Integrated farming systems for sustainability in coastal ecosystem

The growth rate in agriculture during the recent past is in a very slow pase in spite of the rapid economic growth in our country. The trend in productivity of major crops is either static or declining trend during the X Five-year plan. There is no scope for further increase of net sown area and the present scenario indicated a slight shift of area for other purposes like industrialization and urbanization. To sustain a positive growth rate in agriculture, a holistic approach is the need of the hour. The goal of sustainable agriculture is to conserve the natural resource base, protect the environment and enhance prosperity for a longer period. Farming systems is a set of agro-economic activities that are interrelated and interact among themselves in a particular agrarian setting. In diversified farming, though crop and other enterprises exist, the thrust is mainly to minimize the risk. While in the Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) a judicious mix of one or more enterprises along with cropping has a complimentary effect through effective recycling of wastes and crop residues and encompasses additional source of income to the farmers. IFS activity is focused round a few selected inter-dependent, inter-related and inter-linking production systems, based on crops, animals and related subsidiary professions. It is a rich source of species diversity, helps in soil building, preserve and improve ecological condition essential to long-term sustainability. It also enhances soil nutrient cycling and prevent proliferation of pests. In all the eco-systems, IFS approach with location specific models offer gainful employment and are highly profitable and sustainable. The models developed in the coastal ecosystem of Kerala are discussed. The agronomic, socioeconomic and environmental advantages of IFS are vivid and appealing. These are potentially suitable to all categories of farmers.