Comparative performance of integrated farming system models in scarce rainfall zone under rainfed and irrigated conditions

Abstract

This study evaluates the comparative performance of Integrated Farming System (IFS) models under rainfed and irrigated conditions in Niluvurai village, Anantapuramu district, Andhra Pradesh. The objective is to enhance traditional IFS models for marginal and small farm holdings, focusing on improving productivity, economic returns, and employment generation. A total of 36 farmers were selected and categorized into rainfed and partially irrigated conditions. Various IFS models, including Crop + Small Ruminants (CSR), Crop + Large Ruminants (CLR), and Crop + Small + Large Ruminants (C + SR + LR), were implemented with and without modern interventions. Improved management practices, such as the use of high-yielding crop varieties, nutritional feeding for livestock, and drought mitigation techniques, were introduced. The results demonstrated that the IFS models with interventions significantly increased yields, economic returns, and employment opportunities compared to traditional farming systems. Specifically, net returns and productivity were markedly higher in the improved IFS models. The study concludes that integrating modern agricultural practices within traditional IFS frameworks can substantially improve the sustainability and economic viability of farming in scarce rainfall zones.