Characterizing the diversity of tribal farming systems for preparing the apt interventions: A case study of the Western Himalayan Region

Smallholding farmers’ responses to integrated farming systems interventions were diverse due to their heterogeneous nature. To achieve the desired impact on productivity, profitability, and sustainability of tribal farming systems, there is an urgent need to understand the heterogeneity and classify them into homogenous groups. In the present study, the diversity of tribal farms was assessed using crop, livestock, and income-related characteristics. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis for 100 farm households, 4 farm types were identified i.e. crop (rice-wheat) intensive farming system (26%), crop + dairy + off farm-based farming system (7%), resource- efficient, crop cum dairy based farming system (30%), off-farm dependent resource-poor farming system (35%). The findings of the study provide insights for planning appropriate integrated farming systems for nutrition security and sustainability.