LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BELANALU (4D3A9C1a) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka ; Not Available

Abstract

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Belanalu 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 547 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 85 per cent is covered by soil, 3 per cent by rockout crops and 12 per cent by habitation, water bodies and settlements. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below.  The soils belong to 8 soil series and 17 soil phases (management units) and 5 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is 200mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 1 per cent has nearly level (0-1%) and 83 per cent has very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 2 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 82 per cent is moderately eroded (e2).  An area of about 3 per cent is slightly acid (pH 6.0 to 6.5), 41 per cent is neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.3), 26 per cent is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 7.8), 13 per cent is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8 to 8.4), 2 per cent strongly alkaline (pH 8.4 to 9.0) and 9.0).  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are 0.75 %) in 82 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available phosphorus is medium (23-56 kg/ha) in 81 per cent and high (>57 kg/ha) 4 per cent area of the soils.  Available potassium is low (337 kg/ha) in 30 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (20 ppm) in 13 per cent area of the soils.  Available boron is low (4.5 ppm) in 66 per cent of the area.  Available zinc is deficient (0.6 ppm) in 84 per cent 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 45(8) 5(<1) Sapota 35(6) 257(47) Maize 35(6) 16(3) Pomegranate 35(6) 268(49) Bajra 35(6) 338(62) Guava - 292(53) Redgram 35(6) 11(2) Jackfruit 35(6) 257(47) Bengal gram 11(2) 105(19) Jamun 35(6) 268(49) Groundnut - 347(63) Musambi 45(8) 257(47) Sunflower 45 (8) - Lime 45(8) 257(47) Cotton 45(8) 5(<1) Cashew - 337(61) Chilli 35(6) 5(<1) Custard apple 45(8) 387 (71) Tomato 35 (6) 5(<1) Amla 35(6) 398(73) Brinjal - 111(20) Tamarind 35(6) 13 (2) Onion - 100(18) Marigold 35(6) 16(3) Bhendi - 111(20) Chrysanthemum 35(6) 16 (3) Drumstick 35(6) 26(5) Jasmine 35(6) 5(<1) Mulberry 35(6) 328(60) Crossandra 35(6) 5(<1) Mango 35(6) - - - -  Apart from the individual crop suitability, a proposed crop plan has been prepared for the 5 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 plans have 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. FINDINGS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY  The survey was conducted in Belanalu is located at North latitude 150 20' 57.623" and 150 19' 20.322" and East longitude 760 12' 30.222 and 760 10' 31.004" covering an area of about 547.63ha coming under Kidadhala, Koppala and Huvinala villages of Koppal taluk.  Socio-economic analysis of Belanalu micro watersheds of Ginigera sub-watershed, Koppal taluk & District indicated that, out of the total sample of 35 total respondents, 13 (37.14%) were marginal, 11(31.43%) were small, 3 (8.57 %) were semi medium and 2 (5.71 %) were medium farmers. 6 landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The population characteristics of households indicated that, there were 97 (53.89%) men and 83 (46.11 %) were women. The average population of landless was 4.66, marginal farmers were 4.92, small farmers were 5.72, semi medium was 5.66 and medium farmers were 4.  Majority of the respondents (47.78%) were in the age group of 16-35 years.  Education level of the sample households indicated that, there were 30.56 per cent illiterates, 66.12 percent pre university education and 4.44 per cent attained graduation.  About, 51.43 per cent of household heads practicing agriculture and 40.00 per cent of the household heads were engaged as agricultural labourers.  Agriculture was the major occupation for 30.00 per cent of the household members.  In the study area, 22.86 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 34.29 per cent possess pucca house.  The durable assets owned by the households showed that, 77.14 per cent possess TV, 62.86 per cent possess mixer grinder, 97.14 per cent possess mobile phones and 8.57 per cent possess motor cycles.  Farm implements owned by the households indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the households possess Bullock Cart, 11.43 per cent possess plough, 8.57 per cent possess Sprayer and 11.43 per cent possess Weeder.  Regarding livestock possession by the households, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 37.14 per cent possess local cow and 2.86 per cent possess sheep.  The average labour availability in the study area showed that, own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.26, women available in the micro watershed was 1.22, hired labour (men) available was 8.26 and hired labour (women) available was 8.  Further, 68.57 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  Out of the total land holding of the sample respondents 11.44 ha (38.24%) of dry land and 14.55 ha (48.64 %) of irrigated land.  There were 6.00 live bore wells and 3.00 dry bore wells among the sampled households. 2  Bore well was the major source of irrigation for 17.14 per cent of the households.  The major crops grown by sample farmers are Maize, Bajra, Horsegram, Sugarcane and cropping intensity was recorded as 88.96 per cent.  Out of the sample households 20.00 percent possessed bank account.  About 20.00 per cent of the respondents borrowed credit from various sources.  The per hectare cost of cultivation for Maize, Bajra, Horsegram, Sugarcane and 0 was Rs.40150.98 , 44680.94, 6213.94 and 33533.02, with benefit cost ratio of 1:1.80, 1: 0.90, 1: 1.20 and 1: 1.80 , respectively.  Further, 48.57 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 8.57 per cent of the households have opined that the green fodder was adequate.  The average annual gross income of the farmers was Rs. 48471.43 in microwatershed, of which Rs. 25157.14 comes from agriculture.  Sampled households have grown 31 horticulture trees and 56 forestry trees together in the fields and back yards.  Households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 4742.86 for land development and Rs. 2171.43 for irrigation facility.  Source of funds for additional investment is concerned, 2.86 per cent depends on own funds and 62.86 per cent depends on bank loan for land development activities.  Regarding marketing channels, 68.57 per cent of the households have sold agricultural produce to the local/village merchants, while, 2.86 per cent have sold in regulated markets.  Further, 68.57 per cent of the households have used tractor for the transport of agriculture commodity.  