Women empowerment through innovative micro-integrated farming system model

Mokidul Islam, Samir Medhi, Utpal Barua, Bankitkupar Mukhim *

The farmers of Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya including other parts of NE Region are mostly concentrating on single enterprise-based agriculture (Complex-diverse and Risk Prone CDR) system since the Green Revolution era which leads to deterioration of soil health, increased risk of crop failure and downward tends in productivity (Rahman and Sarkar 2012).

Rapid growth of population, upward trend in income and urbanization has resulted in demand for food, while also aggravating the competition between crops and livestock (increasing cropping areas and reducing rangelands).

A systematic approach is the need for fulfilling the demand of ever-increasing population without disturbing the ecological balance. Literal meaning of integration is to combine two or more enterprises in such a way that one becomes fully a part of the other.

Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an interdependent, interrelated often interlocking production systems based on few crops, animals and related subsidiary enterprises in such a way that maximize the utilization of resources of each system and minimize the negative effect of enterprises on environment.

Biswas and Singh (2003) defined integrated farming as the integration of two or more enterprises for each farm according to the availability of resources to sustain and satisfy as many necessities of the owner as it is possible which leads to increased productivity per unit area, efficient recycling of farm wastes, better utilization of resources, generate employment, reduce the risk and ensure sustainability.

An IFS consists of a range of resource-saving practices that aim to achieve acceptable profits and high and sustained production levels, while minimizing the negative effects of intensive farming and preserving the environment (Lal and Miller 1990, Gupta et al. 2012). But the land terrain of hilly Meghalaya does not give advantage to the farmers to conquer the idea on a large scale.

Hence, the farm women innovative idea of Micro-IFS was validated by demonstration and input support of KVK Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya at Kyrdem village to mitigate the risk of climate change for doubling their income.

Methodology and KVK Interventions

The two progressive farm women viz., Mrs. Valarie Maring and Mrs. Biona Lymphuid from NICRA village Kyrdem along with KVK Ri-Bhoi have initiated to set up a Micro-Integrated Farming System model to validate by utilizing their Jalkund, poultry unit and high-tech polyhouse to counter the climate change and geographical disadvantage which turned it into an advantageous income generating opportunity.

A jalkund unit of size 5x4x2 cu. ft. with a capacity of 40,000 litres of water was demonstrated by lining the jalkund with HDPE 1000µ for effective storage of rainwater during kharif season. Fingerlings comprising of 100 numbers of Indian Major Carp (Rohu, Catla and Mrigal) was released into the jalkund unit.

A poultry shed constructed nearby with 40 numbers of dual purpose Vanaraja breed which act as a source of nutrients and biomass for fish and also helps in growth of phytoplankton and zooplankton apart from giving additional income from meat and eggs. Bhatt and Bujarbaruah, (2005) analyzed different sources of manure available in intensive integrated farming system developed in Umiam and found higher NPK, Ca and Mg in poultry manure, farmyard manure, goat manure, vermicompost, pig manure, liquid manure, cow dung, duck droppings, Azolla pinnata in the range of N (%): 0.65-5.20, P (%): 0.35-1.46, K (%): 0.18-3.60, Ca (%)- 0.75-4.15, Mg (%)- 0.07-3.96 which were recycled within the system.

Integrated farming system is based on the concept that there is no waste, and waste is only a misplaced resource which can become a valuable material for another product (Edwards et al. 1986).

Low cost polyhouse and high-tech polyhouse in convergence with district Horticulture Office, Nongpoh was also demonstrated for growing of cut flowers gerbera which has a advantageous output in the tribal areas of Ri-Bhoi district along with growing of high value vegetables like tomato, capsicum and cucumber particularly during off season for higher income based on market demand.

Judicious combination of enterprises keeping in view the environmental conditions of a locality will pay greater dividends. At the same time, it will also promote effective recycling of residues/wastes (Kumar et al. 2012).

Output/impact of micro-integrated farming system:

The result of the activities shows that a net income of Rs. 20,400, Rs. 22,300, Rs. 4,870 and Rs. 41,840 and Rs. 1,20,050 could be generated from complimenting enterprise of poultry rearing (Meat+Eggs), Fish, gerbera and high value vegetables like tomato, capsicum and cucumber cultivation giving them a total net income of Rs. 2,09,460 with profitability ratio of 4.24:1 (Table1).

With the inculcation of scientific approach like micro IFS unit of different components has not only enhanced their resource use efficiency in existing production system but also helped them to climb up a step towards sustainability of small holder family farming production system in future by mitigating its negative environmental effect through proper recycling of nutrients and resources.

The ecosystems processes function together, complementing each other as sustainable agriculture requires system approach (Singh et al. 2009) and system implies a set of agricultural activities organized while preserving land productivity and environmental quality and maintaining a desired level of biological diversity and ecological stability.

The hard work and success of these farm women has encouraged other women farmers/women SHGs in the village to replicate more with the support and guidance of KVK Ri-Bhoi. The horizontal spread to other two villages for the benefits of farming community by enhancing their income.

Table1: Economic analysis of Micro IFS:
Sl. No. Interventions Output Gross Income (Rs. /annum) Net Income(Rs. /annum) B:C ratio
1. Poultry meat Avg. weight-4.5 kg 32,400 20,400 2.7:1
2. Poultry eggs 108 nos/yr/bird 27,000 22,300 6.2:1
3. Fish 30 kg/jalkund 6000 4870 5.3:1
4. Gerbera 40 flower/plant/year 52,300 41,840 5.0:1
5. Tomato 165q/polyhouse 82,500 65,600 4.88:1
6. Capsicum, Cucumber etc. 110q/polyhouse 73,900 54,450 3.80:1
Total 2,74,100 2,09,460 4.24:1

Conclusion:

As progressive famers, they always tried to improve their knowledge, skill, attitude and were eager to know every aspect of farming from various sources, trainings, experts, department personnel etc. they eventually set a good example of improved cultivation/farming by incorporating the knowledge and own innovations in front of other farmers as an inspiration and strategy for doubling their farm income.

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CAU, Imphal.
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