Feasibility of Different Farming Systems for Different Agro-Climatic Zones

• Introduction
• India has a wide diversity in climate, soil, topography, and cropping patterns, which gives rise to distinct agro-climatic zones (ACZs). Each zone has unique potentials and limitations, making certain farming systems more feasible and sustainable than others.
• The selection of a suitable farming system depends on the local resources, climate, market opportunities, and socio-economic conditions of farmers. Integrating compatible enterprises such as crops, livestock, horticulture, fishery, and agroforestry helps in maximizing resource use efficiency and improving livelihood security.

Concept of Agro-Climatic Zoning

• An agro-climatic zone refers to a region having similar climatic conditions, soil characteristics, and cropping patterns, which determine the agricultural potential and farming system best suited for it.
• The Planning Commission (1989) divided India into 15 agro-climatic regions, while the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) delineated 20 agro-ecological regions further subdivided into 60 sub-regions.

Key Factors Determining Feasibility

The feasibility of farming systems in various agro-climatic zones depends on:

1. Climatic Factors
   • Rainfall distribution and amount
   • Temperature range and growing period
   • Evapotranspiration rate and humidity
2. Soil and Land Factors
   • Soil type, fertility, pH, drainage, and depth
   • Slope and topography
   • Land capability and suitability for irrigation
3. Water Availability
   • Source and reliability of irrigation
   • Groundwater potential
   • Rainwater harvesting feasibility
4. Socio-Economic Factors
   • Size of landholding
   • Availability of labour and capital
   • Market access and infrastructure
   • Farmers’ traditional knowledge and skill base
5. Institutional and Technological Factors
   • Access to extension services and input supply
   • Mechanization level and credit facilities
   • Research support and government policies

Feasibility of Farming Systems in Major Agro-Climatic Zones of India

Examples of Zone-Specific Integrated Systems

• Rice–Fish–Duck System: Common in coastal areas of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam.
• Agro-Horticultural–Silvipastoral System: Feasible in dryland areas of Rajasthan and M.P.
• Coconut–Banana–Vegetable–Fish System: Practiced in Kerala’s coastal belts.
• Maize–Dairy–Horticulture System: Adopted in hilly states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
• Crop–Livestock–Poultry–Sericulture System: Popular in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Feasibility Assessment Parameters

When assessing feasibility, consider:

1. Economic feasibility – profitability and market access
2. Technical feasibility – compatibility of enterprises
3. Environmental feasibility – soil, water, and biodiversity impacts
4. Social feasibility – acceptability and labor requirements
5. Institutional feasibility – availability of credit, training, and support services

Conclusion

Feasibility of farming systems varies greatly across India’s agro-climatic zones. Sustainable livelihood enhancement requires adopting location-specific integrated farming systems (IFS) that:

• Optimize the use of local resources,
• Minimize risk through diversification, and
• Enhance income, employment, and ecological balance.

A scientifically designed zone-specific integrated farming model ensures sustainability, profitability, and resilience in the face of climate variability and market fluctuations.

Key Facts

• India has 15 agro-climatic regions (Planning Commission) and 20 agro-ecological regions (NBSS&LUP).
• Over 85% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, making integrated systems more viable.
• Integrated Farming System (IFS) can enhance income by 2–3 times compared to a single enterprise.
• Rainfed areas (60% of net sown area) particularly benefit from integrated approaches combining crops, livestock, and trees.