Farming system approaches for sustainable livelihood of small dryland holders in Karnataka.
Nagaratna Biradar, Sridhar K., Prakash Bhat, Ramesh C. R.
Author Affiliation: Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Regional Research Station, UAS, Campus, Dharwad - 580 005, India.
Range Management and Agroforestry 28 : 179-180
Abstract : This study analyses how the integration of various components especially fodder and livestock in small farms contributes to sustainable development. Data were gathered from 90 randomly selected farmers adopting various components of farming systems in 20 villages of Kalghatgi and Hubil talukas of Karnataka, India, in 2004. It was found that trench cum bunds along field boundary (82.22%) and inside the field (77.78%) was widely adopted as a soil and water conservation measure. In dry land horticulture, 81.11% of farmers cultivated sapota [Manilkara sp.] and 76.66% grew mango (Mangifera indica). Subabul [Leucaena leucocephala] (85%) and Sesbania grandiflora (80%) were extensively adopted fodder trees. Signal grass (Brachiaria sp., 16.66%), Stylosanthes hamata (23.33%), vermicompost (23.33%) and increased herd size (44.44%) had moderate adoption level. A significant increase in biomass availability and livelihood resources was recorded.