Majority of the farmers (62.86%) have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the watershed and 68.57 per cent of the households were interested towards soil testing.  Fire wood was the major source of fuel for domestic use for 91.43 per cent of the households and 22.86 per cent households has LPG connection.  Piped supply was the major source for drinking water for 65.71 per cent of the households.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100.00 per cent of the households.  In the study area, 100.00 per cent of the households possess toilet facility.  Regarding possession of PDS card, 100.00 per cent of the households possessed BPL card.  Households opined that, the requirement of cereals (100.00%), pulses (100.00%) and oilseeds (94.29%) are adequate for consumption.  Farming constraints experienced by households in the micro watersheds were lower fertility status of the soil (74.29%) wild animal menace on farm field (65.71%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (62.86%), inadequacy of irrigation water (2.86%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals 3 (65.71%), high rate of interest on credit (68.57%), low price for the agricultural commodities (60.00%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (51.43%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (54.29%) and Less rainfall (5.71%).FINDINGS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY  The survey was conducted in Belanalu is located at North latitude 150 20' 57.623" and 150 19' 20.322" and East longitude 760 12' 30.222 and 760 10' 31.004" covering an area of about 547.63ha coming under Kidadhala, Koppala and Huvinala villages of Koppal taluk.  Socio-economic analysis of Belanalu micro watersheds of Ginigera sub-watershed, Koppal taluk & District indicated that, out of the total sample of 35 total respondents, 13 (37.14%) were marginal, 11(31.43%) were small, 3 (8.57 %) were semi medium and 2 (5.71 %) were medium farmers. 6 landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The population characteristics of households indicated that, there were 97 (53.89%) men and 83 (46.11 %) were women. The average population of landless was 4.66, marginal farmers were 4.92, small farmers were 5.72, semi medium was 5.66 and medium farmers were 4.  Majority of the respondents (47.78%) were in the age group of 16-35 years.  Education level of the sample households indicated that, there were 30.56 per cent illiterates, 66.12 percent pre university education and 4.44 per cent attained graduation.  About, 51.43 per cent of household heads practicing agriculture and 40.00 per cent of the household heads were engaged as agricultural labourers.  Agriculture was the major occupation for 30.00 per cent of the household members.  In the study area, 22.86 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 34.29 per cent possess pucca house.  The durable assets owned by the households showed that, 77.14 per cent possess TV, 62.86 per cent possess mixer grinder, 97.14 per cent possess mobile phones and 8.57 per cent possess motor cycles.  Farm implements owned by the households indicated that, 5.71 per cent of the households possess Bullock Cart, 11.43 per cent possess plough, 8.57 per cent possess Sprayer and 11.43 per cent possess Weeder.  Regarding livestock possession by the households, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullocks, 37.14 per cent possess local cow and 2.86 per cent possess sheep.  The average labour availability in the study area showed that, own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.26, women available in the micro watershed was 1.22, hired labour (men) available was 8.26 and hired labour (women) available was 8.  Further, 68.57 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  Out of the total land holding of the sample respondents 11.44 ha (38.24%) of dry land and 14.55 ha (48.64 %) of irrigated land.  There were 6.00 live bore wells and 3.00 dry bore wells among the sampled households. 2  Bore well was the major source of irrigation for 17.14 per cent of the households.  The major crops grown by sample farmers are Maize, Bajra, Horsegram, Sugarcane and cropping intensity was recorded as 88.96 per cent.  Out of the sample households 20.00 percent possessed bank account.  About 20.00 per cent of the respondents borrowed credit from various sources.  The per hectare cost of cultivation for Maize, Bajra, Horsegram, Sugarcane and 0 was Rs.40150.98 , 44680.94, 6213.94 and 33533.02, with benefit cost ratio of 1:1.80, 1: 0.90, 1: 1.20 and 1: 1.80 , respectively.  Further, 48.57 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and 8.57 per cent of the households have opined that the green fodder was adequate.  The average annual gross income of the farmers was Rs. 48471.43 in microwatershed, of which Rs. 25157.14 comes from agriculture.  Sampled households have grown 31 horticulture trees and 56 forestry trees together in the fields and back yards.  Households have an average investment capacity of Rs. 4742.86 for land development and Rs. 2171.43 for irrigation facility.  Source of funds for additional investment is concerned, 2.86 per cent depends on own funds and 62.86 per cent depends on bank loan for land development activities.  Regarding marketing channels, 68.57 per cent of the households have sold agricultural produce to the local/village merchants, while, 2.86 per cent have sold in regulated markets.  Further, 68.57 per cent of the households have used tractor for the transport of agriculture commodity.  Majority of the farmers (62.86%) have experienced soil and water erosion problems in the watershed and 68.57 per cent of the households were interested towards soil testing.  Fire wood was the major source of fuel for domestic use for 91.43 per cent of the households and 22.86 per cent households has LPG connection.  Piped supply was the major source for drinking water for 65.71 per cent of the households.  Electricity was the major source of light for 100.00 per cent of the households.  In the study area, 100.00 per cent of the households possess toilet facility.  Regarding possession of PDS card, 100.00 per cent of the households possessed BPL card.  Households opined that, the requirement of cereals (100.00%), pulses (100.00%) and oilseeds (94.29%) are adequate for consumption.  Farming constraints experienced by households in the micro watersheds were lower fertility status of the soil (74.29%) wild animal menace on farm field (65.71%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (62.86%), inadequacy of irrigation water (2.86%), high cost of fertilizers and plant protection chemicals 3 (65.71%), high rate of interest on credit (68.57%), low price for the agricultural commodities (60.00%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (51.43%), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (54.29%) and Less rainfall (5.71%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project