LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BISRAHALLI-2 (4D4A1W2c) MICRO WATERSHED Alavandi Hobli, Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka

Abstract

The land resource inventory of Bisarahalli-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 531 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 99 per cent is covered by soil and 1 per cent by water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 21 soil series and 30 soil phases (management units) and 7 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is 150cm) soils.  About 35 per cent loamy (sandy loam and sandy clay loam) and 64 per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 71 per cent of the area has non-gravelly (200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 1 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) lands and 98 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 19 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 80 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 3 per cent is slightly acidic (pH 6.0-6.5), 18 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 32 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 24 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 22 per cent is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 9.00) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are non saline (0.75%) in 89 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-57 kg/ha) in entire area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 48 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 51 per cent of the soils.  Available sulphur is medium (10-20 ppm) in 1per cent and high (>20 ppm) in 98 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (<0.5 ppm) in 94 per cent and medium (0.5-1.0) in 5 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available iron is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) in the entire area.  Available zinc is deficient (<0.6 ppm) in the entire area of the microwatershed.  Available manganese and copper are sufficient in the entire area.  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 62(12) 275(52) Sapota 27(5) 93(18) Maize 27(5) 310(59) Pomegranate 27(5) 196(37) Bajra 66(12) 332(63) Musambi 32(6) 191(35) Groundnut 5(1) 358(67) Lime 32(6) 191(35) Sunflower 32(6) 159(30) Amla 66(13) 439(82) Redgram 27(5) 100(19) Cashew - 97(18) Bengal gram 16(3) 321(60) Jackfruit 27(5) 93(18) Cotton 43(8) 293(55) Jamun 27(5) 99(19) Chilli 61(11) 155(30) Custard apple 82(16) 422(79) Tomato 61(11) 155(30) Tamarind 27(5) 28(5) Brinjal 40(7) 339(65) Mulberry 27(5) 315(59) Onion 5(1) 254(48) Marigold 27(5) 310(58) Bhendi 5(1) 375(71) Chrysanthemum 27(5) 310(58) Drumstick 27(5) 271(50) Jasmine 27(5) 207(39) Mango 27(5) - Crossandra 27(5) 253(49) Guava - 119(22) 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  The results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Bisrahalli-2 micro watershed among them 6 (17.14%) were marginal farmers, 12 (34.29 %) were small farmers, 8 (22.86 %) were semi medium farmers, 7 (20%) were medium farmers and 2(5.71%) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there were 190 population households were there in the studied micro watershed. Among them 97 (51.05%) men and 93 (48.95 %) were women. The average family size of landless was 5, marginal farmer was 4, small farmer was 5, semi medium farmer was 7 and medium farmer was 6. On an average the family size was 5.  The data indicated that 39 (20.53%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 87 (45.79 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 47 (24.74 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 17 (8.95 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Bisrahalli-2 had 28.95 per cent illiterates, 24.74 per cent of them had primary school education, 5.26 per cent of them had middle school, 15.79 per cent them had high school education, 7.37 per cent of them had PUC education, 2.63 per cent of them had ITI education, 3.68 per cent of them had degree education, 1.05 per cent of them had masters education and 10.53 per cent them had others.  The results indicated that, 82.86 per cent of households practicing agriculture, 5.71 per cent of the household heads were housewives and 2.86 per cent of the household heads were in government service and in trade & business respectively.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 30 per cent of the household members, 35.26 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2.63 per cent government service and private sector, 0.53 per cent of them were trade and business, 17.37 per cent of them were students, 7.89 per cent of them were children and 2.11 per cent were housewives. In case of landless households 20 per cent were doing agriculture, 40 per cent of them were agricultural labour and 30 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 34.62 per cent were agriculturist, 46.15 percent was in agricultural labour and 15.38 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 33.33 per cent of them were agriculturist, 31.58 percent were in agricultural labour and 19.30 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 30.19 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 32.08 per cent of them were agricultural labour and 13.21 per cent of them were students. In case of medium farmers 25 per cent of the family members were agriculturist, 36.36 per cent of them were in agricultural labour and 18.18 per cent of them were students.  The results showed that 1.05 per cent of them participated in Sthree Shakthi Sangha, 0.53 per cent of them participated in Raitha Sangha and 98.42 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions. Landless and medium farmers were found to 2 have no participation in any local institutions. Marginal, small and semi medium farmers were found to participate in one or the other local institutions.  