Farming system options for small and marginal holdings in different topographies of Goa

A field experiment was conducted during 1998–2001 at the ICAR Research Complex for Goa, Old Goa, to evaluate suitable integrated farming systems in different topographies. The results revealed that monocropping of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and coconut (Cocos nucifera L) was not productive in comparison to improved cropping, i.e. rice-brinjal (Solarium melongena L) or coconut-forage grass combinations, respectively, and their integrated farming systems (poultry along with mushroom and dairy integration, respectively). Gross returns from lowlands predominated by rice and rice-based copping systems were relatively higher (Rs 34, 600/ha) than from uplands with cashew (Rs 31, 420/ha) or midlands and valleys with coconut (Rs 18, 370/ha). However, the net returns (Rs 25, 020/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.91) were higher with cashew system, particularly with nut shelling. Integration of mushroom and poultry production in rice and coconut systems with dairy and value addition in cashew through farming system approach resulted in gross return of Rs 98, 690/ha and net returns of Rs 48, 000/ha, although the investment cost was also enhanced substantially (Rs 50, 680/ha). Integration of dairy with coconut and forage intercropping through farming system enhanced the gross returns (Rs 94, 870/ha) and net returns (Rs 32, 335/ha) by 5 times over monocropping of coconut, indicating the superiority of the systems approach.