Horti-poultry integration as a sustainable integrated farming model for enhancing farmer income and organic apple production

Abstract

The Horti-Poultry Integrated Model (HPM) established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ganderbal was evaluated as a sustainable income-generating system for small and marginal farmers in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The model integrates a traditional apple orchard with layer poultry to improve nutrient recycling, reduce feed costs, and enhance farm profitability. A 0.25-acre demonstration unit comprising 22 apple trees and 80 Keystone strain layer birds was monitored over two years. Birds were reared under semi-scavenging conditions with 50% reduced concentrate feeding (25 g maize/bird/day), utilizing orchard resources for supplementary nutrition. Economic analysis showed a Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1:3.0 at the demonstration unit, while replication across ten farmers’ fields recorded BCRs ranging from 1:2.5 to 1:3.4, confirming economic viability and adaptability. Poultry integration increased apple yield by 10-15% (45-50 kg/tree) compared to baseline productivity (35-40 kg/tree), attributed to improved soil fertility from droppings, manure redistribution, weed control, and enhanced pollination. The model reduced reliance on external fertilizers and commercial feed, demonstrating an economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and scalable farming approach for the region.