Farming System, Precision Fanning and Sustainable Agriculture 2(1+1) AG-601

Unit-I: Farming System-scope, importance, and concept, Types and systems of farming system
and factors affecting types of farming. Farming system components and their maintenance.
Farming System-Scope, Importance and Concept
A farming system is defined as a population of individual farm systems that have broadly similar
resource bases, enterprise patterns, household livelihoods and constraints, and for which similar
development strategies and interventions would be appropriate. Depending on the scale of the
analysis, a farming system can encompass a few dozen or many millions of households (FAO).
Definition of Farming System:
1. Farming system is a complex inter-related matrix of soil, plants, animals, implements,
power, labour, capital and other inputs controlled in part by families and influenced to
varying degrees by political, economic institutional and social forces that operate at many
levels.
2. Farming system is the scientific integration of different interdependent and interacting
farm enterprises for the efficient use of land, lab our and other resources of a farm family
which provides year round income to the fanners specially located in the handicapped
zone. The farming system, therefore, refers to the farm as an entity of interdependent
farming enterprises carried out on the farm. The farm is viewed in a holistic manner. The
farmers are subjected to many socioeconomic, biophysical, institutional, administrative
and technological constraints.
3. The farming system conceptually is a set of elements or components that are interrelated
which interact among themselves. At the centre of the interaction is the farmer exercising
control and choice regarding the type and results of interaction.
The income from cropping alone in small and marginal farms is hardly sufficient to sustain the
farmers’ family. With the decline in farm size (0.15 ha/person) due to population explosion, it
would be increasingly difficult to produce enough food for the family by the end of the century.
Therefore, the farmer, to be assured of a regular income for a decent living (above the poverty
line), a judicious mix of any one or more of these enterprises with agronomic crops should
complement the farm income and help in recycling the farm residue/waste. The selection of
enterprises must be based on the cardinal principle of minimizing the competition and
maximizing the complementarily between the enterprises.
Farming systems represent integration of farm enterprises such as cropping systems, animal
husbandry, fisheries, forestry, etc. for optimal utilization of resources bringing prosperity to the
farmer.
Farming systems approach introduces a change in farming techniques for higher production from
the farm as a whole with the integration of all the enterprises. The farm products other than the
economic products, for which the crops are grown, can be better utilized for productive purposes
in the farming systems approach. A judicious mix of cropping system with associated enterprises
like dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery, sericulture, etc. suited to the given agro climatic conditions
and socio-economic status of farmers would bring prosperity to the farmer.
Farming System Concept: ‘Farming’ is a process of harnessing solar energy in the form of
economic plant and animal products. ‘System’ implies a set of interrelated practices and
processes organized into functional entity, i.e. an arrangement of components or parts that
interact according to some process and transforms inputs into outputs.
 Farming system is therefore, designated as a set of agricultural activities organized into
functional unit (s) to profitably harness solar energy while preserving land productivity
and environmental quality and maintaining desirable level of biological diversity and
ecological stability.
 The emphasis is more on a system rather than gross output. In other words ‘farming
system’ is a resource management strategy to achieve economic and sustained production
to meet diverse requirement of farm household while preserving resource base and
maintaining a high level environment quality.
 Thus, in farming system all the activities, decision, management, input/output,
purchase/sale and resource (s) utilized make the matrix of farming system which interact
with socio-economic and bio-physical environment for purchasing the necessary inputs
and disposing the outputs by utilizing the natural resources (land, water, air, sunshine
etc.) effectively. Sustainability is the objective utilization of inputs without impairing the
quality of environment with which it interacts. Therefore, it is clear that farming system
is a process in which sustainability of production is the objective.
 This overall objective is to evolve technically feasible and economically viable farming
system models by integrating cropping with allied complementary enterprises for
 irrigated, rainfed, hilly and coastal areas with a view to generate income and employment
from the farm.
The specific objectives are:
1. To identify existing farming systems in specific area and assess their relative viability.
2. To formulate farming system models involving main and allied enterprises for different
farming situations.
3. To ensure optional utilization and conservation of available resources and effective
recycling of farm residues within system.
4. To maintain sustainable production system without damaging resources
base/environment. Farming system provides an opportunity to increase economic yield
per unit area per unit time by virtue of intensification of crop and allied enterprises. Time
concept by crop intensification and space concept by building up of vertical dimension
through crops and allied enterprises. The very nature of farming system is to make use or
conserve the byproduct/waste product of one component as input in another component
and use of bio-control measures for pest &disease control. These eco-friendly practices
bring down the application of huge quantities of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides,
which pollute the soil water and environment to an alarming level. Whereas IFS will
greatly reduce environmental pollution.
5. To raise overall profitability of farm household by complementing main/allied
enterprises with each other. The system as a whole provides an opportunity to make use
of produce/waste material of one enterprise as an input in another enterprise at low/no
cost. Thus by reducing the cost of production the profitability and benefit cost ratio works
out to be high. Potentiality – Soil health, a key factor for sustainability is getting
deteriorated and polluted due to faulty agricultural management practices viz., excessive
use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, high intensity irrigation etc. In farming
system, organic supplementation through effective use of manures and waste recycling is
done, thus providing an opportunity to sustain potentiality of Production base for much
longer time.
6. Balanced food– In farming system, diverse enterprises are involved and they produce
different sources of nutrition namely proteins, carbohydrates, fats &minerals etc. form the
 same unit land, which helps in solving the malnutrition problem prevalent among the
marginal and sub-marginal farming households.
7. Income/cash flow round the year– Unlike conventional single enterprise crop activity
where the income is expected only at the time of disposal of economic produce after
several months depending upon the duration of the crop, the IFS enables cash flow round
the year by way of sale of products from different enterprises viz., eggs from poultry,
milk from dairy, fish from fisheries, silkworm cocoons from sericulture, honey from
apiculture etc. This not only enhances the purchasing power of the farmer but also
provides an opportunity to invest in improved technologies for enhanced production.
8. Saving energy– Availability of fossil fuel has been declining at a rapid rate leading to a
situation where in the whole world may suffer for want of fossil fuel by 2030 AD. In
farming system, effective recycling of organic wastes to generate energy from biogas
plants can mitigate to certain extent this energy crisis.
9. Meeting fodder crises– In IFS every inch of land area is effectively utilized. Alley
cropping or growing fodder legume along the border or water courses, intensification of
cropping including fodder legumes in cropping systems helps to produce the required
fodder and greatly relieve the problem of non-availability of fodder to livestock
component of the Farming system.
10. Solving timber and fuel crises– The current production level of 20 million m3 of fuel
wood and 11 Million m3 of timber wood is no match for the demand estimated or 360 m3
of fuel and 64.4 million m3 of timber wood in 2000 AD. Hence the current production
needs to be stepped up several-fold. Afforestation programmes besides introduction of
agro-forestry component in farming system without detrimental effect on crop yield will
greatly reduce deforestation, preserving our natural ecosystem.
11. Employment generation– Various farm enterprises viz., crop +livestock or any other
allied enterprise in the farming system would increase labour requirement significantly
and would help solve the problem of under employment. An IFS provides enough scope
to employ family labour round the year.
