LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT VIRAPURA-1 (4D4A1Q1d) MICROWATERSHED Koppal Hobli, Koppal Taluk & District, Karnataka ; Not Available

Abstract

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Virapura-1 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 826 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 54 per cent is covered by soils and 46 per cent is by habitation and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 9 soil series and 15 soil phases (management units) and 6 Land Management Units.  The length of crop growing period is 150 cm).  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed has clayey soils at the surface.  An area of about 42 per cent area has non-gravelly (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 337 kg/ha) in available potassium.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is low (1.0 ppm) in available boron content.  An area of about 12 per cent is sufficient (>4.5 ppm) and 42 per cent is deficient (1.0 ppm) in available manganese content.  Entire cultivated area of the microwatershed is sufficient (>0.2 ppm) in available copper content.  An area of about 50 per cent is deficient (0.6 ppm) in available zinc content.  The land suitability for 31 major crops grown in the microwatershed was assessed and the areas that are highly suitable (S1) and moderately suitable (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 265(32) 46(6) Sapota 77(9) - Maize 77(9) 234(28) Pomegranate 77(9) 188(23) Bajra 77(9) 129(16) Guava 38(5) 39(5) Groundnut - 85(10) Jackfruit 77(9) - Sunflower 182(22) 83(10) Jamun 39(5) 142(17) Cotton 226(27) 84(10) Musambi 182(22) 83(10) Red gram 77(9) 188(23) Lime 182(22) 83(10) Bengalgram 188(23) 115(14) Cashew 38(5) 56(7) Chilli 77(9) 8(1) Custard apple 265(32) 63(8) Tomato 77(9) 8(1) Amla 77(9) 251(30) Brinjal 38(5) 289(35) Tamarind 39(5) 142(17) Onion 38(5) 63(8) Marigold 77(9) 234(28) Bhendi 38(5) 288(35) Chrysanthemum 77(9) 234(28) Drumstick 77(9) 188(23) Jasmine 77(9) 46(6) Mulberry 77(9) 100(12) Crossandra 77(9) 113(14) Mango 39(5) 38(5)  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 for these problematic soils like saline/alkali, highly eroded, sandy soils etc.,  Soil and water conservation 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 Virapura-1 microwatershed indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Virapura-1 micro-watershed among them 5 (14.29 %) were landless, 12 (34.29 %) were marginal farmers, 8 (22.86 %) were small farmers, 7 (20 %) were semi medium farmers and 3 (8.57 %) were medium farmers.  The data indicated that there were 81 (54 %) men and 69 (46 %) women among the sampled households. The average family size of landless farmers' was 3.8, marginal farmers' was 4.41, small farmers' was 4, semi medium farmers' was 5 and medium farmers' was 4.28.  The data indicated that, 30 (20 %) people were in 0-15 years of age, 61 (40.67 %) were in 16-35 years of age, 44 (29.33 %) were in 36-60 years of age and 15 (10 %) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that Virapura-1 had 23.33 per cent illiterates, 31.33 per cent of them had primary school education, 8 per cent of them had middle school education, 12.67 per cent of them had high school education, 10.67 per cent of them had PUC, 2 per cent of them had Diploma and 4.67 per cent of them did Degree education.  The results indicate that, 80 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 8.57 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 2.86 per cent each of the household heads were General Labour, Private Service, Trade & Business and Students.  The results indicate that agriculture was the major occupation for 55.33 per cent of the household members, 11.33 per cent were agricultural labourers, 2 per cent were General labourers and Private Service, 1.33 per cent were Trade & Business, 16.67 per cent were students, 2.67 per cent were housewives, 0.67 per cent were Dairy farm and 6.67 per cent were children.  The results show that, 100 per cent of the population in the micro watershed has not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicate that 2.86 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 94.29 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 2.86 per cent of the households possess pucca/RCC house.  The results show that 74.29 per cent of the households possess TV and 54.29 per cent of the households possess mixer/grinder, 2.86 per cent of them possess bicycle, 28.57 per cent of them possess motor cycle and 100 per cent of them possess mobile phones.  The results show that the average value of television was Rs.4,692, mixer grinder was Rs. 1,926, bicycle was Rs. 2,000, motor cycle was Rs. 46,500 and mobile phones was 2,003. 2  About 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 20 per cent of them possess plough, 11.43 per cent of them possess seed/fertilizer drill, 2.86 per cent of them possess Transplanter/Grinder and tractor, 11.43 per cent of them possess sprayer and 57.14 per cent of them possess weeder.  The results show that the average value of bullock cart was Rs. 20,000, plough was Rs. 2,028, seed/fertilizer drill was Rs. 2,250, Transplanter/Grinder was Rs. 3,000, sprayer was Rs. 1,200, weeder was Rs. 133 and Tractor was Rs. 100,000.  The results indicate that, 20 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 8.57 per cent of the households possess local cow, 2.86 per cent of the households possess Crossbred cow and buffalo and 5.71 per cent of them possess sheep.  The results indicate that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.43, average own labour (women) available was 1.20, average hired labour (men) available was 18.10 and average hired labour (women) available was 18.10.  The results indicate that 85.71 per cent of the households opined that the hired labour was adequate.  The results indicate that, households of the Virapura-1 micro-watershed possess 55.21 ha (100 %) of dry land. Marginal farmers possess 9.62 ha (100 %) of dry land. Small farmers possess 11.81 ha (100 %) of dry land. Semi medium farmers possess 17.54 ha (100 %) of dry land. Medium farmers possess 16.24 ha (100 %) of dry land.  The results indicate that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 301,303.42. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 685,822.47 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 323,351.61 for dry land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 233,664.05 for dry land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 130,518.44 for dry land.  