The results indicated that 65.71 per cent of the households possess Katcha house, 22.86 per cent of the households possess Pucca house and 14.29 per cent of the households possess Semi Pacca house. 100 percent of the landless and marginal farmers possess Katcha house.  The results showed that, 2.86 per cent of the households possess radio, 80 per cent of the households possess TV, 14.29 per cent of the households possess DVD/VCD Player, 40 per cent of the households possess Mixer grinder, 68.57 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 34.29 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.86 per cent of the households possess both Auto and tempo, 8.57 per cent of the households possess Car/Four Wheeler and 88.57 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of radio was Rs.1000, television was Rs. 5123, DVD/VCD Player was Rs. 2200, mixer grinder was Rs.2030, bicycle was Rs.2503, motor cycle was Rs.27642, Auto was Rs. 300000, Tempo was Rs.500000, car was Rs.333333 and mobile phone was Rs.1346.  The results indicated that about 17.14 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 22.86 per cent of them possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess power tiller, 14.29 per cent of the households possess tractor, 11.43 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 2.86 per cent of the households possess sprinkler, 28.57 per cent of the households possess weeder and 2.86 per cent of the households possess chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.21166; the average value of plough was Rs. 2812, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 200000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 460000, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 1825, the average value of sprinkler was Rs. 2000, the average value of weeder was Rs. 90 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs. 1600.  The results indicated that, 20 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 22.86 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.86 per cent of the households possess crossbred cow and 8.57 per cent of the households possess sheep.  In case of marginal farmers, 16.67 per cent of the households possess local cow and sheep respectively. In case of small farmers, 8.33 per cent of households possess bullock, 16.67 per cent possess local cow and sheep respectively. In case of semi medium farmers, 50 per cent of the households possess bullock and 37.50 per cent of the households possess local cow and 28.57 medium farmers possess both bullock and local cow respectively and 14.29 per cent of them possess crossbred cow.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 2.09, average own labour (women) available was 1.52, average hired labour (men) available was 4.19 and average hired labour (women) available was 3.28. 3  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.33, average own labour (women) was also 1.67, average hired labour (men) was 3 and average hired labour (women) available was 3.17. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1.42, average hired labour (men) was 4 and average hired labour (women) available was 2.92. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 2.25, average own labour (women) was 1.75, average hired labour (men) was 3.86 and average hired labour (women) available was 3. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2.71 average own labour (women) was 1.29, average hired labour (men) was 5.86 and average hired labour (women) available was 4.29.  The results indicated that, 45.71 per cent of the household opined equally that the hired labour was adequate and hired labour was inadequate respectively.  The results indicated that, 1 person was migrated from micro-watershed that belonged to small farmer category. Total migration in the micro-watershed was only 0.53 per cent.  The results indicated that, people have migrated on an average of 650 Kms and average duration was 12 months. Small farmers have migrated 650 kms and on an average for 12 months.  The results indicated that, job/work was the only reason for migration for all the migrants.  The results indicate that, Construction of house was the major positive consequences of migration for 100 per cent of the persons who migrated from the micro watershed.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the migrated persons opined that there health hazards was the negative consequences of migration.  The results indicated that, households of the Bisrahalli-2 micro watershed possess 48.72 ha (77.13%) of dry land and 14.45 ha (22.87 %) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 3.24 ha (100 %) of dry land. Small farmers possess 14.96 ha (91.35 %) of dry land and 1.42 ha (8.65 %) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 11.04 ha (70.89 %) of dry land and 4.53 ha (29.11 %) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 19.49 ha (69.63%) of dry land and 8.50 ha (30.37%) irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 262,613.17 and average value of irrigated was Rs. 404,747.90. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 540,312.50 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 327,373.55 for dry land Rs. 705,714.29 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 303,428.68 for dry land and Rs. 573,392.85 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 143,634.47 for dry land and Rs. 264,642.86 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 13 functioning bore wells and 11 defunctioning bore wells in the micro watershed. 4  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 37.14 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 27.01 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of small farmers there was 2.63 ha of irrigated land, in case of semi medium farmers there was 4.57 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 8.91 ha of irrigated land. On an average there were 16.11 ha of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown bajra (4.45 ha), Bengal gram (3.64 ha), cotton (1.21 ha), sorghum (5.26 ha), maize (27.02 ha), red gram (0.61 ha) and sunflower (6.88 ha) in kharif season. Farmers also grown bajra (10.99 ha), Bengal gram (3.64 ha) and maize (3.64 ha) in Rabi season. Marginal farmers have grown maize and bajra. Small farmers have grown bajra, cotton, maize, red gram and sunflower. Semi medium farmers have grown bajra, Bengal gram, sorghum, maize and sunflower. Medium farmers have grown Bengal gram, sorghum, maize and sunflower.