12. Scope for establishment of agro– industries– When once the produce from different
components in IFS is increased to a commercial level there will be surplus for value
addition in the region leading to the establishment of agro-industries.
 13. Enhancement in input use efficiency – An IFS provides good scope for resource
utilization in different components leading to greater input use efficiency and benefit-
cost ratio.(Farming Systems)
Characteristics of farming system
Farmer oriented & holistic approach
Effective farmer’s participation
Unique problem solving system
Dynamic system
Gender sensitive
Responsible to society
Environmental sustainability
Location specificity of technology
Diversified farming enterprises to avoid risks due to environmental constraints
Provides feedback from farmers
Criteria of Farming System Classification: The classification of the farming systems of
developing regions is based on following criteria:
1. Available natural resource base, including water, land, grazing areas and forest; climate, of
which altitude is one important determinant; landscape, including slope; farm size, tenure and
organization;
2. Dominant pattern of farm activities and household livelihoods, including field crops, livestock,
trees, aquaculture, hunting and gathering, processing and off-farm activities; and taking into
account the main technologies used, which determine the intensity of production and integration
of crops, livestock and other activities.
Main Types of Farming Systems
Specialized v/s Integrated Farming system
Specialized Farming System (SFS): Specialization involves the intensification of the
agricultural activity aimed at maximization of the production/area/time. This involves
improvement of operational efficiency and speed of operation/execution at each step.
  Specialized Farming refers to a farm where 50% or more of the entire production's
income comes from a single activity. The main objective behind specialized farming is to
generate more income. Specialized farming is best suited to specific soil, climate,
topography, and other physical conditions such as market type
 The specialized farming system is focused on single cropping system or sequence of
farming enterprise like animal breeding, dairying so as to achieve the highest degree of
precision management with minimal diversion of resources/attention to diverse crops or
enterprises.
Integrated Farming System (IFS): IFS, a component of FSR (Farming System research),
introduces a change in the farming techniques for maximum production in the cropping pattern
and takes care of optimal utilization of resources.
  The farm wastes are better recycled for productive purposes in the IFS. Unlike the SFS,
IFS’s activity is focused round a few selected, interdependent, interrelated and often
interlinking production systems based on a few crops, animals and related subsidiary
professions.
 IFS envisage harnessing the complementarities and synergies among different
agricultural sub-systems/enterprises and augmenting the total productivity, sustainability
and gainful employment.
Farming System in South Asia: South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern
region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some
authorities, also includes the adjoining countries on the west and the east. Topographically, it is
dominated by the Indian Plate, which rises above sea level as the Indian subcontinent south of
the Himalayas and the Hindu Kush. South Asia is surrounded (clockwise, from west to east) by
Western Asia, Central Asia, Eastern Asia, Southeastern Asia and the Indian ocean.
1. Highland Mixed: This farming system, generally intermediate between the rice-wheat plains
of the lowlands and the sparsely populated high mountain areas above, extends across the entire
length of the Himalayan range. Major products include cereals, legumes, tubers, vegetables,
fodder, fodder trees, orchards and livestock.
2. Rainfed Mixed: It is a rainfed cropping and livestock farming system. It occupies the largest
area within the sub-continent and, with the exception of a small area in Northern Sri Lanka, is
confined entirely to India. Rice and some wheat are grown, as well as pearl millet and sorghum,
a wide variety of pulses and oilseeds, sugarcane, and vegetables and fruit.
3. Dry Rainfed: Located in a “rain shadow’ surrounded by the Rainfed Mixed Farming System
in the Western Deccan, this farming system has a higher proportion of irrigation than the moister
surrounding areas.
4. Pastoral: Across the semiarid and arid zones, from Rajasthan in India through Pakistan and
Afghanistan, transhumant pastoralists keep mixed herds of livestock. The system includes
scattered pockets of irrigation which mitigate the extreme seasonal vulnerability of pastoralists.
5. Sparse (Arid): The land area of the system is estimated at 57 million ha, supporting an
estimated 16 million bovines and 29 million small ruminants. About 1.7 million ha is cultivated,
practically all under irrigation. There are some scattered irrigation settlements in the arid areas;
in most cases used by pastoralists to supplement their livelihoods.
6. Sparse (Mountain): This system lies at altitudes above 3000 metres along the mid-level and
upper slopes of the Himalayan Range. A number of small settlements depend on potatoes and
buckwheat, plus cattle and yak herds.
7. Tree Crop (Not Mapped): This scattered farming system comprises plantation companies
and small holders producing substantial areas of tea, rubber, coconuts and other tree crops.
8. Urban Based Farming System: In most large towns and cities in the region the intensive
production of perishable high-value commodities – such as milk and fresh vegetables – has
expanded. These are generally commercial systems.
Farming System in India:
 India with 2.2 per cent of global geographical area supports more than 15 per cent of the
total world population, 70 per cent of whom depend on agriculture. It also supports nearly
15 per cent of the total livestock population of the world.
 One-third of the gross national product comes from agricultural sector. During 2050 AD,
349 million tons of food, 25 million tons of vegetable oil and 92 m.m 3 of industrial wood
shall be needed for approximately 1667 million people.
 As of now, out of 328.73 million ha geographical area approximately 18 per cent is under
forest; only 13.5 per cent is not available for cultivation. Total problem areas constitute
173.65 million ha which include areas subject to wind and water erosion (145 million ha),
water-logged areas (8.53 million ha), alkali soil (3.58 million ha), saline and coastal
sandy areas (5.50 million ha), ravines and gullies (3.97 million ha), shifting cultivation
(4.91 million ha) and reverie torrents (2.73 million ha). Besides 40 million ha are prone to
flood and 260 million ha are drought prone. Thus the net sown area is 136.18 million ha
(41.42 per cent of the total geographical area).
 The benefits of modern technology have, however, been restricted to favorable farming
situations. Only 44 out of 453 districts are contributing half of the total food grain basket
of the country. This clearly suggests that the technology supposed to be scale and
resource neutral has been confined to the districts with favorable farming conditions.
 Since there is no further scope for horizontal expansion of land for cultivation, the only
alternative left is for vertical expansion and diversification of farm enterprises with less
demand on space and time particularly for small and marginal farmers (constituting 76
per cent of the farming community) who do not have much of resources, especially in
 rain fed areas (70 per cent of the total cultivated land). The new farming system research
strategy should, therefore, necessarily concentrate on developing technology with
participatory approach within the biophysical and socio-economic environments in which
the farmers operate.
 The period of late sixties is commonly referred as the golden period of Green Revolution
in India. The attainment on food front during green revolution period resulted in
spectacular increase in food grain production synchronizing with population growth. It
reached as high level as 202 million tones in 1999-2000. The green revolution, however,
remained confined to irrigated tracts and that largely to wheat alone. Wheat received
maximum stimulus of varietal improvement, shared major portion of irrigation resources,
and benefited most from the national research, extension and development infrastructure
and government policy of support price and procurement.
