Homestead Farming Research Articles

Financial Security of Farmers through Homestead Vegetable Production in Barishal District, Bangladesh

Homestead farming is always ignored though it is a boundless promising area for economic sustainability. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the present status of the homestead vegetable production and also to ascertain the socio-economic condition of the local farmers of the Barishal District. The influence of different types of socio-economic factors on the economic security of the farmers through homestead vegetable production was also investigated through this study. Following proportionate random sampling technique, a total number of 180 farmers were sampled from three villages of Babuganj Upazila of Barishal of Bangladesh and were interviewed through a predesigned questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that half of farmers were more than 50 years old, of whom 89% were educated either primary to more than SSC level and had an average family annual income of USD 1967.9. The family size of the respondents indicated that 80% of the farmers had small to medium (4-6 members) family size. The findings also indicated that, on an average, the farmers had 1.25 acre of total land and 0.17 acre of homestead vegetable land in which they spent about 3 hours of time in a day to perform homestead vegetable production. Out of all the farmers, 30% of them didn’t receive any training on any agriculture related issues and 30% of them didn’t receive any training on homestead vegetable gardening related issues. The farmers of the study area practiced some technologies in homestead vegetable production, like, balanced fertilizer use, and pheromone trap. The farmers produced different types of vegetables in their homestead areas and among them green papaya, brinjal and tomato were the dominant. The results of the study also revealed that the farmers earned about USD 50 per year from homestead vegetable gardening which helped them to upsurge some sorts of financial safety and improve nutritional status of their families. In addition, out of nine attributes, two attributes, namely, family size and vegetable land ownership had significant influence on the financial security through homestead vegetable gardening.

Socio-economic Evaluation of Women Homestead Farmers in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Homestead farming system is a well-established land use systems where different crops, including trees, are grown in combination with livestock. For most people, the main aspects of homestead farming include owning a land and the buildings on it, and doing small-scale farming with the goal of being self-sufficient in food supply and an act of reducing poverty. This study evaluated the socio-economic characteristics of the homestead farmers in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to arrive at the sample size of 120 women homestead farmers in the study area. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. Findings of the study revealed that the homestead farmers had a mean age of 38 years, with majority (74.2%) of them being married and with appreciable farming experience. More than half (57.9%) of the women homestead farmers were into crop gardening as primary occupation; selling of agricultural products as secondary occupation (53.3%) with 6-10 family members in the household (62.5%). The study also revealed a significant relationship between the extent of engagement in homestead farming and the secondary occupation of the homestead farmers (P<0.05). The study therefore, concluded that homestead farming was not influenced by all the socio-economic characteristics of women homestead farmers and hence recommended the provision of adequate women extension workers for training of the farmers.

INTENSITY OF INVASION IN EMERIOSIS OF RABBITS IN DIFFERENT METHODS OF KEEPING

One of the important problems in raising rabbits is eimeriosis, regardless of the method of maintenance. The disease affects animals of all ages, causing weight loss, feed conversion, morbidity and death. The aim. Study of the prevalence and diagnosis of rabbit eimeriosis by different housing technology to improve methods of disease control. Methods. The experiment was conducted during 2017–2019 in farms with different capacities in four regions of Dnipro, Zaporizhia, Kharkiv and Sumy. A total of 20 farms for keeping rabbits of different breeds were surveyed. Results. Studies of rabbit farms on business and private ones found that the most common infestation was with the following species of eimeria: Eimeria perforans, E magna, E. media, E. irresidua, E. piriforms and E. іntestinalis. It is proved that the extensiveness of rabbit infestation when kept in farms in metal cages, under the conditions of sanitary and hygienic regime and timely disinvasion of premises, was in the range of 42–15 % in autumn-winter period, and 19–6 % in spring-summer. According to the survey of homestead farms, rabbits kept in wooden cages on deep litter, the level of invasion in the autumn-winter period was 100–56 % and in the spring-summer – 70–29 %. Conclusions. Keeping rabbits in metal cages in compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards and timely disinvasion reduces the level of extensiveness of the invasion.

