Integrated farming system: A viable way to boast productivity and profitability in drylands of Bundelkhand region

Abstract

Adverse geo-climatic condition, socio- economic factors, uneconomic land holdings, weakness in policy perspectives and low technological interventions kept Bundelkhand’s agriculture backward in terms of productivity and farm income. Within the ways suggested by scientists, experts and policy makers diversification of existing cropping with suitable Integrated Farming System (IFS) will be a viable option to achieve goals of higher production, profit, employment generation, income round the year, sustainability and appropriate residue recycling to fulfill the food, fodder, fiber and fuel needs of farm family. An appropriate combination of farm enterprises (cropping systems, horticulture, livestock, fishery, forestry, poultry) and the means available to the farmer is most important to sustain the system in adverse dryland region. Cropping system, horticulture, pond fishery, cattle, buffalo, goatery, poultry, duck, mushroom, bee keeping, biofencing are the general components of dryland specific farming system along with inclusion of vemicomposting and composting to achieve higher extend of residue recycling and maintaining energy flow. Proper policy support for adoption of IFS at farmers field needs from Government and non-Government organizations through research, demonstrations, financial assistance, input supply, infrastructure development, etc.