Sustainable Agriculture and Livestock Integrated Farming Systems for Small and Marginal Farmers: A Case Study of Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Indian economy heavily depends on agriculture and livestock. Integration of livestock with crop provide scope for effective utilization of byproducts which assures the profitability of the farming system. Integrated farming system approach is required to enhance the living standards of small and marginal farmers. A study was conducted on ‘Sustainable livelihoods for small and marginal farmers through agriculture and livestock activities – A study of farming systems in Kurnool district’ with an objective to identify profitable and sustainable farming systems under major farming situations of Kurnool district. The results revealed that the farming systems with one or more livestock components were found profitable. The economic sustainability of the faming systems was evolved through Sustainability Value Index (SVI). 3 out of 5 farming systems in the rainfed black soils were found sustainable. But only one farming system in rainfed red soils was found sustainable and none of the farming systems in irrigated black soils were found sustainable. The results of the study are useful for small and marginal farmers to adopt the suitable farming system.