Varied approaches for implementing the farm diversification in lower hill region of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The research explores the impact of diversification strategies on agricultural income in Kangra District, focusing on various farming systems and interventions. Utilizing data from twenty-four on-farm trials conducted during 2014-15 and 2015-16, households were identified based on a benchmark survey from 2012-13 under the On-farm Farming System Research Programme of AICRP-IFS. Results from the benchmark survey indicated varying net incomes across different farming systems. After two years of intervention, a notable increase in household income was observed in all farming systems. The study assessed intervention costs for different modules, emphasizing the financial investment required. Findings suggest that interventions targeting crop and animal diversification positively impacted household income, rendering sustainable diversified farming systems highly profitable. The integration of cropping with other activities, such as livestock rearing, emerged as a key factor in income enhancement. Additionally, interventions addressing mineral nutrition, green fodder supply, and technology-related factors significantly contributed to increased crop yields and overall profitability. Capacity building through organized trainings and informational pamphlets was highlighted as crucial for enhancing farmers' knowledge and skills. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of strategic resource allocation and maximizing resource utilization through diversification to improve net farm income. By considering the entire area of each selected farmer for diversification, substantial increases in benchmark income were observed across various farming systems. The research provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of agricultural systems and offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance agricultural income through diversification strategies in similar agro-ecological contexts.