Economic evaluation of Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) in Jagtial district of Telangana

The study was initiated during 2019-20 to evaluate the economic viability, input utilization patterns and constraints of major Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) in the Jagtial district of Telangana. Using a cluster sampling technique, two mandals and four villages were purposively selected and a random sampling technique was employed to choose 120 farmers for the study. Data was analyzed using tabular analysis, financial analytical tools and Garrett ranking techniques. The findings revealed that the Crop + Dairy + Small Ruminants system was the most profitable and financially feasible, with a net returns of Rs 120004 and return per rupee of investment of 1.77. The integration of two buffaloes, three sheep and one goat with crops emerged as the optimal module for maximizing farm returns. It was followed by the crop + dairy system with net returns of of Rs 100427.86 and the return per rupee spent rose to 1.69. It was also found that small ruminant’s enterprise was highly profitable as indicated by Net present value of 3.21 and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 220.02. The garrette ranking technique identified non-availability of labour in peak time for crop production as a significant challenge for most farmers The results emphasize the importance of promoting integrated farming systems among farmers through strengthened extension efforts. Recommendations include adopting the crop + dairy + small ruminants module to enhance income generation and sustainability. This study contributes to understanding IFS role in increasing farmers' incomes and achieving agricultural sustainability in the study area.