 Conversely, rainfed crops occupying 70 per cent of the cultivated area remained deprived
of these benefits and they are being pushed to marginal areas further. Singh (1990)
reported that growth in food grains was ahead of population growth during 1967-68 to
1985-86, in only 5 states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh) while in 11 states, it lagged behind the population growth.
 In addition to creating regional disparity in agricultural growth, green revolution resulted
in overexploitation and degradation of land and water resources, deforestation, near
extinction of valuable flora and fauna, advent of newer pests and diseases, and ecological
problems. All these have resulted in decline in production and productivity even in the
green revolution areas.
 Experiences have shown that every farming situation has specific mix of farm enterprises
and their problems, and they require need-based specific solutions. So far major emphasis
has been laid on crop production, which is one out of many farm-based activities.
 Even national thrust area has been simply changing from the group of food crop to the
other. Agricultural development is no more a commodity or crop oriented programme.
Today, there is a need to improve the overall agricultural development with multiple
goals of growth, equity, employment and efficiency.
 It should aim at the twin objectives of developing packages of technologies that will
result in sustained productivity and economic stability on the one hand and ecological
 stability on the other. This gigantic task is to be undertaken when national resources are
shrinking, fragmentation of holding is continuing, incidence of rural poverty and
unemployment are increasing, and uncertainty of weather is more certain. These have
greater impact on small and marginal farmers. Will the crop production be able to sustain
the pressure of decreasing farm income anymore? It is doubtful. The solution lies in
farming system management – a holistic approach.
 Every farmer tries to choose the farm activities / enterprises depending upon physical,
and economic conditions prevailing in his ecosystem. Integration of various farm
enterprises in a farm ensures growth and stability in overall productivity and profitability.
It also ensures recycling of residues, optimization of resource use, and minimization of
risk and generation of employment.
 Various enterprises that could be included in the farming systems are crop production,
dairy, poultry, fish farming, vegetable and fruit growing, goat rearing, pig farming,
sericulture, mushroom cultivation, agro forestry, bee keeping, flower cultivation, silvi-
culture, agro-based industries and food processing etc.
 A judicious mix of enterprises, complimentary to cropping and suited to the given
farming situation and the farmers’ preferences would bring prosperity to rural areas.
Sporadic exercises have to be taken on a large scale in systematic order in various agro-
climatic zones and dry farming situation to identify suitable farming systems.
Lowland Farming Systems: Lowland farming systems are farming practices that take place in
areas below 300 meters above sea level.
Some examples of lowland farming systems include:
 Lowland rice farming: This intensive wetland system is the most important farming
system in the world, with a large agricultural population. It's found in tropical areas with
humid or moist sub-humid climates, and is practiced in countries like Thailand, Vietnam,
Myanmar, and Indonesia.
 Tree crop mixed farming: This system is found in flat to undulating tropical areas with
poor soils.
 Crop-livestock-agroforestry: This system has been shown to be effective in many parts
of the world, increasing crop yield, livestock productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
Some practices that can be used in lowland farming include:
 Crop rotation: Rotating crops with dryland crops like corn and soybeans can improve soil
conditions and increase profits.
 Soil tillage: Chisel tillage can disrupt compacted layers in the soil, while ridges can raise the
root system out of saturated layers.
 Land tenure security: Government land reforms can help secure land tenure for rural poor
people, which can increase food production.
Common cropping system in rice based systems, especially under agro climatic conditions of
south India is rice-rice-pulse. Modified cropping system includes crops like maize, groundnut,
and sesame. Rice-poultry-fish culture system appears to be more remunerative. Poultry
droppings from the poultry shed placed well above the farm pond meets the needs of fish in the
ponded water. Water in the pond can be used for irrigating the crops. About 500 layer chicks are
sufficient to void required quantum of excreta to meet the feed requirement of 7, 500 polyculture
fingerlings in one ha of ponded water. Rice-fish system is also remunerative.
Upland Irrigated Farming System: The upland irrigated farming system is a type of
agriculture that involves cultivating crops in upland areas using irrigation.
 Crops: The crops grown in an upland irrigated system depend on the local climate and
conditions, but can include rice, wheat, barley, mustard, chickpea, potato, maize, sorghum,
pearl millet, cotton, and sunflower.
 Irrigation: The crops are irrigated using water from local streams and rivers.
 Livestock: Livestock production is an important part of the upland irrigated farming
system, providing meat, cash income, and draught power.
 Location: The upland irrigated farming system is most common in East and Southeast Asia,
where it is found in a wide range of climates and sloping upland and hill areas.
Additional income can be generated by adding enterprises like dairy, biogas and silviculture to
the usual cropping systems. Two to three milch cows can be maintained from one ha straw.
Recycling of farm and animal wastes through biogas unit can produce cooking gas for family
use. Several such integrations can greatly increase farm income, besides providing work to
family members throughout the year.
Rainfed Farming Systems: In agriculture, we can find different types of crops depending on
water availability. Rainfed agriculture refers to the area under various crops where the cultivation
is dependent upon the monsoon rainfall. Rain-dependent areas can be broadly split into two
parts:
 Dryland areas, which receive less than 750 mm of rain a year and
 Rainfed regions, which receive more than 750 mm of rain.
Rainfed agriculture is practiced under various soil types, agro-climatic conditions, and rainfall
conditions ranging from 400 mm to 1600 mm per annum.
In view of the slowdown of productivity growth in irrigated agriculture, there
is an urgent need to enhance the contribution of rainfed farming to the
national food basket. For many years, its contribution has remained around
40-45%, which needs to be enhanced.
  Rainfed areas have diverse farming systems, different potentials and constraints, which
can only be addressed through development and application of location specific
technologies.
 The All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture (AICRPDA) has
carried out location specific, adaptive research in a network mode which resulted in
development of improved technologies in the areas of rainfed cropping systems, drought
management, rainwater conservation, nutrient management and farm mechanization.
 Some of these technologies have already formed part of the package of practices for
crops in different States. However, in view of the increasing importance of rainfed
agriculture and the need for boosting productivity, information on the potential of
improved technologies and possible means of up scaling has to be made available to a
wide spectrum of stakeholders like technical and administrative personnel of Central and
State ministries dealing with dryland farming, extension officers, NGOs and farmers.
 Towards this objective, we have decided to compile the most promising technologies in
the above thrust areas, which can increase production, decrease cost of cultivation, reduce
drudgery and enable farmers to complete farm operations timely, which is the essence of
dryland agriculture.
Principles of relevant components of environmentally sustainable farming systems should
include:
i. Reducing soil erosion and improving soil conservation,
ii. Inclusion of legumes and cover crops in crop rotations,
iii. Agro forestry as an alternate land use system, and
iv. Judicious use of organic wastes.
Environmentally sustainable dry land farming systems emphasize conservation and utilization of
natural resources. Agronomic practices of conservation tillage and mulch farming, rotational
cropping, use of legumes and cover crops for improving soil fertility and suppressing weeds and
efficient use of cattle manure are some of the components of sustainable farming systems.
A sound land use policy is necessary to tackle the problem of deteriorating natural resources,
especially soil and water. Land use according to land capability and minimizing human and
livestock pressure on land in accordance with carrying capacity should form central theme of
land policy. Agriculture on steep slopes be stopped. Alternate land use systems, in place of
arable cropping, should be popularized among small and marginal farmers. A strong political
will and commitment is needed to combat forces leading to land degradation.
