High value crop based integrated farming system model for peri-urban small farmers of semi-arid Bundelkhand region of India

Integrated Farming System (IFS) has been traditionally followed by small and marginal farmers within the semiarid Bundelkhand region of central India. However, situation specific modification should be done in the existing IFS practices for optimizing productivity, profitability, and agro-ecological advantages. The study was carried from 2014 to 2021, at Central Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, aimed to enhance productivity, profitability, employment generation, resource utilization through recycling and soil health. It focused on the integration of high-value crops, fruits, vegetables and with dairy animals, designed for periurban farmers in the Bundelkhand region. The developed one ha high-value crop-based IFS model yielded a diverse range of products, including food grains, fruits, vegetables, fodder, milk, farmyard manure (FYM) and compost. IFS model generated an annual net return of Indian Rupee146,529, benefit-cost ratio of 1.8 and provided 336 man-days of employment per year. This IFS model ensured a consistent, year-round income for farmers, with monthly earnings ranging from approximately Indian Rupee17,260 to Indian Rupee39,116. Further, the system effectively recycled 10.22 t of farm yard manure (FYM) and 3.65 t of farm compost, contributing to improved soil health and a 38% increase in soil organic carbon compared to initial levels. In conclusion, this research demonstrates that a high-value crop-based IFS model is a viable strategy for peri-urban farmers in the semi-arid Bundelkhand region, enabling the production of diverse commodities, enhancing profitability and employment opportunities and improving soil health.