Integrated farming system in improving production, productivity and livelihood security
IFS in Livelihood Security
Keywords:
Integrated Farming System, Small and marginal farmers, Crop Productivity, Sustainability, Benefit-cost ratioAbstract
A three-year field experiment (2021–2024) was conducted at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate Horticulture-based IFS models. Four systems including Mango + Tomato + Dairy; Papaya + Beekeeping + Aloe Vera; Pomegranate + Drumstick + Goat Farming; and Aonla + Beekeeping + Agro-forestry were assessed using a Randomized Block Design for crop productivity, economic returns, benefit–cost ratio (BCR), soil fertility, and resource-use efficiency. All IFS models significantly outperformed conventional single-enterprise systems in yield, profitability, and soil health. The Mango + Tomato + Dairy system achieved the highest Vegetable yield (34.5 t ha⁻¹), while the Papaya + Beekeeping + Aloe Vera system recorded the highest fruit yield (12.30 t ha⁻¹), net return (₹1,60,000 ha⁻¹), and BCR (2.30). Integrated systems markedly increased soil organic carbon (up to 0.91%) and improved available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium through efficient recycling of crop residues and livestock by-products. Agroforestry- and beekeeping-based systems further enhanced soil moisture retention, nutrient conservation, and system resilience. Overall, Horticulture-based IFS models offer a robust pathway for sustainable intensification, income diversification, and climate resilience for smallholder farmers.
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