Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a holistic agricultural approach that combines multiple farming components—such as crops, livestock, fisheries, poultry, horticulture, agroforestry, and biogas—to create a self-sustaining and resource-efficient farming model. Integrated Farming System (IFS) enhances resource use efficiency, reduces input costs, and improves income stability for marginal farmers through the following mechanisms:

1. Enhanced Resource Use Efficiency

IFS promotes recycling of farm resources such as crop residues, animal waste, and water. For example:

• Animal dung is used for biogas and composting, reducing the need for external fertilizers.
• Wastewater from fish ponds can be used to irrigate crops, conserving water.
• Crop-livestock integration ensures continuous land use and minimizes idle time for farm assets.

Example: In the Indo-Gangetic Plains, farmers integrate rice-wheat cropping with dairy farming. Crop residues feed the cattle, and cow dung is used to produce biogas and manure, reducing both energy and fertilizer costs.

2. Reduction in Input Costs

IFS reduces dependence on external inputs by promoting:

• On-farm nutrient cycling (organic manures, vermicompost)
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through crop diversity
• Use of renewable energy (e.g., biogas from cattle dung)

Example: In rainfed regions of Karnataka, IFS models combine millets, goats, and agroforestry. Leaf litter from trees is used as mulch, goats feed on tree fodder, and their manure enhances soil fertility—reducing need for chemical inputs.

From agroecology, by integrating practices in accordance with nature, taking advantage of local inputs from the agroecosystem itself or from the surrounding environment, which reduces costs and allows not only more economic income, but also multiple personal, social and environmental benefits.

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