By and large, many medium and marginal farmers are used to farming systems since they started
cultivating crops. Majority of the farmers in rural areas are maintaining work animals, milch
animals, chicks, sheep, goats, etc. in addition to crop production. More than 75 per cent of
farming community is used to farming system approach.
The usual farming systems are agriculture along with milch animals or chicks or both milch
animals and chicks. What is required for the farmers at present is not educating them on the
benefits of farming systems for which they are used since they started crop production, but
improving the productivity of the existing farming systems through latest technological
innovations.
Scope of Farming System: Farming enterprises include crop, livestock, poultry, fish tree crops,
plantation crops, sericulture, etc. A combination of one or more enterprises with cropping, when
carefully chosen, planned and executed, gives greater dividends than a single enterprise,
especially for small and marginal farmers. Farm as unit is to be considered and planned for
effective integration of the enterprises to be combined with crop production activity.
Integration of farm enterprises depends on many factors such as:
1. Soil and climatic features of the selected area.
2. Availability of the resources, land, labour and capital.
3. Present level of utilization of resources
4. Economics of proposed integrated farming system.
5. Managerial skill of the farmer.
Key Principles of Farming System
Cyclic: The farming system is essentially cyclic (organic resources – livestock – land – crops).
Therefore, management decisions livestock land crops related to one component may affect the
others.
Rational: Using crop residues more rationally is an important route out of poverty. For resource-
poor farmers, the correct management of crop residues, together with an optimal allocation of
scarce resources, leads to sustainable production.
Ecologically Sustainable: Combining ecological sustainability and economic viability, the
integrated livestock-farming system maintains and improves agricultural productivity while also
reducing negative environmental impacts.

Minimization of risk
Recycling of wastes and residues
Integration of two or more enterprises
Optimum utilization of all resources
Maximum productivity and profitability
Ecological balance
Generation of employment potential
Increased input use efficiency
Use of end products from one enterprise as input in other enterprise
Types of Farming in India
Different types of Farming in India play a major role in improving the livelihood of two third of
the people reciting in India. Today, India ranks second in agricultural production in the world
and produces diverse crops and raw materials for industries compared to other countries in the
world. Thanks to the modifications in technologies and farming equipment over time that have
led our farmers contribute to the development of their people and nation. Moreover, various
Socio-cultural practices, climatic conditions, and other aspects have also contributed to the
advancement of Different types of agriculture systems in India in 2023.
Presently India practices traditional as well as modern methods of farming. Different types of
Farming systems in India depend on the land, climatic conditions, available irrigational facilities,
and Locations where they are most suitable. There are mainly 3 types of Farming systems that
are generally practiced, which are:
Subsistence farming
Organic farming
Industrial farming
Types of agriculture is mainly based on geographical locations and thus differs in the types and
follows diverse farming’s such as horticulture, ley farming, agroforestry and many more.
However, India is highly reliable in its monsoon cycle for large crop yields. Moreover,
agriculture is the main occupation and plays a crucial role in the socio-economic growth of the
country
So, all these facts lead us to know more about the types of farming systems in India: along with
factors, and the importance of farming in the Indian economy.
1. Subsistence Farming: The majority of farmers in India practice subsistence farming
mainly for their livelihood without expecting profit from the output. They cultivate for
their self and their families. They use small and scattered land holdings use basic tools for
farming. These types of farming methods generally do not involve fertilizers and HYV
seeds in their fields. However, they have access to irrigation, electricity, and other
essential facilities, despite working manually. Usually, the traditional method of farming
is practiced in subsistence farming and the resulting yield is not high. The family
consumes the majority with a negligible amount left to sell in the market.
2. Intensive and Extensive: Farming Intensive farming involves maximum production on a
limited area of land with all human and capital efforts possible under the given
circumstances. Intensive farming allows the farmers to raise more than one crop a year
and requires high capital and human labor on every hectare of land. This type of
cultivation is usually carried out in densely populated areas of India. Whereas, Extensive
farming is the advanced method with extensive use of machines. Hence, also called
mechanical farming. These types of agriculture in India cultivates only one crop a year
and the need for labour and capital per hectare is less compared to intensive farming.
3. Commercial Farming: Commercial Agriculture involves raising crops on a large scale
basis, which aims to export the products to other countries. Thus, increasing the foreign
reserve of the country. This method of farming is mainly carried out in Gujarat, Punjab,
Haryana, and Maharashtra, etc. whereas the crops majorly grown are Wheat, cotton,
sugarcane, corn, etc. the type of farming process involves the use of fertilizers, pesticides,
HYV seeds, etc to produce a large amount of yields.
4. Plantation Farming: Plantation farming involves growing bushes or trees in a large-
scale area. This method is capital centered and requires good management ability,
technical knowledge, modern machinery, fertilizers, and better irrigation and transport
facilities, among others. Plantation farming is practiced with single crops like rubber, tea,
coconut, coffee, spices, fruit crops, etc. The yield from these crops can be obtained
 continuously for many years. This method of farming aims at exporting the product and
focuses on the marketing ability of the crop. It is majorly carried out in Kerala,
Karnataka, Assam, and Maharashtra.
5. Dry Land Farming: Dryland farming is carried out by growing crops without irrigation
systems in areas with inadequate or low rainfall of 750 mm – 500 mm or less. in this type
of farming, moisture is maintained by cultivating specific types of crops, such crops are
gram, jowar, bajra, and peas. These crops require less water to grow. This type of farming
method is carried out in dry areas such as western, north-western India, and central India.
6. Wet land Farming: Wetland farming is highly favorable for the monsoon season, as it
relies on rains and can also be practiced in well-irrigated areas. It includes crops like rice,
jute, and sugarcane. These types of agriculture in India are carried out in areas of the
north, northeastern, and Western Ghats of India.
7. Mixed farming involves growing two or more crops and raising animals simultaneously.
This type of cultivation method allows growing one or more crops at the same time
despite having a different maturing period. Mixed farming requires good rainfall or good
irrigation facilities.
8. Organic farming is a popular method in which the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides,
growth regulators, etc is eliminated. The crops are raised using crop residues, animal
manures, off-farm organic waste, and crop rotation to maintain soil quality and
productivity. Thus, this method of farming includes the cultivation of plants and the
rearing of animals naturally.
9. Co-operative farming is a new concept, which is the pooling of all the farming
resources in one place such as fertilizers, pesticides, and farming equipment like tractors
excluding the pooling of land. This new type of farming aims to bring all the land
resources of farmers in an organized and united way, through which they can be in a
position to grow crops on all of the lands to the best of the fertility of the land.
10. Terrace agriculture is practiced by cutting hill and mountain slopes to form terraces and
this piece of land can be used for agriculture permanently. Flat land is impossible in hilly
areas and mountains, so terraces are built to provide a small patch of leveled land. This
type of farming in India lets you identify soil erosion from terrace formations on
mountain slopes.
