Sustainability of farm and farmers through integrated farming system approach

Abstract

An experiment of integrated farming system (IFS) model comprising of 1.0 ha area was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 201011 to 201617 at the Centre for Research on Integrated Farming Systems, Sardarkrushinagar, Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar of Gujarat for validation of an IFS model. The system is 4 cropping system on 0.70 ha of 1.00 ha farm, viz. castor (Ricinus communis L.) + greengram (Vigna radiate (L.) R. Wilczek] (0.32 ha); groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-multicut fodder pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] (0.08 ha); greengram Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj.]pearlmillet (0.24 ha); and hybrid napier [Pennisetum purpureum (Schumach)] + fodder cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) + fodder chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) (0.06 ha), to ensure annual calorie and nutritional requirement of the family. Both income and health were made more sustainable by growing fruits and vegetable in 2 tiers on 0.25 ha. The soil health was taken care of by including pulses in crop- ping system, making microbes-enriched vermin-compost from the waste and dung of the 2 buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) reared on 0.04 ha. Farm wastes were recycled within the system which obliterated the need to purchase off-farm inputs. The internal bunds were used for growing fodder while on boundaries quick-growing timber tree like Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. were planted to brace up income. The model had a provision of farm pond (0.01 ha) for water harvesting and well recharging on low-lying depression of the farm. The system has been functional for the last 7 years and the cursory analysis of the investment indicated that system is good enough to provide daily average income of 617/day with engagement of 0.93 unit of labour/day.