Achieving Food and Sustainable Livelihood Security and Enhancing Profitability of Small and Marginal Farm Families through Integrated Farming Systems: A Comparative Analysis

In view of the decline in per capita availability of land, it is imperative to develop farming strategies in agriculture that enable adequate employment and income generation, especially for small and marginal farm families. Who constitute the vast majority of the farming community in the India. No single farm enterprise, such as a typical mono-cropping system, is likely to be able to sustain the small-holder farm families. Integrated farming systems (IFS) are less risky if managed efficiently, as they benefit from synergisms among farm enterprises, diversity in produce, and environmental soundness. On this basis, IFS have been suggested for the development of small and marginal farms across Asia, and researchers have developed strategies which have benefited small and marginal farmers by providing additional income and generating employment round the year for whole family and minimizing risk. In this research article it found that, availability of cereals/vegetable/ fruit/ non-veg./poultry/ fish/ mushroom etc. round the year had improved economic status and standard of living for achieving food and sustainable livelihood security. Location specific IFS models had improved farmer's income and helped in increased benefit-cost ratio.