LAND RESOURCE INVENTORY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF FARM HOUSEHOLDS FOR WATERSHED PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BELUR-4 (4D4A2R2c) MICRO WATERSHED Koppal Taluk and District, Karnataka ; Not Available

Abstract

Not Available ; The land resource inventory of Belur-4 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 586 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 89 per cent is covered by soil and 11 per cent by habitation and water body. The salient findings from the land resource inventory are summarized briefly below  The soils belong to 11 soil series and 17 soil phases (management units) and 5 land management units.  The length of crop growing period is 150 cm) soils.  About 12 per cent loamy (sandy clay loam) and 77per cent has clayey (sandy clay and clay) soils at the surface.  About 71per cent of the area has non-gravelly (200 mm/m) in available water capacity.  An area of about 5 per cent is nearly level (0-1%) and 84 per cent is very gently sloping (1-3%) lands.  An area of about 5 per cent is slightly eroded (e1) and 84 per cent is moderately eroded (e2) lands.  An area of about 1% is moderately acid (pH 5.5-6.0), 3% is slightly acid (pH 6.0-6.5), 6% is neutral (pH 6.5-7.3), 4% is slightly alkaline (pH 7.3-7.8), 7% is moderately alkaline (pH 7.8-8.4), 20% is strongly alkaline (pH 8.4-9.0) and 49% is very strongly alkaline (pH >9.0) in reaction.  The Electrical Conductivity (EC) of the soils are dominantly 0.75%) in 9 per cent area of the soils.  Available phosphorus is low (57 kg/ha) in 36 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available potassium is medium (145-337 kg/ha) in 39 per cent and high (>337 kg/ha) in 51 per cent area of the soils.  Available sulphur is low (4.5 ppm) in 15 per cent area of the microwatershed.  Available zinc is deficient (0.6 ppm) in 7 per cent 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 181(31) 236(40) Sapota 4(1) 23(4) Maize 4(1) 402(68) Pomegranate 4(1) 436(74) Bajra 4(1) 391(66) Musambi 70(12) 370(63) Groundnut - 75(13) Lime 70(12) 370(63) Sunflower 70(12) 347(59) Amla 4(1) 484(82) Redgram 4(1) 254(43) Cashew - 27(5) Bengal gram 177(30) 240(41) Jackfruit 4(1) 23(4) Cotton 181(31) 236(40) Jamun 4(1) 166(29) Chilli 4(1) 28(5) Custard apple 181(31) 307(52) Tomato 4(1) - Tamarind 4(1) 190(32) Brinjal - 464(79) Mulberry 4(1) 380(65) Onion - 52(9) Marigold 4(1) 413(70) Bhendi - 465(79) Chrysanthemum 4(1) 413(70) Drumstick 4(1) 461(78) Jasmine 4(1) - Mango 4(1) 10(2) Crossandra 4(1) 206(35) Guava - 27(5)  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 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  Results indicated that 35 farmers were sampled in Belur-4 micro watershed among them 14 (40%) were marginal farmers, 11 (31.43%) were small farmers, 3 (8.57%) were semi medium farmers, 2 (5.71%) were medium farmers and 5 (14.29%) landless farmers were also interviewed for the survey.  The data indicated that there was a population of 158 in the studied micro watershed. Among them 91 (57.59%) were men and 67 (42.41%) were women. The average family size of landless farmers was 4.4, marginal and medium farmers were 4.5, small farmer was 4.54, semi medium farmer was 4.3 and medium farmer was 5.  The data indicated that 26 (16.46%) people were in 0-15 years of age, 68 (43.04%) were in 16-35 years of age, 49 (31.01%) were in 36-60 years of age and 15 (9.49%) were above 61 years of age.  The results indicated that the Belur-4 had 27.85 per cent illiterates, 27.85 per cent of them had primary school education, 4.43 per cent of them had middle school, 22.15 per cent of them had high school education, 9.49 per cent of them had PUC education, 0.63 per cent them had Diploma education and 5.70 per cent of them had degree education.  The results indicated that, 65.71 per cent of household heads were practicing agriculture, 20 per cent of the household heads were agricultural labour and 14.29 per cent of the household heads were general labour.  The results indicated that agriculture was the major occupation for 45.57 per cent of the household members, 17.09 per cent were agricultural labourers, 10.13 per cent were general labours, 1.27 percent were in private sector and 25.95 per cent of them were students. In case of landless households 4.55 per cent were agriculturists, 72.73 per cent were general labourers and 22.73 per cent were students. In case of marginal farmers 42.86 per cent were agriculturist, 28.57 per cent were agricultural labourers, 1.59 percent was in private service and 26.98 per cent were students. In case of small farmers 70 per cent of them were agriculturist, 4 per cent were agricultural labourers and 26 per cent of them were students. In case of semi medium farmers 61.54 per cent of the family members were agriculturists and 38.46 per cent were students. In case of medium farmers 10 per cent of the family members were agriculturists, 70 per cent were agriculture labour, 10 per cent were in private service and 10 per cent of them were students.  The results showed that 0.63 per cent of them participated in cooperative bank and 99.37 per cent of them have not participated in any local institutions.  