Monitoring of Cysticercosis of rabbits in farms of different forms of ownership

The aim of the study was to determine the spread of pathogens of parasitic diseases in the digestive organs of rabbits in farms of various forms of ownership in Odesa Region. One thousand and two hundred rabbits of different age groups in specialized farms (which they use cage keeping of animals in compliance with all zoohygienic requirements and a balanced feeding ration), as well as 582 rabbits in private farms (which the type of feeding was mixed) were examined. Prevalence of parasitic infections of rabbits in specialized farms is 52.3%, in household farms — 85.1%. In specialized farms, prevalence of cysticercosis is 2.6% (with intensity of 3–7 cysticerci), eimeriosis — 14.0%, trichostrongylosis — 13.6%, and passalurosis — 20.6%, two-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis) infection —1.0%, three-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis + passalurosis) infection — 0.5%, total infestation (both mono- and mixed infections) with cysticerci — 4.1%. In homestead farms, prevalence of cysticercosis is 27.7% (with intensity of 21–64 cysticerci), eimeriosis — 15.6%, trichostrongylosis — 3.6%, and passalurosis — 6.7%, two-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis) infection —24.2%, three-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis + passalurosis) infection — 7.2%, total infestation (both mono- and mixed infections) with cysticerci — 59.1%. Cysticercosis is a common infection of rabbits in Odesa Region, which occurs often as part of mixed infections with pathogens eimeriosis and pasalurosis. The total infestation of rabbits with cysticerci in homestead farms was 55.0% higher than in specialized ones. One-component infestations in specialized farms is 97.1% of sick rabbits, and in homestead farms — 63.0%; two-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis) infection — 1.9% and 28.5%, respectively; and three-component (eimeriosis + cysticercosis + passalurosis) infection — 1.0% and 8.5%, respectively

Information Needs of Dairy Farm Women in Nainital District of Uttarakhand

Dairy farming is one of the prominent enterprises, which supports the rural households by providing profitable employment and steady income. Dairy farming is an integral part of homestead farming system. In hill areas dairy farming is totally dependent on women. Many research studies have indicated that women in hill areas are unaware about many aspects. Thus, present research investigation was conducted in Jeoli, Bhaluti, Sariyatal and Kausani villages of Bhimtal block of Nainital district to assess the needs of hill women engaged in dairy farming. The study revealed that majority of respondents belonged to middle age group category and belonged to General caste. They were educated upto primary level. Majority of respondents were involved in dairy farming and farming and have 3-7 nali. All the farmers owned Mobile Phone and television. Majority of respondents have Cow, buffalo and goats. Majority of respondents were unaware about feeding schedule for milch animal, feeding schedule for young heifer, feeding schedule for pregnant animal, time and frequency of feeding, information on mineral mixture, formulation of ration, complete feed block, feeding schedule for young calves, colostrums feeding for new born calf, selection of breed, high yielding breed, pregnancy diagnosis, gestation period, suitable cross breed to their region, selection of adult of Bull or Semen, age of breedable heifer, selection of milch animal, castration of scrub bulls, care and management of new born calf, milking methods, vaccination schedule, knowledge about disease, control of external parasite, deworming practice, disinfection of shed, disposal of dead animal, treatment against contagious disease, precaution against parasitic disease, sterility treatment , Govt programme for Dairy farming etc.

Adoption of Integrated Homestead Farming Technologies by the Rural Women of RDRS

The purpose of the study was to investigate the adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies by the rural women in Rangpur Dinazpur Rural Service (RDRS), problem confrontation during adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies and explore the relationships with selected characteristics of the rural women. Four Upazilas, namely, Lalmonirhat Sadar, Aditmari, Kaligonj and Hatibanda under Lalmonirhat district, were selected for this study. Among the RDRS beneficiaries 250 rural women under RDRS constituted the population for this study Out of these 250 rural women, 100 (i.e. 40% of the total population) rural women were as the sample for the study. The findings revealed that the highest proportion (71%) of rural women had high, 21% medium and 8% had low integrated homestead farming technologies. The findings also showed that the age of rural women had significant negative correlation with their adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. Rest of the selected characteristics of rural women, namely, education, family size, annual income from field crop, annual income from homestead, contact with extension media, cosmopoliteness, innovativeness and aspiration in farming had significant positive relationships with their adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. Problem confronted by rural women under RDRS was measured through a scale containing 12 statements on the problems based on adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies. In respect of problem confrontation, the findings revealed that the highest proportion (51%) of rural women had medium; 24% had high and 25% had low problem confrontation during adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.

