14 May Integrated farming in India: scope and limitations
भारत में एकीकृत खेती: कार्यक्षेत्र और सीमाएँ Integrated farming system (IFS) involves integration of two or more enterprises with best use of available resources to satisfy maximum needs of the owner which leads to increase in productivity per unit area, efficient recycling of farm wastes, better utilization of resources, generate employment, reduce the risks and ensure sustainability (Biswas and Singh, 2003). Integrated farming system aims at maximizing yield per area per time by virtue of intensification and diversification of crops with integration of allied enterprises. It also ensures nutrient recycling within the system to economize and sustain the system and minimizes the dependence on chemical fertilizers for crop production to earn more profit and employment generation round the year (Kumar et al., 2015). IFS serves several objectives in terms of balance diet, improving the standard of living through maximizing the net return, employment round the year, minimizing the risk while keeping harmony with the environment (Mali et al., 2014). Simultaneous production of fish in ponds, with pigs, duck or chicken rearing in pens, beside or over the ponds constitutes a continuous organic fertilization of the pond by the livestock. This practice increases the efficiency of both livestock farming and fish culture through the profitable utilization of animal and feed wastes (Gill et al., 2005). Many...