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Bisrahalli-2 micro watershed was found to be 79.87 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 76.35, in semi medium farmers it was 78.31 and in medium farmers it was 80.88 per cent.  The results indicated that, 11.43 per cent of the households have bank account and 8.57 per cent of the households have savings. Among marginal farmers 33.33 percent of them possess bank account and 16.67 per cent of the households have savings. 8.33 per cent of small farmers possess both bank account and savings correspondingly. Medium farmers possess 14.29 per cent of both bank account and savings respectively.  The results indicated that, 16.67 per cent of marginal, 8.33 per cent of small and 14.29 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources.  The results indicated that, 66.67 per cent have availed loan in commercial bank and 33.33 per cent have availed loan in cooperative bank.  The results indicated that, marginal, small and medium have availed Rs.162000, Rs. 100000 and Rs. 305000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 199000.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the household’s barrowed private credit for household consumption.  Results indicated that 33.33 per cent of the households have repaid their institutional credit partially, 33.33 per cent of them were unpaid their loan and 33.33 per cent of them were fully paid their loan.  Results indicated that 100 per cent of the households have unpaid their private credit. 5  The results indicated that 66.66 per cent of the households were opined that easy accessibility of credit and 33.34 per cent of the households were opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirement.  The results indicated that, 50 per cent of the households were opined that higher rate of interest and 50 per cent of the households were opined that they were forced to sell the produce at low price to repay loan in time.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for bajra was Rs. 40736.58. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 12830.39. The net income from bajra cultivation was Rs. -27906.19, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.31.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 30806.84. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 24111.70. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. -6695.14. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.78.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sorghum was Rs. 17401.03. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 24763.72. The net income from Sorghum cultivation was Rs. 7362.69. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.42.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 59633.56. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46312.50. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. -13321.06. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.78.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Bengal gram was Rs. 33952.88. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 39204.59. The net income from Bengal gram cultivation was Rs. 5251.71. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.15.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 44382.42. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 33152.89. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. -11229.53. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.75.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Red gram was Rs. 42805.27. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 37050.00. The net income from Red gram cultivation was Rs. -5755.27. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.87.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 25.71 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was inadequate. Similarly 40 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was adequate and 8.57 per cent of the households opined that green fodder was inadequate.  The results indicated that, in landless farmers, the average income from wage was Rs. 22500. In marginal farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.4000, business was Rs.8333.33, wage was Rs.5833.33, agriculture was Rs.22916.67 and non farm income was Rs.21166.67. In small farmers the average income from 6 service/salary was Rs.11333.33, business was Rs.7333.33, wage was Rs.2000, agriculture was Rs.49933.33, non farm income was Rs.7750 and dairy farm was Rs.1500. In semi medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.12000, wage was Rs.3750, agriculture was Rs.38750, non farm income was Rs.21875 and dairy farm was Rs.2330. In medium farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs.65714.29, business was Rs.9285.71, agriculture was Rs.169285.71, non farm income was Rs.17571.43 and dairy farm was Rs.5331.43. On an average, the average income from the service/ salary was Rs.20457.14, business was Rs.5800, wage was Rs.3828.57, agriculture was Rs.63762.86, non farm income was Rs.14800 and dairy farm was Rs. 2113.14.  The results indicated that, in landless farmers, the average expenditure from wage was Rs. 30000, in marginal farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.600, business was Rs.27000, wage was Rs.25000, agriculture was Rs.12833.33 and non farm income was Rs.3000. In case of small farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.25000, business was Rs.19500, wage was Rs.1333.33, agriculture was Rs.29000 and dairy farm was Rs.4250. In case of semi medium farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.20000, wage was Rs.1000, agriculture was Rs.23000, non farm income was Rs.2750 and dairy farm was Rs.2333.33.In case of medium farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.50000, business was Rs. 25000, agriculture was Rs.69500, non farm income was Rs.10000 and dairy farm was Rs.7500.  