Economic evaluation of integrated farming system in eastern Vidarbha zone

This study explores the Economic Evaluation of the Integrated Farming System in the Eastern Vidarbha Zone. Primary data was gathered from 90 farmers, with 45 farmers selected from each district, namely Nagpur and Bhandara. The four integrated farming systems were observed viz. Crop integrated farming system (IFS I), Crop + Vegetable integrated farming system (IFS II), Crop + Fruit crop integrated farming system (IFS III), and Crop + Livestock integrated farming system (IFS IV). The highest per hectare total cost was recorded in the Crop + Fruit crop system (Rs. 772,825.53), while the Crop + Livestock system followed at Rs. 678,409.75. The Crop + Fruit crop system also yielded the highest gross returns (Rs. 1,069,078.34), followed closely by the Crop + Livestock system (Rs. 1,042,461.70). However, the highest net returns were observed in the Crop + Livestock system (Rs. 363,421.95), with a B:C ratio of 1.54, indicating superior profitability compared to other systems. Additionally, the sustainability value index (SVI) revealed that the Crop + Livestock system is the most sustainable (0.72). Therefore, it is concluded that the Crop + Livestock integrated farming system is both more profitable and sustainable in the Eastern Vidarbha Zone. There is significant potential to increase farm income in the Eastern Vidarbha zone by promoting integrated farming systems that combine livestock enterprises with agronomical crops, particularly in areas with paddy-based cultivation.