 11. Crop Rotation: This type of agriculture in India is done by following a fixed system of
cultivating several specific crops one after the other in a fixed rotation pattern to maintain
the fertility of the soil. The rotating pattern of crops can be completed in a year or it can
take more than a year.
12. Dairy Farming involves the rearing of livestock to produce milk. India has 3 times as
many dairy animals compared to the US and generates around 75 million tons of milk.
Dairy farming is a type of subsistence farming and in India, 40% of farmers engaged in
milk production because it is a livestock enterprise in which they can engage with relative
ease to improve their livelihoods. Selling milk regularly can move them from subsistence
farming to earning a market-based income. Around 40 million households in India are
partially dependent on milk production.
13. Ley Farming is practiced in dry lands which aim to restore soil fertility. The process
includes the rotations of grasses and food grains in a targeted area. This method of
farming is also promoted to practice organic farming in drylands. Ley farming repairs or
provides compensation against crop failures occurred due to frequent droughts. This way,
Soil fertility can be improved and maintained by implementing natural soil biological
processes.
Factors Affecting Types of Farming: Several factors that affect or impact farming practices in
India. Such factors are categorized into
(1) Physical factors/Environmental factors
(2) Economic factors
(3) Others.
1. Physical Factors/Environmental factors
Physical factors affecting farming in India are further divided into
A. Climate
B. Soil
C. Topography.
A. Climate: Climate plays a crucial role in agriculture. Plants and crops rely on heat and
moisture for their proper growth. Regions less than 10°C are not suitable for plant growth.
Whereas, farming is impossible in dry areas without better irrigation facilities. Also, the moisture
requirements vary from crop to crop and region to region.
1. Light: Light is critical in plant photosynthesis (the process of manufacturing food in plants as
sugars) and chlorophyll (the green pigment in plants) production. Light also influences
phototropism, mineral absorption, stomatal movement, translocation, photomorphogenesis and
abscission. The intensity (degree or level of light brightness a plant receives), quality (specific
light wavelengths) and day length (the duration plants receive light in a day) of light affect plant
growth and development.
2. Water and Rainfall: Water promotes animal and plant life. The availability of water affects
crop growth and development, and thus yield. Water irrigation double farm yields, increasing the
number of crops grown in a single year. However, different crops require varying amounts of
water to grow and develop. Just like snowfall, freezing rain, hail, ice pellets or sleet, rainfall is a
type of precipitation. The frequency and amount of rainfall vary based on the prevailing type of
climate and location. Water and rainfall determine the specific vegetation type that dominates
and grows in any specific location. Therefore, they affect the growth and yield of crops.
3. Temperature: Temperature is the degree or level of coldness or hotness of a substance,
expressed in centigrade (C) or degree Celsius and degree Fahrenheit (F). It affects various
growth processes in crops such as seed dormancy breakage, photosynthesis, transpiration,
respiration, protein synthesis, seed germination and translocation. Plants mature earlier in hot
areas with high temperatures because photosynthate translocation occurs faster. Crops require a
general temperature range of 0 to 50 degrees Celsius. Different crops have varying optimal or
favourable temperature ranges during the night or day for growth and optimal yields.
Temperature rise increases chemical reaction rates and enzyme activity in crops. Every 10 C
increase in temperature can double enzymatic reactions in plants. However, extremely high
temperatures denature proteins and enzymes. On the other hand, extremely high temperatures
limit the growth and development of crops. As an example, low soil temperature inhibits water
absorption because water is less mobile and more viscous with less permeable plant protoplasm.
Furthermore, water solidifies and expands if temperatures drop below freezing point, rupturing
plant cell walls.
4. Air: Air in the troposphere comprises of 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and 1% argon gases,
including carbon dioxide and traces of other gases. Crops require oxygen during respiration to
produce energy used in different plant growth and development processes. During
photosynthesis, plants require carbon dioxide to manufacture food.
5. Relative Humidity: The temperature of air determines the amount of water vapour it can
hold. Warm air can hold more water vapour than cold air. Whenever there is a 1 0C decrease in
temperature, the amount of water vapour the air can hold reduces by almost half. Relative
humidity is the amount of water vapor air can hold at any given temperature. Air humidity is5%
in the humid tropical areas and 0.01% in the frigid poles. Whereas air with high relative humidity
is moist, dry air has low RH. Air with high humidity levels contains water vapour in large
amounts for every unit of air volume. Relative humidity influences the closing and opening of
stomata responsible for regulating water loss in crops through photosynthesis and transpiration.
RH also affects crop propagation. Bare root seedlings and plant cuttings are enclosed in plastic
bags to prevent desiccation. Leaf and stem cuttings are also kept in plastic tens and propagation
chambers to increase the relative humidity in the air.
6. Wind: Wind is moving air resulting from differences in heating and pressure gradients. The
movement of large masses of air and the jet stream flow make up a global scale of air movement.
Local air movement is small in scale. Less turbulent and lower surface winds occur at night
because there is no heat from the sun. Air closer to the ground cools and contracts then increases
in pressure. It expands and reduces in pressure when it warms up. Cold air flows to displace hot
air from high-pressure zones to low-pressure areas. As a result, it balances the air pressure. This
occurs on shores, over lakes and in tropical Asia where the monsoon winds take place. Air
promotes pollination, hence fruit and seed development. Gas exchanges in crops occur in
moderate winds. However, strong winds can foster water loss and toppling of lodging or crops.
Eventually, strong winds hamper plant photosynthesis due to little to no carbon dioxide diffusion
into leaves when stomata partially or fully close. Therefore, strong winds could result in poor
crop growth and yield.
B. Soils: The quality of soil is the other determining factor of whether the crop is sown or the
plant will yield high productivity or not. Soils differ based on physical and chemical
composition. Further, the fertility of the soils also declines with constant cultivation, which leads
to soil infertility.
 To make it fertile, it becomes necessary to leave the farming land fallow by practicing
crop rotation and using manures and fertilizers.
 Crops thrive in rich, loamy soils with proper drainage. Crops absorb food and water
through their roots from soil. They also enjoy plant support. Soils with poor texture and
 harsh chemicals are low in productivity. Therefore, poor soils inhibit plant growth and
development.
 Other important factors affecting farming across the globe include education or
knowledge of farming, technology, political factors such as government policies and
social factors such as land ownership and inheritance and type of farming in practice.
 It is important for farmers to understand these factors in the given areas they wish to
embark on farming to be able to choose the right crop to grow. Choosing the right crop
for any given agricultural region is the key to high crop growth and yield.
C. Topography: The nature of topography is important in the development of agriculture. It lets
you examine the condition of soil erosion, methods of cultivation, and mode of transportation.
Hilly regions face soil erosion due to restrictions on the use of machinery and the unavailability
of transportation facilities. However, flat regions face less soil damage because of the excess of
machines and transportation facilities. In addition, densely populated areas provide cheap labor
and a huge market for the framing product.

2. Economic Factors: The economic factors that affect farming in India are
A. Market
B. Transport facilities
C. Labour
D. Capital
E. Government policies.
A. Market: The market is an economic factor that determines the expenses done in farming
processes. The distance from the market decides the cost of transportation. Thus, to avoid such
extra expenses crops like vegetables, etc. is grown near the market area. Sugarcane is grown near
the urban centers, close to sugar mills, and dairy farming is carried out in the cities.