The results indicated that 20 per cent of the households possess thatched house, 57.14 per cent of the households possess katcha house and 25.71 per cent of the households possess Pucca house. 2  The results showed that, 91.43 per cent of the households possess TV, 71.43 per cent possess mixer grinder, 65.71 per cent of the households possess bicycle, 45.71 per cent of the households possess motor cycle, 2.86 per cent possess auto and 97.14 per cent of the households possess mobile phones.  The results showed that the average value of television was Rs.9000, mixer grinder was Rs.1824, bicycle was Rs.3173, motor cycle was Rs.30250, auto was Rs.35000 and mobile phone was Rs.2124.  Results showed that, 14.29 per cent of the households possess bullock cart, 25.71 per cent of the households possess plough, 2.86 per cent of the households possess both power tiller, 17.14 per cent of the households possess sprayer, 94.29 per cent of the households possess weeder and 8.57 per cent possess tractor, harvester and chaff cutter.  The results showed that the average value of bullock cart was Rs.19600; the average value of plough was Rs. 1229, the average value of power tiller was Rs. 25000, the average value of tractor was Rs. 366666, the average value of sprayer was Rs. 3166, the average value of weeder was Rs. 136, the average value of harvester was Rs. 16400 and the average value of chaff cutter was Rs.2666.  The results indicated that, 11.43 per cent of the households possess bullocks and 8.57 per cent of the households possess local cow. Around 14.29 per cent of the marginal farmers and 33.33 per cent of the semi medium farmers possess bullock, 27.27 per cent of small farmers and 33.33 per cent of semi medium farmers possess local cow. Medium farmers and landless farmers did not possess any livestock.  The results indicated that, average own labour men available in the micro watershed was 1.60, average own labour (women) available was 1.27, average hired labour (men) available was 12.90 and average hired labour (women) available was 9.37.  In case of marginal farmers, average own labour men available was 1.57, average own labour (women) was also 1.29, average hired labour (men) was 10.36 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.71. In case of small farmers, average own labour men available was 1.64, average own labour (women) was 1.27, average hired labour (men) was 15.45 and average hired labour (women) available was 11.82. In case of semi medium farmers, average own labour men available was 1.33, average own labour (women) was 1, average hired labour (men) was 18.33 and average hired labour (women) available was 15. In medium farmers average own labour men available was 2, average own labour (women) was 1.5, average hired labour (men) was 8.50 and average hired labour (women) available was 6.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the household opined that hired labour was adequate.  The results indicated that, households of the Belur-4 micro watershed possess 23.16 ha (66.76%) of dry land and 11.53 ha (33.24%) of irrigated land. Marginal farmers possess 9.87 ha (100%) of dry land. Small farmers possess 13.28 ha (88.77%) of dry 3 land and 1.68 ha (11.23%) of irrigated land. Semi medium farmers possess 3.78 ha (100%) of irrigated land. Medium farmers possess 6.07 ha (100%) of irrigated land.  The results indicated that, the average value of dry land was Rs. 353,967.14 and average value of irrigated land was Rs. 407,476.31. In case of marginal famers, the average land value was Rs. 536,516.39 for dry land. In case of small famers, the average land value was Rs. 218,251.07 for dry land and Rs. 714,216.85 for irrigated land. In case of semi medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 423,126.34 for irrigated land. In case of medium famers, the average land value was Rs. 312,866.67 for irrigated land.  The results indicated that, there were 7 functioning bore wells in the micro watershed.  The results indicated that, bore well was the major irrigation source for 20 per cent of the farmers.  The results indicated that on an average the depth of the bore well was 19.59 meters.  The results indicated that, in case of small farmers there was 1.68 ha of irrigated land, semi medium farmers were having 3.64 ha of irrigated land and medium farmers were having 6.07 ha of irrigated land. On an average there was 11.40 ha irrigated land.  The results indicated that, farmers have grown maize (12.66 ha), onion (3.77 ha), cotton (3.77 ha), sunflower (3.64 ha), groundnut (1.21 ha), red gram (0.89 ha), bajra (0.81 ha) and navane (0.40 ha) in kharif season. Marginal farmers have grown maize, onion, sorghum, cotton, sunflower, groundnut, red gram, bajra and navane. Small farmers have grown maize, onion, sorghum and sunflower. Semi medium farmers have grown onion and cotton. Medium farmers have grown maize and cotton.  The results indicated that, the cropping intensity in Belur-4 micro watershed was found to be 95.02 per cent. In case of marginal farmers it was 100 per cent, in small farmers it was 99.32, in semi medium farmers it was 100 and in medium farmers it was 73.33 per cent.  