Modern personal subsidiary plots of villagers and townspeople: historical dynamics, functions, spatial differences

The article deals with the economic, geographical and sociological analysis of personal subsidiary plots of rural residents and citizens in modern post-reform Russia. The authors consider the specifics of individual household plots of rural residents, analyze the reasons for the rise of such establishments, and then decrease in their number. The features and distribution of homestead farms of urban dwellers, who own countryside homes (dacha), in connection with the processes of urbanization and partial de-urbanization are also investigated. An assessment of the contribution of personal subsidiary plots to the total volume of agricultural products is given. The question of a formal or informal status of personal subsidiary plots, as well as their role in the social and economic life of rural and rural-urban dwellers, is raised. It is proved that an individual subsidiary plot in rural areas performs both a usual function of food production for own consumption (meeting up to 30-40% of the need for vegetables and fruits; at plots with poultry and small cattle — up to 60 – 70% of meat and dairy product needs), and plays a socio-communicative function of maintaining reciprocal family relations, and also solves recreational tasks. It is emphasized that the production, distribution, consumption and sales of products from the personal subsidiary plots are usually carried out within the framework of informal economic relations and that statistics are poorly capable of taking them into account.

Monitoring of separate elements of the management system for the safety of slaughter products of small cattle

The problem of providing the population with food is one of the most important and complex among the problems that society faces today. Food must not only meet the human needs for essential nutrients and energy, but also perform preventive and curative functions. Mutton is one of the foods that meets these requirements. It is distinguished by its high nutritional properties and taste. It can be a potential source of various pathogens and pollutants under certain condition that will pose a risk to the health of the consumer. Monitoring of separate elements of the safety and quality management system of slaughter products of small cattle under the influence of epidemiological (veterinary) factors was the aim of our research. Reporting on veterinary medicine issues in the Tatarbunarsky district of the Odessa region for 2013–2017, which was processed statistically, was the material of our research. It found that the main specific mass of number of small cattle grown in Homstead farms by inhabitants of the area. The district veterinary service carried out a number of diagnostic and treatment-and-prophylactic measures during the trial period. In the Household farms only mandatory activities were carried out, which are founded from the budget account (serological tests for brucellosis and preventive vaccination against Anthrax). Analysis of the volumes and conditions of slaughter of small cattle in the area showed that the number of slaughtered animals invariably decreases from year to year and 100% of slaughter is carried out by the farmer in the conditions of homestead farms. It was also established that in the experimental period, according to results of pre-slaughter clinical examination of animals and post-slaughter examination no cases of illness were identified. Selling of slaughter products of small cattle is carried out through a distributing facilities of agrofood markets of district and region. The analysis found that all carcasses that entered to the markets succumbed to veterinary-sanitary examination in State Laboratories of Veterinary-Sanitary Examination, the results of which in 2015 and 2016 reveald cases of invasive diseases (fasciolosis and echinococcosis). This fact is worrying about the quality of its conducts in the conditions of the household slaughter, accuming that during the post-slaughter veterinary-sanitary examination no cases of illness have been identified. Summarizing the monitoring results we obtained, we concluded that at this stage the safety management system for the products of slaughter of small cattle cannot fully guarantee consumer safety and requires urgent complex measures to increase efficiency.

Overview of Homestead Farming - Coconut in Kerala

Overview of Homestead Farming - Coconut in Kerala

Determination of optimum crop mix for crop cultivation in Kerala homesteads

Homestead farming has been the backbone agricultural economy of Kerala but the productivity of the homesteads in Kerala has yet to reach an acceptable level. In this paper the possibility of increasing the contribution of this sector through proper crop planning is sought. The optimum model was developed by using linear programming (LP) technique. The constraints included in the analysis were total area, intercropped area, investment amount and population of each enterprise. The optimum model reveal the scope of 22.83 per cent enhancement in net return as compared to net return from the existing plan. Sensitivity analysis of the optimum model revealed that further enhancement of net return in The agro-ecological region could be achieved by increasing the cropping intensity in the underutilized intercropped area and changing the binding enterprises.

