Integrated farming: combining crops, animals, etc. Benefits small farmers in India.

Exam UPSC Main 2022

GS Paper 3

Question - What is integrated Farming system? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?

Integrated farming system (IFS) is a system of farming that integrates various components of agriculture such as crops, livestock, fishery, poultry, agroforestry, etc. in a synergistic manner to achieve higher productivity, profitability, and sustainability. IFS aims to utilize the available resources efficiently and optimally by recycling the wastes and by-products of one component as inputs for another component. IFS also aims to diversify the farm enterprises and reduce the risks and uncertainties associated with mono-cropping or single enterprise.

IFS is helpful to small and marginal farmers in India in the following ways:

It enhances the income and livelihood security of the farmers by providing multiple sources of income and employment throughout the year. 

It improves the food and nutritional security of the farmers by providing a variety of food items such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, fish, honey, etc. 

It reduces the cost of production and increases the profitability of the farmers by saving on inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, feed, etc. and by adding value to the farm produce. 

It improves the soil health and fertility by enriching it with organic matter and nutrients from animal manure, crop residues, vermicompost, etc. 

It conserves the natural resources such as water, land, biodiversity, etc. by adopting sustainable farming practices such as rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, etc. 

It mitigates the adverse effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and enhancing carbon sequestration in soil and biomass. 

It empowers the farmers by enhancing their skills and knowledge on various aspects of agriculture and by promoting their participation in farmers' organizations and cooperatives.

What are some challenges or constraints in adopting integrated farming system in India?

Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many farmers are not aware of the benefits and potential of integrated farming system and lack the technical skills and knowledge to adopt it effectively. They also face difficulties in accessing reliable information and extension services on various aspects of integrated farming system. 

Lack of resources and inputs: Many farmers face constraints in terms of availability and affordability of resources and inputs such as land, water, seeds, breeds, feed, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. for integrated farming system. They also lack adequate infrastructure and facilities such as storage, processing, marketing, etc. for their farm produce. 

Lack of institutional and policy support: Many farmers do not receive adequate institutional and policy support for integrated farming system such as credit, insurance, subsidies, incentives, etc. They also face regulatory and legal hurdles such as land tenure issues, market regulations, quality standards, etc. that affect their adoption of integrated farming system. 

Lack of market linkages and value addition: Many farmers face challenges in accessing  remunerative markets and value addition opportunities for their farm produce from integrated farming system. They also face competition from other producers and middlemen who often exploit them by offering low prices and unfair terms of trade. 

Socio-cultural and behavioural factors: Many farmers are reluctant to adopt integrated farming system due to socio-cultural and behavioural factors such as traditions, customs, beliefs, preferences, habits, etc. that influence their decision making. They also face resistance from their family and community members who may not support their adoption of integrated farming system.

What are some examples of models of integrated farming system in India?

Integrated rice-fish-poultry farming system: This model involves growing rice along with fish and poultry in a synergistic manner. The poultry birds are kept in cages over the rice field and their droppings serve as organic fertilizer and feed for the fish. The fish also help in controlling weeds and pests in the rice field. The rice straw and bran are used as feed for the poultry. This model increases the income and food security of the farmers by providing rice, fish, and eggs. 

Integrated pig-poultry-fish-vegetable farming system: This model involves raising pigs, poultry, fish, and vegetables in an integrated manner. The pigs and poultry are kept in separate sheds and their excreta are collected and used as organic fertilizer and feed for the fish. The fish pond also serves as a source of irrigation water for the vegetables. The vegetable residues and kitchen wastes are used as feed for the pigs and poultry. This model enhances the income and nutritional security of the farmers by providing meat, eggs, fish, and vegetables. 

Integrated makhana-fish-water chestnut farming system: This model involves cultivating makhana (fox nut), fish, and water chestnut in an integrated manner. Makhana is a floating aquatic plant that grows well in shallow water bodies. Fish are stocked in the same water body and feed on the aquatic weeds and plankton. Water chestnut is also grown in the same water body and harvested along with makhana. The makhana seeds, fish, and water chestnut are sold in the market or consumed by the farmers. This model improves the income and livelihood of the farmers by utilizing the water resources efficiently and optimally. 

Integrated agroforestry system: This model involves growing trees along with crops or livestock in an integrated manner. Agroforestry can have various forms such as agri-silviculture (trees with crops), agri-horticulture (trees with fruits), agri-pastoral (trees with livestock), silvi-pastoral (trees with grasses and livestock), etc. Agroforestry provides multiple benefits such as soil conservation, water conservation, biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, microclimate moderation, etc. Agroforestry also provides various products such as timber, fuelwood, fodder, fruits, nuts, honey, etc.


nandosir

I am a civil services teacher. I teach online / offline for UPSC CSE / WBCS

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