The results indicate that, farmers have grown Green gram (7.85 ha), maize (30.32 ha), Sunflower (5.48 ha), Chilly (3.24 ha), Groundnut (2.67 ha) and Red gram (1.21 ha). Marginal farmers had grown maize, Green gram, Sunflower and Chilly. Small farmers had grown maize, Green gram, Sunflower and Groundnut. Semi medium farmers had grown maize, Green gram, Sunflower, Groundnut and Red gram. Medium farmers had grown maize, Green gram and chilly.  The results indicate that, the cropping intensity in Virapura-1 micro-watershed was found to be 67.77 per cent.  The results indicate that, 42.86 per cent of the households have bank account and savings.  The results indicate that, 42.86 per cent of the households have availed credit from different sources. 3  The results indicate that, 6.67 per cent each of the households have borrowed from Friends/Relatives and Grameena Bank.  The results indicate that, the average credit amount borrowed by households in micro-watershed was Rs. 2,333.33.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households borrowed from institutional sources for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicate that, 100 per cent of the households borrowed from private credit for the purpose of agricultural production.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from institutional sources.  The results indicated that 100 per cent of the households did not repay their loan borrowed from Private source.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Sunflower was Rs. 30803.75. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 82153.30. The net income from Sunflower cultivation was Rs. 51349.55. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 2.67.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Maize was Rs. 26946.39. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 51642.35. The net income from Maize cultivation was Rs. 24695.96. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.92.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Green gram was Rs. 21962.87. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 95043.81. The net income from Green gram cultivation was Rs. 73080.94. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 4.33.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Red gram was Rs. 15988.72. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 39520. The net income from Red gram cultivation was Rs. 23531.28. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 2.47.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Groundnut was Rs. 37252.13. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 46393.04. The net income from Groundnut cultivation was Rs. 9140.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 1.25.  The results indicate that, the total cost of cultivation for Chilly was Rs. 24559.94. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 49235.33. The net income from Chilly cultivation was Rs. 24675.40. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1: 2.0.  The results indicate that, 28.57 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 5.71 per cent was green fodder was adequate of the households. 4  The results indicate that the annual gross income was Rs. 60,666.67for marginal farmers, it was Rs. 81,750 for small farmers, it was Rs. 99,285.71 for semi medium farmers and for medium farmers it was Rs. 128,666.67.  The results indicate that the average annual expenditure is Rs. 47,830.48. For marginal farmers it was Rs. 13,233.33, for small farmers it was Rs. 12,500, for semi medium farmers it was Rs. 16,933.33 and medium farmers it was Rs. 42,000.  The results indicate that, households have planted 12 neem, 1 tamarind and 1 banyan trees in their field.  The results indicated that, households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 5,000.29 for land development, Rs. 85.71 for Irrigation facility, Rs. 2,285.71 for improved crop production and Rs. 142.86 for Improved livestock management.  The results indicated that loan from bank was the source of additional investment for 54.29 per cent for land development, for 2.86 per cent each for irrigation facility and improved livestock management and for 51.43 per cent for improved crop production. Soft loan was the source of additional investment for 2.86 per cent for land development.  The results indicated that, Sunflower was sold to the extent of 100 per cent and Chilly was sold to the extent of 85.29 percent, Green gram was sold to the extent of 83.92percent, Groundnut was sold to the extent of 64.29 percent, maize was sold to the extent of 99.01percent and Red gram was sold to the extent of 66.67 percent.  The results indicated that, about 100 per cent of the farmers sold their produce to local/village merchants.  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, 85.71 per cent of the households have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the farm.  The results indicated that, 77.14 per cent have shown interest in soil test.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the households used firewood as a source of fuel.  The results indicated that, Piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 91.43 per cent of the households in micro watershed, Bore Well was the source of drinking water for 2.86 per cent and Lake/ Tank was the source of drinking water for 5.71 per cent of the households in micro watershed .  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, 57.14 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet facility.  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sample households possessed BPL card. 5  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme.  The results indicated that, cereals and pulses were adequate for 100 per cent of the households, oilseeds were adequate for 85.71 per cent, vegetables were adequate for 65.71 per cent, fruits were adequate for 2.86 per cent, milk were adequate for 97.14 per cent and egg were adequate for 22.86 per cent and meat were adequate for 2.86 per cent.  The results indicated that, oilseeds were inadequate for 14.29 per cent, Vegetables were inadequate for 31.43 per cent, fruits were inadequate for 97.14 per cent, milk were inadequate for 2.86 per cent, egg were inadequate were 80 per cent and meat were inadequate were 91.43 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, lower fertility status of the soil by 85.7176 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field was the constraint experienced by 85.71 per cent of the households, frequent incidence of pest and diseases and low price for the agricultural commodities (80 %), inadequacy of irrigation water (14.29 %), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals and lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (71.43 %), high rate of interest on credit (74.29 %), lack of marketing facilities in the area (77.14 %). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project