B. Transport Facilities: The easy availability and development of efficient means of
transportation widen the market for farming products.
C. Capital: Farming in India is mechanized due to advancements in technology and thus
requires huge capital investments for purchasing machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, HYV seeds,
and more. On the other hand, all the farmers in India are not that capable of investing in that
machinery, which affects agricultural productivity to a great extent. Hence, the availability of
capital plays a major role in the development of the farming sector in India.
D. Government Policies: Government policies also affect farming practices and influence
agricultural land use. Government at some times may restrict the cultivation of crops and may
encourage the farmers to grow a particular crop. Moreover, Government subsidy or liberal loan
in case of specific crop helps in larger acreage under that crop. After 1947, the Government gave
tax relief and concessions to the farmers for cultivating jute crops, thus the cultivation of jute
increased to a great extent in many areas.
3. Other Factors: The level of scientific and technological advancements has a great impact on
the farming occupation. Farmers practicing basic methods obtain fewer yields compared to those
that use modern farm technology such as fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, HYV seeds, etc. The
land tenure system also has a major effect on the patterns and productivity of crops.
Farming System Components and Their Maintenance
Farming is a complex system that involves various components that work together to produce
food, fiber, and other agricultural products. Understanding the different components of a farming
system is crucial for efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. The farming system refers to
the combination of various components such as crops, livestock, and other farming practices that
are used by farmers to achieve their production goals. The scope of farming systems is quite
broad, and it encompasses a wide range of factors that are essential for successful farming.
Farming system is divided into biological, physical, human, economic and environmental
components. Here are some of the key components of farming systems and their scope:
 A. Biological Components: Biological components play a critical role in any farming
system. They are the living organisms that interact with the environment to ensure
optimal crop growth and yield. These components include livestock and crops, soil and
water resources, and microorganisms.
Livestock and Crops: Livestock and crops are the two major biological components in any
farming system.
 Livestock refers to the domesticated animals raised by farmers, such as cows, pigs,
chickens, and sheep. Crops, on the other hand, refer to the plants that farmers
cultivate for food or other purposes, such as corn, wheat, fruits, and vegetables.
 Livestock and crops have a symbiotic relationship, as each depends on the other for
survival. Livestock provides manure and other organic materials that are essential for
crop growth and soil health. Crops, on the other hand, provide food and forage for the
livestock. Proper management of livestock and crops is essential for the success of
any farming system.
 Crop production involves the cultivation of various crops such as cereals, legumes,
vegetables, fruits, and others. The scope of crop production in farming systems
includes crop selection, planting, fertilization, irrigation, pest and disease
management, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
 Livestock production is another important component of farming systems. It includes
raising animals for meat, milk, eggs, and other products. The scope of livestock
production in farming systems includes animal selection, breeding, feeding, housing,
health management, and marketing.
Soil and Water Resources: Soil and water resources are also critical biological components
in farming systems.
 Soil provides a medium for crop growth, while water is essential for plant survival. Soil
is a complex system that includes minerals, organic matter, microorganisms, and other
components that affect plant growth and development.
 Proper soil management is crucial for maintaining soil health and fertility. This includes
practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and soil amendment with organic
materials. Water management is also important, as improper irrigation practices can lead
to soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and water pollution.
  Soil Management affects crop growth, yield, and quality. The scope of soil management
in farming systems includes soil testing, soil fertility management, soil conservation, and
soil health management.
 Water management is essential for crop growth and productivity, especially in areas
where water is scarce. The scope of water management in farming systems
includes irrigation, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, and water-use efficiency.
Microorganisms, Pest and Disease Management: Microorganisms are also an essential
biological component of farming systems. These organisms include bacteria, fungi, protozoa,
and viruses, among others. They play a critical role in nutrient cycling, soil health and disease
suppression.
 Some microorganisms, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, are beneficial to plant growth,
while others, such as pathogenic fungi and bacteria, can cause crop diseases. Proper
management of microorganisms is important for maintaining soil health and reducing
disease incidence.
 Pests and diseases can significantly reduce crop yields and quality. The scope of pest and
disease management in farming systems includes the identification of pests and
diseases, prevention, control, and management strategies.
 B. Physical Components: Farming systems are complex and involve a range of physical,
biological, and social components. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall
success of the farm.
Farm machinery and equipment: Farm machinery and equipment play a vital role in modern
farming practices.
 From tractors and plows to harvesters and planters, farm machinery helps farmers carry
out various tasks with ease and efficiency.
 Investing in reliable machinery and equipment can save time, reduce labor costs, and
increase productivity on the farm. Performed various activities such as land preparation,
planting, harvesting and post-harvest handling.
 The scope of farm machinery and equipment in farming systems includes selection, use,
maintenance, and repair.
Buildings and Structures: Farms often require a range of buildings and structures to store
equipment, livestock, and crops.
 Buildings such as barns, sheds, and greenhouses provide shelter and protection from the
elements.
 Properly designed and maintained structures ensure that the farm’s assets are protected
and the necessary storage capacity is available.
Irrigation and Drainage systems: Irrigation and drainage systems are crucial components of a
farming system.
 Adequate irrigation helps ensure optimal growth and yield for crops, while drainage
systems prevent water logging and reduce soil erosion.
 Modern irrigation systems are designed to conserve water and reduce waste, making
them both cost-effective and sustainable.
C. Human Components: Human components are an integral part of any farming system.
They play a vital role in decision-making, labor, and management. Without them, it
would be impossible to carry out farming activities efficiently. Here are some of the
human components that are important in a farming system:-
Farm Owners and Workers: Farm owners and workers are the backbone of any farming
system. They are responsible for planning, executing, and managing farming activities.
  Farm owners make decisions about what crops to grow, what equipment to use, and how
much labor to hire. Workers are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day activities on
the farm, such as planting, harvesting, and caring for animals.
 The success of a farming system largely depends on the knowledge, skills, and
commitment of farm owners and workers.
Community and Market networks: Farming systems are not isolated from the larger
community and market networks.
 Farmers rely on these networks to access information, resources, and markets.
Community networks can provide farmers with access to knowledge and skills, as well as
support during difficult times.
 Market networks connect farmers to buyers and sellers, allowing them to sell their
products and purchase inputs. Building strong community and market networks is
essential for the success of a farming system.
Cultural and Social Practices: Cultural and social practices play an important role in shaping
farming systems.
 They can influence what crops are grown, how they are grown, and how resources are
managed. For example, traditional farming practices may dictate the use of certain crops,
tools, or techniques.
 Social practices, such as gender roles, can also influence farming activities.
Understanding and respecting cultural and social practices is crucial for building
sustainable farming systems that are socially and culturally appropriate.
D. Economic Components: The economic components of a farming system, including
inputs and outputs, farm management practices, and financial and economic institutions.
Marketing: Marketing is an essential component of farming systems because it involves the sale
of agricultural products.
 The scope of marketing in farming systems includes product pricing, market analysis,
market access, and market development.
