A study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of predominant Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) in the coastal region of Odisha, India. Odisha being a coastal state in eastern India is the most disaster-vulnerable state in India where conventional farming practices are still being practiced. To enhance the food security and livelihoods of farmers, especially small and marginal farmers, IFS is being encouraged as a sustainable agricultural system that aims to increase productivity, reduce risk, and promote resilience in the face of disasters. Integrated Farming Systems involve the integration of various agricultural components, such as crops, livestock, fishery, and other allied activities, to enhance productivity, sustainability, and income generation. The study employed a combination of surveys, interviews, and field observations to collect data from a representative sample of farmers in the coastal region. Information was gathered on the types of farming systems practiced, the components integrated, and the extent of adoption among farmers. Preliminary findings indicate that the coastal region of Odisha has a significant presence of integrated farming practices. The predominant IFS observed include combinations of (Crop + Livestock), (Crop + Poultry), (Crop + Livestock + Poultry), (Crop + Livestock + Resource Generating), (Crop + Livestock + Fishery), and (Crop + Livestock + Fishery + Mushroom + Resource Generating) systems where FS IV generated high returns and FS-II was least profitable among 6 enterprises. The findings underscore the importance of IFS as a viable and sustainable farming strategy, contributing to increased agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods.

IFS, BCR, Predominant, Employment

The purpose of this study was to analyze the predominant Integrated Farming Systems practiced in Coastal Odisha. Efforts were made to systematically collate the data and analyze the share of each component in different farming systems. Preliminary findings indicate that IFS implementation in the coastal district of Odisha has demonstrated major economic outcomes from various farming systems. Out of numerous farming systems practiced only six (FS-I, FS-II, FS-III, FS-IV, FS-V and FS-VI) were selected which were more sustainable and economically viable farming systems, capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change, resource limitations, and market dynamics in Odisha conditions. The study suggests that the adoption of IFS (FS-IV, FS-III and FS-VI) can have a significant increase in farm income and can promote resilience in the face of disasters and climate change. Therefore, there is a need for policymakers to promote IFS and provide the necessary support to farmers to adopt this sustainable and resilient agricultural approach.

Subrat Pattanaik, Khitish Sarangi, Sarbanarayan Mishra, Abhiram Dash and Arati Priyadarshini (2022). A Study on Prevalence of Predominant Integrated Farming Systems in Coastal Odisha. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4a): 729-732.