Integrated farming system in India: A holistic approach to magnify the economic status of innovative farmers

Abstract

In the present scenario, the population of India is increasing in a sky-rocketing manner and we could not expand our production areas. So, the challenge is to increase the productivity to feed the fast growing population. Conventional agriculture has caused economic problems associated with increased costs of energy-based inputs, lessened farm incomes etc. It has also produced ecological problems such as poor ecological diversity, soil erosion, and soil and water pollution. Integrated farming system (IFS) is considered as one of the best option towards intensification of small holder farm income to ensure sustainable livelihood. Integration of resources is made through a combination of land, water and animal resources of a farm through careful planning including recycling of bio-resources. Governments and development agencies have designed projects/programmes in promoting IFS through demonstration of successful models and other means. In the present article, an attempt is made to summarise different successful IFS models to contribute towards national agenda-doubling the income of the farmers.