Bioconversion of Residue Biomass from a Tropical Homestead Agro-Ecosystem to Value Added Vermicompost by Eudrilus Species of Earthworm

Homestead farming systems generate in addition to the economic produce, huge quantities of diverse agro-wastes, which are resources containing significant levels of plant nutrients and organic carbon. This biomass resource is either grossly underutilized or completely unutilized, posing disposal or environmental problems. To utilize these organic wastes effectively, a study was undertaken on bioconversion of residue biomass with different characteristics to value added vermicompost for use in crop production. Physico-chemical characteristics of residue biomass were determined. Vermicomposting experiment was carried out with residue biomass from 14 crops/trees taken individually and cow dung in the ratio of 10:1 using an indigenous epigeic earthworm belonging to Eudrilus species. Quality and maturity parameters of vermicompost obtained were assessed. The bioconversion efficiency and the earthworm multiplication varied significantly among the residue biomass of different crops/trees. The biomass materials from banana, arecanut palm, coconut palm, rubber, teak, and cassava plants as well as weeds were vermicomposted with a conversion efficiency of > 60%. During the vermi-stabilization process, carbon loss was 50% from residues of teak, banana, wild jack fruit tree, coconut palm and cocoa. Bioconversion resulted in an increase in pH, electrical conductivity and major plant nutrients (N, P) while C:N and C:P ratios decreased in all crop residues. Significant relationship between major plant nutrients in crop residues with maturity parameters of vermicompost was demonstrated. Vermi-stabilization holds promise as a biological tool for management of residues of crops/trees in homestead farming system. However, certain residues were not efficiently converted to vermicompost and might require pretreatments or mixing of residues to achieve higher efficiency of bioconversion.

Upscaling of agroforestry homestead gardens for economic and livelihood security in mid–tropical plain zone of India

Agroforestry homestead garden plays a significant role in improving food and nutritional security for the smallholders in developing countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. A study was conducted in two agro-ecological situations of Tripura, with the aid of farm inputs, improved technological support and direct observation during the year 2011–2014. Upscaling of homestead gardens with a number of components such as vegetables, spices, tubers, fruits, mushroom, poultry and goatery products ensured a year-round supply of a wide spectrum of food materials. Besides ensuring household food and nutritional security, this large variety of homestead garden products also contributed to income security when sold in nearby market. It also helps in improving water and organic fertilizer use through the recycling of rainwater and farm wastes from the enterprises involved. Besides facilitating cash income, homestead farming system generated employment for family labour and minimizes the risk associated with conventional cropping system.

Pummelo in Homestead Garden: Conservation through Family Farming

The pummelo (Citrus grandis Merr.), the largest fruit size in citrus species, is an underutilized fruit in India. Pummelo in Bihar is mostly grown as homesteads and this fruit is to be developed as potential table fruit because of thick rind, easy to handle and transport. Genetic diversity is an important factor in any crop improvement programme for obtaining high yielding cultivars. Variation among seedling progenies is a rule in pummelo since it is monoembryonic Citrus spp. This study was conducted through four cell analysis in the five project communities under the UNEP-GEF project at the Pusa Site, Bihar during 2012 with aim for estimation of genetic diversity for physico-chemical traits, selection of superior clones and to draw the interrelationships between observations for precise characterization of pummelo seedling. Superior plants were also identified based on the highest yield i.e. number of fruits/ plant (> 300). Statistical analysis for physico-chemical parameters revealed significant differences among the selected plants for the 12 horticultural traits indicating the higher variability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster dendrogram performed on the basis of studied parameters showed continuous variation in the fruit physico-chemical traits and many groups were formed, indicating existence of large and continuous variation. The first four PCs contributed 68.30% of the variability for fruit quality and PC1 accounted for 30.44% (acidity percentage) followed by fruit length (PC2), fruit width (PC3) etc. The maximum coefficient of variation was found in in case of rind thickness, 100 seed weight and acidity percentage. A large number of variability of pummelo with seedling origin and monoembryonic helps in identification of 4 pummelo clones for pulp colour (2 each for dark red flesh and pink flesh) with excellent eating quality, 9 superior clones were identified for profuse bearing with red fleshed and early. The above variation in the selected pummelo seedlings can be exploited for development of superior varieties, marketing and maintenance of exiting superior clone and above all grower can be ensured livelihood security through homestead farming practices in the community.

