Importance of Natural Farming in Integrated Farming System (IFS) Models for Small and Marginal Farmers

Small and marginal farmers are pivotal to the agricultural landscape of developing countries, comprising the majority of agricultural producers [2].These farmers often face signi icant challenges that hinder their productivity and economic stability.Limited access to essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, poses a substantial barrier [18].Additionally, many smallholders struggle with inadequate access to credit, which restricts their ability to invest in their farms and modernize their practices [4].Market opportunities are frequently limited, resulting in volatile income streams and making it dif icult for these farmers to sustain their livelihoods [9].In response to these challenges, Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) have emerged as a viable and holistic farming model.IFS integrates multiple agricultural enterprises-such as crop c u l t i v a t i o n , l i v e s t o c k r e a r i n g , a q u a c u l t u r e , a n d agroforestry-into a single system [8].This integration allows for optimized resource utilization, improved resilience against market luctuations and environmental stresses, and enhanced