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 semi- arid 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 peri- urban 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 ₹146,529, 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 ₹17,260 to ₹39,116. 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.