Participation Potential of Rural Women in Different Homestead Farm Activities

The main purpose of the study was to determine the extent of participation of rural women in the cultivation of vegetables and fruit trees around the homestead areas. The study was conducted on married women of four selected villages of Raumari upazilla under Kurigram district. Data were collected from randomly selected 103 women by using pre-tested interview schedule during the month of May, 2013. In measuring the participation of rural women in homestead farm activities, cultivation of vegetables and fruit trees were considered as dependent variables. Each aspect consisted of 15 activities under three sub-headings. A three point Likert-type scale was used to measure each activity. The independent variables were measured by employing prevailing standard methods. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used in order to explore the relationships between the concerned variables. About 59 percent of the rural women had high participation in vegetables cultivation while only 10.68 percent of them had low participation in the cultivation of fruit trees. Among 15 statements of different aspects in relation to vegetables cultivation, tilling by spade was ranked first. In case of the cultivation of fruit trees, the highest proportion (46.60 percent) of rural women had medium participation and irrigation after planting was in the first position. Agriculture knowledge, attitude and innovativeness had positive relationship with the cultivation of vegetables. On the other hand, education, family income, cosmopoliteness behaviour and attitude had positive relationship with the cultivation of fruit trees. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/agric.v12i1.19581 The Agriculturists 2014; 12(1) 57-67

English

&nbsp; A three Agricultural Zone (Abakaliki, Afikpo and Ohoazzara) exploratory survey of useful plant species in three compound farms in 12 communities in Ebonyi State of Nigeria was conducted to develop a plant species inventory study so as to assess the contribution of plant species in homestead farm to food security and stability in the State. A total of 156 different plant species including 63 woody plant species (exploited, unexploited and endangered) which yield edible fruits, seeds or vegetables, 36 boundary and live fence plant species and 57 different arable and other field crops (legume, cereal, vegetable, spice, herb) were identified in the 12 communities.&nbsp; These communities were classified into three identifiable settlement patterns: nucleated, isolated and dispersed settlements; and the survey revealed that the three settlement patterns had average number of plant species of 79.8, 88.3 and 80.1 respectively. Fifteen (15) plant species of most considerable value have been seen in all the communities visited.&nbsp; Twelve (12) plant species were considered endangered, having been found only in three communities visited while many plant species not exploited were also observed in all the communities. Study therefore revealed that isolated and dispersed settlement patterns produced the highest plant species that are environmental friendly and conservative and as such should be improved for increase food security and stability. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp; Homestead farms, plant species, food security, sustainability.

Ecological studies on the distribution and phenology of bush mango, &lt;i&gt;Irvingia wombolu&lt;/i&gt; (vermoesen) in the humid forest of southeastern Nigeria.

Studies on the distribution, soil requirement for establishment and the phenology of Bushmango, Irvingia wombolu were undertaken in four selected geographic zones of Southeastern Nigeria. Enumeration and inventory of ten selected woody food tree crops were made in the homestead and outlying farms of each zone, with emphasis on Irvingia wombolu. Twenty soil samples comprising of ten samples from each of the farming zones were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. Phenological sequences of I. wombolu were made in the farming zones of the study areas. The plant species had generally very low densities. 0.3 – 2.7 trees/ha, and 1. wombolu had density 2.4 trees/ha. Irvingia wombolu occurred more in the outlying farms than in the homestead farms. Umuozu and Enugu-Ezike had higher densities of 1. wombolu in the two farming zones than the other towns. 1. wombolu had positive and significant relationship with P. macrophylla and Monodora. myristica, and positive but non-significant relationship with the other seven plant species. Soil samples obtained from different locations were heterogeneous. The species appear to thrive well in soils containing adequate amount of N, K, Ca, and C. The species' period of leaf flush appears an adaptive strategy for mobilizing nutrients for its reproductive phase, flowering and fruiting.Agro-Science Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 1-8

Tree integration in homestead farms in southeast Nigeria: propositions and evidence