The results indicated that, sampled households have grown 16 coconut trees in their field and also planted 4 coconut and 2 mango trees in their back yard.  The results indicated that, households have planted 39 Neem, 1 tamarind, 1 acacia and 10 banyan trees in their field and also planted 3 neem and 1 peeple trees in their back yard.  The results indicate that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs.1142.26 for land development and Rs.1428.57 in irrigation facility. Marginal households have an average investment capacity of Rs.329.67 for land development. Small farm households have an average investment capacity Rs.166.75 for land development. Medium households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 5142.86 for land development and Rs. 7142.86 for irrigation facility.  The results indicated that for 14.29 per cent of the households were dependent on own funds for land development and 5.71 per cent of the households were depend on loan from bank for irrigation facility.  The results indicated that, Bajra, Bengal gram, cotton, maize and red gram crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent. Sorghum and sunflower were sold to the extent of 80.13 per cent and 72.58 per cent respectively. Average price obtained by bajra was Rs.1288.33/q, Bengal gram was Rs.3690/q, cotton was Rs.3750/q, sorghum was 7 Rs.1500/q, maize was Rs.1160.87/q, Red gram was Rs.4500/q and sunflower was Rs.2120/q.  The results indicated that, 51.43 percent of the households have sold their produce to agent/traders, 17.14 percent of the households have sold their produce to local/village merchant, 62.86 percent of the households sold their produce in regulated markets, 28.53 percent of the households sold their produce in cooperative marketing society and 8.57 percent of the households sold their produce in contract marketing arrangement.  The results indicated that 8.57 per cent of the households have used head load as a mode of transport, 25.71 per cent of them have used cart, 120 per cent have used tractor and 14.29 per cent have used truck as a mode of transport.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 33.33 percent of marginal farmers, 16.67 per cent of small farmers, 12.50 per cent of semi medium farmers and 14.29 percent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 22.86 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing including 66.67 per cent of marginal farmers, 16.67 per cent of small farmers, 12.50 per cent of semi medium farmers and 14.29 per cent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households have adopted field bunding which includes 16.67 per cent of marginal, 8.33 per cent of small farmers and 57.14 per cent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households who adopted field bunding opined that bunds are good.  The results indicated that 14.29 per cent of soil conservation structure is constructed by own and 2.86 per cent is constructed by farmers organization.  The results indicated that, 88.57 percent used fire wood as a source of fuel and 11.43 percent of the households used LPG.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the source of drinking water for 28.57 per cent, 48.57 per cent of them were using bore well, 20 per cent of the households were depend on open well and 2.86 per cents of the households were using canal/nala 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, 60 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 100 per cent of landless, 66.67 per cent of marginal, 75 per cent of small, 62.50 per cent of semi medium and 14.29 per cent of medium had sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 82.86 per cent of the sampled households possessed BPL card, 11.43 per cent of the sampled households have possessed APL card and 5.71 per cent of the sampled households have not possessed BPL card. 8  The results indicated that, 48.57 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 66.67 percent of the marginal, 41.67 per cent of the small, 50 per cent of the semi medium and 28.57 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits , milk, egg and meat were adequate for 100 per cent, 37.14 per cent, 8.57 per cent, 40 per cent, 40 per cent, 45.71 per cent, 34.29 per cent and 5.71 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, milk, egg and meat were inadequate for 60 per cent, 48.57 per cent, 8.57 per cent, 17.14 per cent, 34.29 per cent, 51.43 per cent and 45.71 per cent respectively.  The results indicated that oilseed were market surplus for 40 per cent of the households, vegetables were market surplus for 51.43 per cent, fruits were market surplus for 40 per cent and milk was market surplus for 2.86 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 22.86 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field was experienced by 17.14 per cent of the households, frequent incidence of pest and diseases was experienced by 85.71 per cent of the farmers, inadequacy of irrigation water was experienced by 14.29 per cent of the households, high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals was experienced by 40 per cent of the farmers, high rate of interest on credit was experienced by 14.29 per cent of the farmers, low price for the agricultural commodities was experienced by 22.86 per cent of the farmers, lack of marketing facilities in the area was experienced 91.43 per cent of the households, lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market was experienced by less rainfall was experienced by 97.14 per cent of the farmers and source of Agri technology information was experienced by 74.29 per cent of the farmers