Livestock based integrated farming system improved livelihood and nutritional security round the year for rural farm women.

Introduction

Agnes aged 46 years, resident of Lam, phou Pasna village, Chandel District, is a farmer who owned a land covering an area of 1 (one) hectare, was practising subsistence farming for her livelihood. As the farmer depend on agriculture requires lot of man-power and energy but even after this hard work, She is not in a position to earn for her livelihood, being small farmer, there is very little left after paying for all inputs but after attending the training programmes and different interventions by ICAR-KVK Chandel she has started following the scientific methods of cultivations which helped her in better production and productivity and also under Doubling Farmers Income programme, the scientists of ICAR-KVK Chandel organised different trainings on rearing and management of improve breeds of piggery and poultry birds and Livestock based Integrated Farming System, she adopted the technology of Integrated Farming System in her farm by growing Agri-Horti-Piggery-Goatery -Poultry-Fishery based farming system in order to maximize farm productivity for enhancing his livelihood.

Integrated farming components

Integration of livestock (pig, goat, poultry) with crop production for enhanching and Recycling of farm waste such as animal dung for manure and compost preparation. Inclusion of fish farming and cultivation of maize HQPM, banana and other vegetale as cabbage, beans, carrot etc for nutritional security.

Capacity building and training

On-campus and off-campus training programmes were conducted on scientific livestock rearing, feeding, breeding, and disease management. Demonstrations on improved housing, vaccination, and biosecurity measures were provide

A successful farm woman after KVK intervention

Mrs. Agnes is very sincere hard working womanand attended several nos of training on livestock and poultry farming. As she need financial support for expansion of her farm size for better income in order to run her family smoothly. KVK provided critical inputs such as: Improved breed piglets, goat kids, and poultry chicks., Vaccine, mineral mixtures, and feed supplements. The technology demonstrated are Agri-Horti-Piggery-poultry -Duckery-goater based Farming system.

Components in detail 1. Livestock-Piggery farming: A low cost piggery unit with 4 pigs (Three female and one male). 2. Poultry cum fish farming: A total of 50 poultry Srinidhi birds are reared near one pond. 3. Livestock-Goatery farming: Semi intensive goatery farming (Three female and one male).

4. Duckery based farming system: Total area of 50 white pekin ducks (40 females and 10 male) 5. Agri-Horticulture based farming system: A total area 0.50 ha area is utilized for growing Maize and Horticultural crops like, banana, beans, cabbage, carrot, etc.

Brief on Performance of Technological Intervention (Result)

The technology intervened by the KVK Chandel to the farmer about the Integrated Farming System where livestock like piggery, poultry and goatery was included in cereals, and vegetables based farming system. The new method of cropping system and integrated farming system has enabled to develop a framework for an alternative development model to improve the feasibility of small sized farming operations in relation to larger ones. Also starts producing higher yield with better production of crops and livestock.

The outcome of the performance of technology interventions are given below:

Result and Discussion

Outcome of the components in detail 1. Livestock-Piggery farming: A low cost piggery unit with 4 pigs (Three female and one male) are reared. In a year she got around Rs.134, 000 from selling piglet from 3 sow on an average of 8 piglets per sow @ Rs 5500 per piglets. 2. Poultry cum fish farming: A total of 50 poultry are reared near one pond. He could get around rs. 72500 from selling of fish and poultry birds apart from using the pond water as live saving irrigation for winter crops. 3. Goatery based farming system: A total of 5nos of Black Bengal goat (4:1) are reared near one pond. She could get around rs. 71080 from selling of 3 adult goats and 4 kids after attaining one year.she further kept one adult male and one female goat.

Duckery based farming system. A total of 50 White

Pekin ducklings are reared and after attaining 4 months she could get around rs. 48000 from selling adult ducks for meat purpose. 5. Agri -Horti based farming system: Around 0.75 ha area are utilized for growing Maize and Horticultural crops like, banana, beans and king chilies, cabbage, carrot, etc. Around 150000/-from selling these Horticultural products.

Data Collection

Data were collected before and after intervention using structured questionnaires and personal interviews. The parameters recorded included:  Cost of cultivation and livestock rearing  Gross and net returns  Productivity of crops and livestock  Household nutritional status (milk, meat, egg consumption) The semi-intensive system combines the advantages of both intensive and extensive systems. Animals are partly confined and partly allowed to graze or scavenge, ensuring better productivity with reduced input cost.

Livestock and poultry management

All the animals and poultry birds were Provided wellventilated, clean, and dry housing and proper feeding and management for pigs, goats and poultry.in case of goats allow for Grazing for 6 hours daily on pasture specially for goats. Supplement with concentrate feed, especially for pregnant and lactating goats. Provided green fodder, dry fodder, and mineral mixture during the whole study period.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Clean sheds, feeders, and drinkers regularly. Use disinfectants to maintain hygiene. In poultry, follow all-in all-out system to break disease cycles. Effective health care management of livestock and poultry relies on a combination of preventive practices, good nutrition, proper housing, and strict biosecurity. These practices not only Reduce disease incidence but also enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of farming systems, especially for small and marginal farmers.

Method of Analysis

The collected data were analyzed using simple statistical tools:  Calculation of Gross Cost, Gross Return, and Net Return  Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio  Comparative analysis between pre-and postintervention situations

Conclusion

Piggery, goatery, and poultry rearing under a semi-intensive system provide a reliable and continuous source of income for rural farm women throughout the year. These enterprises have short production cycles, require relatively low initial investment, and can be managed alongside household responsibilities. Pigs generate quick returns through rapid growth and high market demand, goats act as a "living bank" that can be sold during financial needs, and poultry ensures frequent income through regular sale of eggs and birds. The integration of these livestock components ensures cash flow at different intervals, reducing economic risk and dependency on seasonal crops. Moreover, the use of locally available feed resources, kitchen waste, and farm byproducts lowers production costs and increases profitability.

Beyond income, these activities also enhance household nutrition by providing meat and eggs, and empower rural women by improving their decision-making capacity and financial independence. Overall, pig, goat, and poultry rearing play a vital role in strengthening livelihood security, promoting self-employment, and ensuring sustainable, round-the-year income generation for rural farm women.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementAuthor is highly thankful to Director ICAR Barapani, Director ATARI Zone VII and HORC, ICAR Manipur Centre for financial support for carrying TSP Programme.

References

1. Etarwa JP, Yadav RK, Ram B, Singh M, Dhaka BL, Singh P. Livelihood security through integrated farming systems: A novel approach. Indian Farming. 2023;73(4):6-8.
2. Gupta G, Palsaniya DR, Manjangouda SS, Upadhyay D, Suman M, Chand K. Livestock based integrated farming system. Indian Farming. 2020;70(6).