Inputs and Outputs: The inputs and outputs of a farming system refer to the resources and
products that are involved in the production process.
 Inputs include things like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and labor, while outputs include
crops, livestock, and other products.
 Farmers need to carefully manage their inputs and outputs to ensure that they are using
their resources effectively and efficiently. This includes optimizing the use of inputs such
as fertilizers and pesticides to minimize waste and reduce costs, while also maximizing
crop yields and quality.
Farm Business Management Practices: Farm business management involves the planning,
organization, and management of farm operations to ensure profitability and sustainability.
 The scope of farm business management in farming systems includes financial
management, risk management, and farm succession planning.
 Farm management practices refer to the strategies and techniques that farmers use to
manage their resources effectively. This includes everything from soil conservation and
crop rotation to animal husbandry and pest control.
 Effective farm management practices are critical to the success and sustainability of a
farming system.
 Farmers need to be able to make informed decisions about how to manage their
resources, balancing the need for productivity and profitability with the need to protect
the environment and maintain the long-term health of their land and animals.
 A successful farming system requires the integration and effective management of these
components to achieve the desired production goals while ensuring sustainability.
Financial and Economic Institutions: Financial and economic institutions play a crucial role in
the success of farming systems. These institutions include banks, credit unions, and other
financial organizations that provide loans and other financial products to farmers.
 Access to credit and other financial products is essential for farmers to purchase inputs
and equipment, manage risks, and invest in their businesses.
 In addition, farmers need access to markets and other economic opportunities to sell their
products and generate income. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in
alternative economic models for farming systems, such as community-supported
agriculture (CSA) and direct marketing.
 These models prioritize local economies and direct relationships between farmers and
consumers, bypassing traditional intermediaries and reducing the environmental impact
of long-distance transportation.
E. Environmental Components: Farming systems are complex and dynamic, comprising
multiple components that interact with one another. One crucial aspect is the environment
in which farming activities take place.
 Environmental components refer to the natural resources, such as air, water, and soil,
and the ecosystem services that they provide. Additionally, climate and weather patterns
play a crucial role in agricultural production, as they affect crop growth and development.
 Biodiversity is an essential component of the environment, which includes the variety of
living organisms and their interactions. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in ecosystem
services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. Therefore, maintaining
biodiversity is crucial for ensuring sustainable agricultural production. One way to
promote biodiversity in farming systems is by adopting agro-ecological practices, such as
crop rotations, intercropping, and the use of cover crops.
 Climate and weather patterns are critical factors in agricultural production, as they
affect crop growth, development, and yield. For example, excessive rainfall can lead to
soil erosion and nutrient loss, while drought can lead to crop failure. Climate change has
also become a significant concern for farmers, as it is leading to changes in weather
patterns, such as increased frequency and intensity of droughts, floods, and heat waves.
To mitigate these impacts, farmers can adopt climate-smart agriculture practices, such as
conservation agriculture, agro-forestry, and water harvesting.
  Environmental impacts of farming activities can also affect the surrounding
ecosystems. For instance, excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can lead to water
pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. To minimize these impacts, farmers can
adopt practices that promote sustainable land use, such as integrated pest management,
organic farming, and conservation tillage.
Maintenance of Farming System Components: To maintain the various components of a
farming system, farmers need to adopt sustainable farming practices that ensure the efficient use
of resources, minimize waste, and protect the environment. This includes practices such as crop
rotation, intercropping, conservation tillage, and the use of organic fertilizers.
 Plant Interactions:
 Interactions between component crops: In intensive cropping, crops are grown in
association (intercropping) or in sequence (sequential cropping). In such situations there
is possibility of interaction between the component crops. The interaction is mainly due
to response of one species to the environment as modified by the presence of other
species. Interaction may be competitive or non-competitive or complementary.
 Interactions in intercropping
1. Light
2. Moisture and Nutrients
3. Allelopathy
4. Annidation
 Interactions in Sequence Cropping:
1. Competition for light, water and nutrients as in mixed crop communities does not
occur when sole crops are grown in sequence.
2. It occurs only in relay cropping where there is a short span of overlapping between
two crops in a sequence and the relay crop experiences the shortage of light.
3. Crops are raised one after another to keep the land occupied by the crop for longer
period.
4. If the crop development is slow, much of the solar radiation reaches the ground,
favouring weed growth and increasing evaporation losses from the soil surface.
Management of Intercropping Systems
 Seed bed
  Varieties
 Fertilizer applications
 Sowing
 Water requirement
 Weed management
 Pest and diseases
 Harvesting
1. Seedbed preparation for different crops varies depending on the crop. Deep rooted crops
respond to deep ploughing while for most of the cereals shallow tillage is sufficient. The
crops with small seed require fine seedbed. Certain crops like cotton arid maize are
planted on ridges, while most of the other crops are grown on flat seedbed. Since more
than one crop is involved in intercropping, the seedbed preparation is generally done as
per the needs of base crop.
2. Varieties: The varieties of component crops selected for intercropping system should be
less competing with the base crop and the peak nutrient demand period should be
different from the base crop. The difference in duration between the components in
intercropping should be a minimum period of 30 days. The short duration sorghum
hybrids like CSH-6, CSH-9 are suitable for intercropping with long duration red gram
varieties like C 11 and LRG 30 because of wider gap between maturity periods.
3. Sowing: Sowing practices are slightly altered to accommodate intercrop in such a way
that it causes less competition to the base crop. Sowing of base crop is done either as
paired row, paired wider row or skip-row planting. The sowing of base crop and intercrop
is also done in fixed ratios.
4. Fertilizer Application: The amount of nutrients present in the component crops
indicates the requirement of fertilizers for the intercropping system. The nutrient uptake
is generally more in intercropping system compared to pure crops. When legumes are
associated with cereal crop in intercropping system, a portion of nitrogen requirement of
cereal is supplemented by the legume.
5. Water Requirement: Intercropping systems are generally recommended for rainfed
crops to get stable yields. The total water used in intercropping system is almost the same
 as for sole crops, but yields are increased. Thus water-use efficiency of intercropping is
higher than sole crops.
6. Weed Management: Weed problem is less in intercropping system compared to their
sole crops. The higher plant population and complete covering of the soil earlier in
intercropping system reduce weed infestation. In late maturing crops that are planted on
wide rows, presence of early maturing crops helps to cover the vacant inter row space and
keep weeds under check.
7. Pests and Diseases: Pests and diseases are believed to be less in intercropping system
due to crop diversity than in sole crops. Some plant combinations may enhance soil
fungistasis and antibiosis through indirect effects on soil organic matter content. The
spread of the disease is altered by the presence of different crops. Little leaf of brinjal is
less when brinjal is sheltered by maize or sorghum.
Management of sequential cropping Systems
 Seed bed
 Sowing
 Varieties
 Fertilizer applications
 Soil Supplying power
 Nutrient Uptake by Crops
 Residual Effect of fertilizer
 Legume effect
 Crop residues
 Efficiency of crops
 Water requirement
 Weed management
 Pest and diseases
 Harvesting
In the integrated farming system, it is always emphasized to combine cropping with other
enterprises / activities, many enterprises are available and these includes cattle maintenance
sheep or goat rearing, poultry, piggery, rabbit rearing, bee keeping etc. Any one or more can be
combined with the cropping.