The results indicated that, 82.86 per cent of the households have bank account and 57.14 per cent possess savings. Among marginal farmers 100 percent of them possess bank account and 71.43 per cent possess savings. 90.91 per cent of small farmers possess bank account and 72.73 per cent of them possess savings. In case of semi medium farmers 100 percent of them possess bank account and 66.67 per cent possess savings. Medium category of farmers possesses 100 per cent of bank account.  The results indicated that, 78.57 per cent of marginal, 90.91 per cent of small, 66.67 per cent of the semi medium and 50 per cent of medium farmers have borrowed credit from different sources. 4  The results indicated that, 41.67 per cent have availed loan from Grameena bank and commercial bank respectively. 4.51 per cent have availed loan from money lender and 12.50 per cent availed loan from SHGs/CBOs.  The results indicated that, marginal, small, semi medium and medium have availed Rs. 95,272.73, Rs. 90,500, Rs. 115,000 and Rs. 45,000 respectively. Overall average credit amount availed by households in the micro watershed is 92,833.33.  The results indicated that, 95 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production and 5 per cent for animal husbandry.  The results indicated that, 75 per cent of the households have borrowed loan for agriculture production.  Results indicated that 10 percent of the households have paid their institutional credit partially, 85 per cent of the household unpaid their loan and 5 per cent of the households fully paid their loan.  Results indicated that 75 percent of the households have paid their private credit partially and 25 per cent of the household unpaid their loan.  The results indicated that 45 per cent of the households were opined that they were helped to perform timely agricultural operations, 50 per cent of them opined that higher rate of interest and 5 per cent of the households opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirement.  The results indicated that 5 per cent of the households opined that loan amount was adequate to fulfill the requirement and 50 per cent of them opined that higher rate of interest.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for redgram was Rs. 25715.70. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55575.00. The net income from redgram cultivation was Rs. 29859.30, thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.16.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for maize was Rs. 22941.28. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 23763.09. The net income from maize cultivation was Rs. 821.81. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.04.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sorghum was Rs. 19778.23. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 31619.74. The net income from sorghum cultivation was Rs. 11841.51. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.6.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for groundnut was Rs. 50306.19. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 55219.94. The net income from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 4913.75. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.1.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for navane was Rs. 54111.61. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 30875.00. The net income from 5 navane cultivation was Rs. -23236.61. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:0.57.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for cotton was Rs. 37865.94. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 80897.65. The net income from cotton cultivation was Rs. 43031.71. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.14.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for onion was Rs. 39372.89. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 105261.80. The net income from onion cultivation was Rs. 65888.91. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.67.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for sunflower was Rs. 29680.71. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 47277.63. The net income from sunflower cultivation was Rs. 17596.92. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:1.59.  The results indicated that, the total cost of cultivation for Bajra and Red gram was Rs. 26449.29. The gross income realized by the farmers was Rs. 57427.50 The net income from Bajra and Red gram cultivation was Rs. 30978.21. Thus the benefit cost ratio was found to be 1:2.17.  The results indicated that, 17.14 per cent of the households opined that dry fodder was adequate and green fodder was adequate respectively.  The results indicated that, in land less farmers, the average income from wage was Rs.270800. In case of marginal farmers the average income from wage was Rs.33071.43, agriculture was Rs. 38,221.43 and dairy farm was Rs. 214.29. In case of small farmers the average income from service/salary was Rs. 18,727.27, wage was Rs. 36,181.82 and agriculture was Rs. 56,122.73. In semi medium farmers the average income from wage was Rs.10000, agriculture was Rs. 135,733.33 and dairy farm was Rs. 6,750. In medium farmers the average annual income from wage was Rs. 25,000 and agriculture was Rs. 560,000.  