This paper contributes to wider debates on the dominant factors determining the emergence and sustainability of intermediate systems of forest management in developing countries. The theoretical framework and propositions for analysing tree integration in homestead farms are presented, with reference to southeast Nigeria. The paper argues that, first, at the household level, livelihood strategies constitute the main determinant of the decision to integrate trees in homestead farms. Secondly, induced innovation has a wider and more significant role at the community level than at the household level in encouraging the integration of trees in farms. Thirdly, the sustainability of observed patterns of tree integration is influenced by the interaction of environmental, ecological, political, economic and social factors. Based on these propositions, the paper analyses the internal (household) and external (wider community) factors influencing tree integration in homestead farms in southeast Nigeria.

Millipede outbreaks in Akwa Ibom State, Southeastern Nigeria

Several millipede outbreaks have been reported in Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria between 1990 and 2001. Studies which involved field surveys, oral interviews of farmers, on-farm and laboratory observations and field sampling in some reported locations of outbreaks were undertaken. Results showed that nine of the thirty-one Local Government Areas of the state were affected. All the arable crops on the farmland were destroyed particularly the cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz; Yam, Dioscorea rotundata Poir; Cocoyam, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott; Fluted Pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis Hook; Melon, Colocynthis citrullus Mill, Maize, Zea mays L. and Tomato, Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Studies further revealed that the outbreaks occurred under two different agroecologies namely, homestead farms and open farmlands. A recently found small-sized millipede species identified as Tibiomus species (Diplopoda: Odontopygidae) was involved in outbreaks in homestead farms. Three large-sized millipede species, two of which were identified as Spirostreptus assiniensis (Diplopoda: Spirostreptidae) and Peridontopyge species (Diplopoda: Odontopygidae) were involved in outbreaks in open farmlands. The third species, which rarely occurred in non-outbreak periods and was non-destructive to crops was not identified. The millipede outbreaks were sporadic and unpredictable. Key words: Millipede Outbreaks; Tibiomus species Spirostreptus assiniensis; Peridontopyge species; Akwa Ibom State, Southeastern Nigeria. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(4): 435-444)

The Role of Indigenous Land Classification and Management Practices in Sustaining Land Use System in the Semi-Arid Zone of Nigeria

ABSTRACT This study describes the traditional land classification and management strategies employed by farmers and their role in the sustainability of the land use system in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. One hundred and seventy farmers were selected through a combination of simple and systematic random sampling techniques. Discussions were held with them using a structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study shows that farmers classify their farmlands on the basis of distance from the village and in terms of water supply. The karakara (homestead farm land) surrounds the village, usually more manured, under permanent cultivation and more frequently used for mixed cropping. The gona daji (bush land) is far from the village, not farmed permanently, and less frequently used for mixed cropping. The fadama (wet land) is a low-lying seasonally inundated farm land. It is usually cultivated all year round, sometimes with supplementary irrigation during the dry season. The gona tudu (rain fed land) is upland farm cultivable only during the rainy season. In terms of management there is considerable overlap between the gona tudu, gona daji and the karakara and this is often affected by farmers perceived soil fertility status, type of crops grown on the land, and available resources. The study concludes with recommendations including in-depth study and analysis of farmers' practices which would lead to better targeting of research and extension activities.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN COCONUT

In the context of the fast reducing land‑to‑man ratio in the tropics, cropping systems which can integrate a variety of highly productive plant species and animals with human beings will have to be developed. Coconut having many favourable attributes is ideally suited for homestead farming under diverse situations. Its response to good management particularly fertilizer applica­tion and irrigation is indeed very good. Yield increases of the or­der of 84% due to manuring and 216% due to manuring and irrigation have been obtained in the native West Coast Tall. In coconut hybrids not only Wgher yields have been realised but better utilisation efficiency of native and applied nutrients obser­ved, making them highly suited for improving the economic viability of small holdings. The potential that coconut offers for mixed cropping with a variety of crops, and mixed farming is very high. High density cropping in coconut plantations is also feasible. The cost benefit of some of the coconut based cropping systems have been presented, and the low productivity of coconut observed in majority of the coconut growing countries discussed keeping in view the remedial. measures that can be thought of for the existing maladies.