Promoting livelihood improvements means improving crop yields and crop production practices. For this, generation of locally relevant farming alternatives is necessary. An account of the major activities undertaken is given here.

Towards Integrated Farming Systems

Objectives: Ensure more biomass output; increase bio-diversity; increase food security; introduce tree crops; rationalise labour and energy use; introduce value addition, post harvest practices; and Natural resources management.

This programme covers a smaller number of farmers. These farmers, having been guided on ecofriendly agriculture for the last few years are in a position to move towards integrated farming systems. Thus, they were selected based on their experience and keenness to move from single crop and mixed cropping systems to integrated farming.

Beginning with selection, benchmark study to assess the present situation, the farmers are being guided to integrate gradually various components of the farming system. Presently, these farmers are involved in biomass plantation on the bunds after selecting suitable species for dry land situations.