Evaluation of Technological Interventions in Rainfed Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers in the Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The integration of natural resources is essential for enhancing productivity and sustainability in rainfed farming systems. Technological interventions play a vital role in improving crop yield, farm income, and employment generation under rainfed conditions. The present study evaluated the impact of technological interventions in Rainfed Integrated Farming Systems (RIFS) among small and marginal farmers in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. Farmers were categorized based on farm size and farming system components. Under rainfed conditions, crop and ruminant-based farming systems were evaluated for both small and marginal farmers. Marginal farmers adopting the Crop + Large Ruminant system recorded a 27.33% increase in main crop equivalent yield, additional net returns of ₹15,811 ha⁻¹, and 27 additional man-days of employment compared to traditional practices. Similarly, the Crop + Large Ruminant + Small Ruminant system resulted in a 58.98% increase in yield, ₹44,255 ha⁻¹ higher net returns, and 71 additional man-days of employment. Small farmers adopting the Crop + Large Ruminant system achieved a 35.76% increase in main crop equivalent yield, additional net returns of ₹26,256 ha⁻¹, and 72 additional man-days of employment. The Crop + Large Ruminant + Small Ruminant system further enhanced productivity by 61.26%, generating additional net returns of ₹39,078 ha⁻¹ and 106 additional man-days of employment. The study highlights that crop production alone is insufficient to enhance farm income under rainfed conditions. Integration of ruminant enterprises significantly improves farm productivity, profitability, and livelihood security of small and marginal farmers.