Background

The marginal and small farmers constitute 78.2 per cent of the farming community in India. The unique Indian situation of small fragmented holdings and lack of capital investments is not suitable for single commodity farming being practiced in developed countries.  So, the integrated farming system appears to be a viable solution to the Indian agriculture for increasing productivity and income of the small and marginal farmers with constrained resources.

Based on the natural resources availability and climatic variability, Tamil Nadu is divided into seven agro-climatic zones and two zones are grouped as high rainfall and hilly zones which usually enjoy better moisture availability for successful crop cultivation. Remaining five agro-climatic zones invariably experience frequent natural calamities like drought and very rarely floods. Each of these agro climatic zone differs vary widely in their soil type, cropping pattern, farm holding size and farmer’s social status as well as marketing facilities for different agro-based products.

Efforts for a holistic integration of different farming enterprises with cropping were carried out for Western, Cauvery delta, Southern and North western zones out of seven agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu with the objectives of increasing income and recycling of farm wastes and by-products to sustain the soil productivity since 1985. Research studies carried out in lowlands, uplands with supplemental irrigation and dry lands have demonstrated the technical feasibility and economic viability of the integrated farming systems. Besides facilitating cash income, these models generate additional employment for family labour and minimize the risks associated with mere crop production.
Farming systems approach is location specific. Hence, farming systems models adoptability or feasibility research has to be undertaken in all agro climatic zones under all possible farming situations.  Presently this is being done in a limited area.  In order to make the integrated farming systems management more effective, the lead farmers are to be trained in the Agricultural University farms. The findings of the individual studies at the micro level will serve as a technological base for guiding the farming under different identical micro environments. 

Under the above circumstances, as strategic approach on “Sustainable integrated farming systems for different Agro climatic zones of Tamil Nadu” is proposed.

Project rationale
Evolving strategies for the enhancement of the quality of life of the marginal and small farmers have been the foremost priority. Smaller sized holdings coupled with the irregular and inadequate monsoons make it difficult for the marginal and small farmers to meet both the ends with the income from cropping alone. Hence, it is imperative to focus attention on the whole farm approach by integrating various allied enterprises with cropping for better security, sustenance and productivity. Integration of various enterprises in a farm ensures recycling of residues, optimum resource use, higher employment, minimization of risk and uncertainties and increased farm income. Integrated farming systems research in wetlands, garden land and rainfed ecosystems have demonstrated the technical feasibility and economic viability through linking of different components (Table).

In this project, establishment of farming system will be able to help for the efficient allocation of available resources in the farm and reduce the use of external inputs.  With the aid of the developed technology and the knowledge on the strength of farming system, it would be possible to disseminate the integrated farming system model for large scale adoption.

Project strategy (who will do and how will done, area (districts) to be covered :

Co-coordinating  Centre
Department of Agronomy
Directorate of Crop Management 
TNAU, Coimbatore - 641 003.

Establishment of IFS models in farmers field as  clusters

Area of implementation 

Thirty IFS models will be established in farmer fields 10 in each district representing three different eco-systems.

Establishment of IFS models in farmers field as  clusters

Area of implementation 

Thirty IFS models will be established in farmer fields 10 in each district representing three different eco-systems.

IFS Model (1 ha)

Wetland
Field crop (90% area )		Rs. 75,000
Fishery (10 Cents) 400 poly culture
Poultry -50 birds (layer/ broiler)
Vermicompost   (12’x4’x2’)		Rs. 10,000
Total (100% cost)		Rs. 85,000
Gardenland
Field and fodder crops (90%)		Rs. 80,000
Milch cows (2 Nos.)
Desi poultry - 30 birds		Rs. 5,000
Vermicompost (12’x4’x2’)		Rs. 10,000
Total     (100 % cost)		Rs. 95,000
Rainfed
Field & fodder crop (90%)		Rs. 50,000
Goat / Sheep (10 + 1)
Desi poultry - 30 birds		Rs.. 5,000
Vermicompost (12’x4’x2’)		Rs.. 10,000
Total   (100% cost)		Rs. 65,000

Project goals:

• Increasing agricultural productivity and profitability in a sustained manner by adopting appropriate IFS approach in watershed areas
• To provide appropriate technical guidance through establishment of IFS models in farmers field for different ecosystem
• To empower farmers and farm women through training and demonstration on component integration and efficient resource utilization

Project components

 i. Establishment of integrated farming system model demonstration unit.
 30 No.’s of demonstration unit

•  Ten  IFS models will be established in farmers fields in each district representing 

        three different eco-systems – 30 No.’s

ii. Capacity building

Capacity building involves off campus trainings and exposure visits for the farmers including beneficiaries, farm women and watershed association members

Deliverables (Supply of inputs)

Wetland

Supply of seed materials for field crop of 0.90 ha
Excavation of farm pond of 10 cents size
Supply of fingerlings 500 No’s
Supply of poultry birds (layer/ broiler)    50 No’s
Establishment of Vermicompost unit (12’x4’x2’)

Gardenland

Supply of seed and planting materials for field & fodder crops of 0.90 ha
Supply of milch cows  2 Nos.
      Desi poultry birds 30 Nos.
Establishment of vermicompost  unit (12’x4’x2’)

Rainfed

Supply of seed and planting materials for field & fodder crop of 0.90 ha
Goat / Sheep (10female + 1male)
      Desi poultry birds 30 Nos.
Establishment of vermicompost unit (12’x4’x2’)

Note: 50% of the input cost has to be met by the farmers

Measurable outcome

• Increase in overall farm productivity and income of small farmers by 50 percent over conventional system.
• Enhancement of family employment by 40 percent over conventional system
• Nutritional security for human and livestock by inclusion of nutrient rich food and fodder crops and livestock components.
• Enhancement in soil fertility through organic bio-resource recycling through vermicompost
• Socio-economic upliftment of small farmers by improving their livelihood.

Contact:

Director,
Soil and Crop Management Studies,
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore – 641 003
Phone: 0422-6611316 0422-6611416
Fax: 0422-6611416
E-mail: directorscms@tnau.ac.in