Small farmers deal with meagre means and resources. Further they are caught in fragile eco systems
vulnerable to climate variances. They constantly grapple with climate and markets – both unpredictable in their own way. Being pushed into growing only cash crops, often, farmer’s own family’s well being in terms of access to balanced nutrition is given a low priority. It is always a challenge to improve small farmer livelihoods, enabling them to get better nutrition and incomes.
It is well recognised worldwide that production efficiencies based on linear models are inappropriate for agroecological farms. Agroecological models are fundamentally interconnected in terms of resource flows between components. However, we need to recognise that it is farmer who is taking the risk – constantly looking at his farm in terms of investments made and the assured returns.
An attempt has been made in this issue to illustrate how farmers could create useful linkages between components like crops and livestock, practically, to optimise resource use and get improved incomes. Also, showcased is an example of how sustainable relationships are created between different communities – pastoralists and farmers.
Hope these examples inspire farming communities to try out and development agencies to support further such initiatives. As readers and authors, you have been the driving force in helping us promote alternative approaches in a deeply positive and practical way. Please continue your exemplary support in the future too.
Wishing all our readers a very Happy New Year!
6. Chatacterization of mixed farms
11. Integrated farming in small holder farms for livelihood and nutritional secutiry
Kathiresan Ramanathan
Mawsiatkhnam KVK East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
19. In the news
22. A journey towards integrating dairy
Archana Bhatt, Raveendran and Abdulla Habeen
25. Traversing through the traditional agro-pastoral systems in India
Rituja Mitra and Sahith
28. Cactus – An emerging fodder alternative
I.I. Hugar
31. Farmer Diary
32. New Books
33. Sources
34. Farm integration returns more
J. Krishnan
