Case Studies on Different Livelihood Enterprises Associated with Farming

• Introduction; Livelihood enterprises associated with farming are diversified income-generating activities that integrate agriculture with allied sectors such as livestock, horticulture, aquaculture, agro-forestry, value addition, and agri-enterprises.
• Such enterprises strengthen the economic resilience of small and marginal farmers, promote employment generation, and ensure sustainable rural development.

Objectives of Livelihood-Based Enterprises

• To diversify income sources and reduce dependence on a single crop.
• To ensure round-the-year employment for rural households.
• To utilize farm by-products and wastes efficiently.
• To promote climate-resilient and resource-efficient farming systems.
• To develop entrepreneurial skills among farmers and rural youth.

1. Integrated Farming System (IFS) Model – ICAR-KVK Baramati, Maharashtra

• Location: Baramati, Pune District, Maharashtra
• Implementing Agency: ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Baramati

Components:

• Crops: Sugarcane, vegetables, and fodder
• Dairy: 5 crossbred cows
• Biogas plant (for energy and organic slurry)
• Poultry (broiler and layer units)
• Vermicomposting unit

Outcome:

• Annual gross income: ₹6.5 lakh/ha
• Net return: ₹3.2 lakh/ha
• Employment generation: 450–500 man-days/year
• Use of biogas and organic manure reduced chemical input cost by 30%

Fact: ICAR reported that IFS can increase farm income by 2.5–3 times compared to monocropping systems.

2. Dairy-Based Livelihood Model – NABARD’s RIDF Project, Bihar

• Location: Nalanda District, Bihar
• Implementing Agency: NABARD (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund)

Features:

• Dairy cooperatives formed under “Producer Organization” approach.
• 10–15 farmers per cluster with 4–5 crossbred cows each.
• Common milk collection center and chilling facility supported by NABARD.
• Training on clean milk production and value addition (ghee, paneer).

Outcome:

• Average milk yield: 10–12 liters/day per cow.
• Monthly income per farmer: ₹8,000–₹12,000.
• Women’s participation: 60%.

Fact: According to NABARD (2023), dairy enterprise contributes about 25% of agricultural GDP in India and provides livelihood to over 80 million rural households.

3. Horticulture-Based Livelihood Model – ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru

• Location: Bengaluru and adjoining districts, Karnataka
• Implementing Agency: ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)

Components:

• Integrated cultivation of high-value crops: tomato, capsicum, and flowers under protected structures (polyhouse).
• Use of drip irrigation, mulching, and fertigation.
• Value addition: tomato puree, flower bouquets, and nursery plants.

Outcome:

• Productivity increased by 50–60%.
• Net profit: ₹4.5–5 lakh/ha per year.
• Reduced water use by 40% through drip irrigation.

Fact: Karnataka’s horticulture sector contributes over 40% of the state’s agricultural income (Govt. of Karnataka, 2022).

4. Fishery-Based Livelihood Model – AquaOne Center by NFDB & MANAGE

• Location: West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh
• Implementing Agency: National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) & MANAGE

Components:

• Pond-based aquaculture (carp, catfish, and prawn).
• Integration with poultry (duck-cum-fish model).
• Feed formulation and fish marketing through AquaOne Center.

Outcome:

• Annual production: 5–6 tons of fish per ha.
• Net income: ₹2.5–3 lakh/ha/year.
• Reduced feed cost by 20% due to integration with poultry waste.

Fact: India ranks 3rd globally in fish production, contributing 8% of global share, and provides livelihood to 28 million people (FAO, 2023).

5. Agro-Forestry and Bee-Keeping Model – Haryana

• Location: Kurukshetra District, Haryana
• Implementing Agency: State Agroforestry Mission & ICAR-Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi

Components:

• Integration of poplar and eucalyptus trees on bunds.
• Intercropping with wheat and mustard.
• Bee-keeping units (10–20 boxes/farmer) for pollination and honey production.

Outcome:

• Honey production: 10–12 kg per colony.
• Increased crop yield by 20% due to improved pollination.
• Annual income from honey: ₹40,000–₹60,000/farmer.

Fact: India produces over 1 lakh MT of honey annually, with major production from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

6. Women-Led Livelihood Enterprise – SHG-Based Mushroom Farming (Odisha)

• Location: Ganjam District, Odisha
• Implementing Agency: Odisha Rural Development & Marketing Society (ORMAS) under NABARD Support

Components:

• Button and oyster mushroom cultivation by Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Low-cost mushroom houses and spawn production training.
• Market linkage through ORMAS fairs and exhibitions.

Outcome:

• Monthly income: ₹5,000–₹7,000 per woman.
• Empowered over 500 rural women entrepreneurs.
• High demand in local hotels and urban markets.

Fact: Mushroom cultivation requires less than 100 m² area, providing high returns in a short duration, especially beneficial for landless and women farmers.

7. Organic and Natural Farming Model – ICAR-KVK, Himachal Pradesh

• Location: Solan District, Himachal Pradesh
• Implementing Agency: ICAR–KVK Solan

Components:

• Use of biofertilizers, vermicompost, and Jeevamrit.
• Vegetable cultivation (peas, cabbage, tomato) under organic certification.
• Direct marketing through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

Outcome:

• Reduction in input cost by 25%.
• Premium price of 20–30% in local markets.
• Increased soil organic carbon from 0.45% to 0.7% in 3 years.

Fact: India ranks first globally in the number of organic producers and fifth in area under organic cultivation (APEDA, 2024).

Key Takeaways