cent of them have used tractor and 2.33 per cent have used bus as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 34.88 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 46.15 percent of marginal farmers, 33.33 per cent of small farmers and 45.45 per cent of semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 65.12 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing including 92.31 per cent of marginal farmers, 58.33 per cent of the small farmers and 81.82 semi medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 90.70 per cent and 11.63 per cent of them were using bore well for drinking water. 7  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 46.51 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, semi medium and medium farmers, 7.69 per cent of marginal and 8.33 per cent of small farmers had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 93.02 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card and 6.98 per cent of the sampled households does not possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 60.47 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 50 per cent of the landless, 69.23 percent of the marginal, 50 per cent of the small, 63.64 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 100 per cent, 53.49 per cent, 51.16 per cent, 39.53 per cent, 58.14 per cent, 51.16 per cent, 48.84 per cent and 9.30 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed; vegetables, fruits, milk, egg and meat were inadequate for 46.51 per cent, 48.84 per cent, 60.47 per cent, 27.91 per cent, 23.26 per cent, 27.91 per cent and 6.98 per cent of the households respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil problem was experienced by 72.09 per cent of the households, and wild animal menace on farm field was experienced by 62.79 per cent of the households, frequent incidence of pest and diseases was experienced by 27.91 per cent of the farmers, inadequacy of irrigation water was experienced by 13.95 per cent of the households, high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals was experienced 44.19 per cent and high rate of interest on credit was experienced by 13.95 per cent of the farmers, low price for the agricultural commodities was experienced by 18.60 per cent of the farmers, lack of marketing facilities in the area was experienced 16.28 per cent of the households, inadequate of extension services experienced by 11.63 per cent of the households, lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market was experienced by 34.88 per cent of the households, less rainfall was experienced by 51.16 per cent and of the farmers and Source of Agri-technology information(Newspaper/TV/Mobile) 11.63 per cent of the households