Cattle Maintenance:
1. Draft breeds
2. Dairy breeds
3. Dual purpose
4. Exotic breeds
1. Buffaloes: Important dairy breeds of buffalo are murrah, mehsana, zefarabadi, Godavari.
Feeding: Cattle feed generally contains fibrous coarse low nutrient straw material. Roughage is
basic for cattle ration and includes legumes non- legume hays, straw and silage of legume and
grasses. Per day requirement @ 1 kg concentrate per 2 lit of milk, green fodder (20- 30 kg),
straw 5-7 kg & water – 32 lit.
2. Sheep Rearing: Sheep are well adapted to many areas. They are excellent gleaners and make
use of much of waste feed. Consume roughage, converting a relative cheap food into a good cash
product. Housing not expensive.
Feeding: 1-2 kg of leguminous hay per day. Protein supplied through concentrate as groundnut
cake.
3. Goat Rearing: In India, activity of goat rearing under different environments. The activity is
also associated with different systems such as crop or animal based, single animal or mixed herd
small or large scale. Goat is mainly reared foe meat, milk hide and skin meat preferred in India,
A goat on hoof fetches a better price than a sheep on hoof.
Feeding: per head nutrients requirement to goat is low. Hence they are suitable for resources
poor small farmers with marginal grazing lands they eat plants and leaves of tree, which any
other animals not touch. Goat eats 4- 5 times that of body weight concentrate of maize,
groundnut cake etc. and clean and fresh water.
4. Poultry: Poultry is one of the fastest growing food industries in the world. Poultry meat
accounts for about 27% of total meat consumed worldwide poultry industry in India is relatively
a new agricultural industry. Egg production may reach up to 5000 crores and broiler meat
production 330 thousand tones (by 2000) the average global consumption is 120 eggs per person/
year and in India it is only 32- 33 eggs per capita/ year. To meet the nutritional requirement the
per capita consumption estimated at 180 eggs 9 kg meat/ year.
Feed: The feed conservation efficiency of the bird is superior to other animals. About 60 – 70 %
of the total expenditure on poultry farming is spent on the poultry feed. Hence, use of cheap and
efficient ration will give maximum profit cereals- maize, barley, oats, wheat, rice – broken
mineral/ salt – limestone, salt manganese.
5. Duck rearing: Ducks account for about 7 % of the poultry population in India. They are
popular in cereal and logged states like west Bengal. Orissa, A.P, T. Nadu, they have production
potential of about 130- 140 eggs/ bird/ year. These can rear in marshy riverside Westland. Duck
farming can be a better alternative.
Feeding: Eating fallen grains in harvested paddy fields, small fishes and other aquatic materials.
A variety of crop residues and insects in the farm.
6. Turkey rearing: Turkey is a robust bird and can be reared in humid tropics. It actively feed
on a variety of crop residues and insects in the farm.
7. Piggery: Pigs are maintained for production of pork.
8. Rabbit Rearing: In India is of recent origin though hunting of wild rabbits for meat is not
uncommon. Rabbit can be easily reared with relatively less concentrate feed with high
production rate.
9. Bee Keeping: Bee keeping is one of the most important agro- based industries which do not
required any raw material like other industries. Nectar and pollen from flower are the raw
material, which available in plenty in nature. Bee keeping can be started with a single colony.
Honey collection: Honey should have good quality. Qualities such as aroma, color, consistency
and floral sources are important. Honey is an excellent energy food with an average of about
3500 calories per kg. it is directly absorbed into the human blood stream requiring no digestion.
10. Aquaculture: Ponds serve as domestic requirement of water, supplementary irrigation to
crop and pisciculture with the traditional management, farmer obtain hardly 300 – 400 of wild
and culture fish/ ha/ year. However, poly fish culture with the stocking density of 7500
fingerlings and supplementary feeding will boost the total biomass production.
Species: Cattle, Rohu, Common carp, Silver carp and grass carp (feed on aquatic plants).
Management: Pond depth – 1.5- 2.0 m, water should be slightly alkaline, PH- 7.5- 8.5. If the PH
less than 6.5, it can be adjusted with addition of lime, higher PH (> 8.5) can be reduced with
addition of Gypsum. Application of fresh dung may also reduce high PH in the water.
The fish are to be nourished with supplementary feeding with rice bran and oilseed cakes.
This will enable faster growth and better yield. Each variety of crops stocked to 500 fingerlings
with the total of 5000- 8000/ ha. This gives 2000 to 5000 kg/ha of fish annually.
11. Sericulture: Definition: The keeping of silk moths and their larvae for the production of silk
or Seri culture is defined as a practice of combining mulberry cultivation; silkworm rearing and
silk reeling. Sericulture is a recognized practice in India. The total area under mulberry is 240
thousand ha in the country. It plays an important role in in socio- economic development of rural
poor in some areas. Climate condition favorable for mulberry and rearing of silk worms
throughout the year. Karnataka is the major silk producing state in India (temp 21 to 30 o C), in
Kashmir climate suit from May to October.
Moriculture: Cultivation of mulberry plants is called as Moriculture. The crop yield well for 12
years. Yield of mulberry leaves is 30- 40 t/ ha/ year.
Rearing: eggs are allowed to be laid over a cardboard. In Bamboo tray rice husk is spread.
Tender chopped mulberry leaves are added to the tray. The hatched out larvae are transferred to
the leaves it is important to change the leaves every 2 – 3 hours during the first 2 – 3 days. The
cocoon constructed with silk. The cocoons required for further rearing are kept separately and
moths are allowed to emerge from them.
12. Mushroom Cultivation: Mushroom is an edible fungi great diversity in shape, size and
colour. Essentially mushroom is a vegetable that is a cultivated that is cultivated in protected
farms in a highly sanitized atmosphere; mushroom contains 90 % moisture with in quality
protein, fairly good source of vitamin C and B complex. It is rich source of mineral like ca, P, K
& Cu. They contain less of fat and CHO and are considered good for diabetic and blood pressure
patients.
Varieties: 1) Oyster mushroom 2)n Paddy straw mushroom-volvarilla volvacea 3) White button
mushroom- Agaricus gisporus ( var, A-11, Horst V3).
13. Biogas Plant: Biogas is a clean, unpolluted and cheap source of energy, which can be
obtained by a simple mechanism and little investment. The gas is generated from the cow dung
during anaerobic decomposition. Biogas generation is a complex bio- chemical process,
celluloytic material are broken down in methane and CO 2 by different group of micro- organism.
It can be used for cooking purpose, burning lamps, etc. Biogas near to kitchen & cattle shed to
reduce cost of gas transfer and cow dung transport, sunlight is important for temperature.
Biogas slurry: slurry is obtained after the production of biogas. It is enriched manure; another
positive aspect of this manure is that even after weeks of exposure to the atmosphere the slurry
does not attract fleas and worms. Dry slurry contains about 1.8 % N, 1.10 %P& 1.50% K.