The results indicated that, in case of land less the average annual expenditure from wage was Rs.65000, In marginal farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.24107.14, agriculture was Rs.23714.29 and dairy farm was Rs.500. In small farmers the average expenditure from service/salary was Rs.80000, wage was Rs.28900 and agriculture was Rs.33727.27. In semi medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.24000, agriculture was Rs.69666.67 and dairy farm was Rs.10000. In case of medium farmers the average expenditure from wage was Rs.10000 and agriculture was Rs.85000.  The results indicated that, households have planted 4 teak trees, 71 neem trees, 10 tarmind trees, 1 acacia tree and 1 Banyan trees in their field and also planted 404 neem trees in their back yard. 6  The results indicate that, households have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 1485.71 for land development, Rs.400 for irrigation facility, Rs.1000 for improved crop production and Rs.200 for improved livestock management. Marginal farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs. 2285.71 for land development, Rs.571.43 for irrigation facility, Rs. 1500 in improved crop production and Rs.285.71 for improved live stock management. Small farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs.727.27 for land development, Rs.545.45 for improved crop production and Rs.272.73 for livestock management. Medium farmers have an average additional investment capacity of Rs.6000 for land development, Rs.3000 for irrigation facility and Rs.4000 for improved crop production.  The results indicated that for 17.14 per cent of the households were dependent on loan from the bank for land development respectively. For irrigation facility 5.71 per cent of household were dependent on loan from the bank. 17.14 per cent of the household were depending on loan from bank for improved crop production. 8.57 per cent of the household were dependent on loan from bank for improved livestock management.  The results indicated that, bajra, cotton, groundnut, maize, navane, onion, red gram, sorghum and sunflower crops were sold to the extent of 100 per cent.  The results indicated that, 80 percent of the households have sold their produce to regulated market and 8.57 per cent of the household sold their produce to cooperative marketing society.  The results indicated that, 5.71 per cent of households used cart as mode of transport, 71.43 per cent of households used tractor as mode of transport and 11.43 per cent used truck for transportation of their produce.  The results indicated that, 85.71 per cent of the households have shown interest in soil testing.  The results indicated that, 11.43 per cent of the households have experienced the soil and water erosion problems i.e. 21.43 percent of marginal and 50 percent of medium farmers.  The results indicated that, 97.14 percent of the household used fire wood as a source of fuel and 2.86 per cent of the household used LPG as source of fuel.  The results indicated that, piped supply was the major source of drinking water for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, electricity was the major source of light for 100 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, 40 per cent of the households possess sanitary toilet i.e. 40 per cent of the landless, 35.71per cent of marginal, 27.27 per cent of small, 66.67 per cent of semi medium and 100 per cent of medium farmers had sanitary toilet facility. 7  The results indicated that, 100 per cent of the sampled household's possessed BPL card.  The results indicated that, 37.14 per cent of the households participated in NREGA programme which included 100 per cent of the landless, 7.14per cent of the marginal farmers, 27.27 per cent of the small farmers, 100 per cent of the semi medium farmers and 50 percent of the medium farmers.  The results indicated that, cereals and milk were adequate for 100 per cent of the household respectively. Pulses and egg were adequate for 97.14 per cent of the household respectively. Oilseed and vegetables were adequate for 2.86 per cent of the household respectively. Fruits and meat were adequate for 8.57 per cent and 62.86 per cent of the households.  The results indicated that, pulses, oilseed, vegetables, fruits, egg and meat were inadequate for 2.86 per cent, 97.14 per cent, 94.29 per cent, 91.43 per cent, 2.86 per cent and 37.14 per cent of the household respectively.  The results indicated that, Lower fertility status of the soil was the constraint experienced by 80 per cent of the households, wild animal menace on farm field (74.29%), frequent incidence of pest and diseases (68.57%), inadequacy of irrigation water (68.57%), high cost of Fertilizers and plant protection chemicals (65.71%), high rate of interest on credit (65.71%), low price for the agricultural commodities (71.43%), lack of marketing facilities in the area (62.86%), inadequate extension services (82.86 %), lack of transport for safe transport of the agricultural produce to the market (85.71%). ; Watershed Development Department, Government of Karnataka (World Bank Funded) Sujala –III Project