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Semester : I

Course No. : MDC-111 Credit Hrs. : 3(2+1)

Course Title : Farming-based Livelihood Systems

Gradial Common Course across all UG Degrees

SYLLABUS
Objectives: (i) To make the students aware about farming-based livelihood systems in Agriculture,
(ii) To disseminate the knowledge and skills that how farming-based systems can be a
source of livelihood.

THEORY
Status of Agriculture in India and different States, Income of farmers and rural people in India,
Livelihood-Definition, Concept and livelihood pattern in urban and rural areas, Different indicators to
study livelihood systems. Agricultural Livelihood Systems (ALS): Meaning, approach, approaches and
framework, Definition of farming systems and farming-based livelihood systems, Prevalent Farming
systems in India contributing to livelihood. Types of traditional and modern farming systems.
Components of farming system/ farming-based livelihood systems: Crops and cropping systems,
Livestock, (Dairy, Piggery, Goatry, Poultry, Duckry etc.), Horticultural crops, Agroforestry systems,
Aquaculture, Duck/Poultry-cum-Fish, Dairy-cum-Fish, Piggery-cum-Fish etc.; Small, medium and
large enterprises including value chains and secondary enterprises as livelihood components for
farmers, Factors affecting integration of various enterprises of farming for livelihood. Feasibility of
different farming systems for different agro-climatic zones, Commercial farming-based livelihood
models by NABARD, ICAR and other organizations across the country; Case studies on different
livelihood enterprises associated with the farming. Risk and success factors in farming-based livelihood
systems, Schemes and programs by Central and State Governments; Public and Private organizations
involved in promotion of farming-based livelihood opportunities. Role of farming-based livelihood
enterprises in 21st Century in view of circular economy, green economy, climate change, digitalization
and changing life style.

PRACTICAL
Survey of farming systems and agriculture-based livelihood enterprises, Study of components of
important farming-based livelihood models/systems in different agro-climatic zones, Study of
production and profitability of crop based, livestock based, processing-based and integrated farming-

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 based livelihood models, Field Visit of innovative farming system models. Visit of Agri-based
enterprises and their functional aspects for integration of production, processing and distribution
sectors and Study of agri-enterprises involved in industry and service sectors (Value Chain Models),
Learning about concept of project formulation on farming-based livelihood systems along with cost
and profit analysis, Case study of Start-Ups in agri-sectors.

THEORY [MDC-111]
Lecture Weightage
Topic Sub-topics/ Key Points
No. (%)
Status of Agriculture in Historical background, Current status,
1 4
India Role of Agriculture in Indian Economy
Status of Agriculture in State-wise scenario, Major crops,
2 4
Different States Regional diversity
Income of Farmers and Factors affecting income, Rural-urban
3 4
Rural People in India income gap, Government initiatives
Livelihood: Definition,
Livelihood- Definition and its Concept,
Concept, and livelihood
4 Urban vs Rural livelihood patterns, 4
Patterns in urban and rural
Sources of income
areas
Economic, Social and Environmental
Different Indicators to
5 indicators, Measuring livelihood 4
Study Livelihood Systems
resilience
Agricultural Livelihood
Definition, Significance of ALS,
6 Systems (ALS): Meaning 4
Integrated farming systems, Approaches
and Approaches
ALS Framework and Case Framework for ALS, Case
7 4
studies studies in India
Definition of Farming
Definition and Role of farming systems
8 Systems and farming based 4
in rural livelihoods, Examples of systems
Livelihood Systems
Prevalent Farming Systems
Traditional vs. Modern farming systems,
9 in India contributing to 4
Regional differences
livelihood
Types of Traditional and Types; Differences; Strengths,
10 4
Modern Farming Systems Limitations, Case studies
Components of farming
Components, Crop diversification,
system/farming-based
11 Cropping pattern, Mixed cropping, 4
livelihood systems - Crops
Importance for rural livelihoods
and Cropping Systems

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 Livestock-based Farming Importance and Management of dairy,
12 4
Systems piggery, poultry, goatry, duckry, etc.
Horticultural Crops and Role of fruits, vegetables and spices in
13 4
Livelihoods rural income generation
Agroforestry- Definition, Combining
14 Agroforestry Systems trees and crops, Agroforestry models in 2
India
Importance of Aquaculture, Integrated
Aquaculture as a Livelihood
15 systems (e.g. Duck/Poultry-cum-Fish, 4
System
Dairy-cum-Fish, Piggery-cum-Fish etc.)
Challenges in Feasibility, Government support and
16 2
Aquaculturebased Systems Market access
Continued….

Small Enterprises in Role of small enterprises, Value addition,

17 2
Farming Local processing
Value chains, Secondary enterprises as
Medium and Large
18 livelihood components for farmers, Agri- 2
Enterprises in Farming
processing.
Factors affecting Integration
Technology, Market access, Credit and
19 of various enterprises of 4
infrastructure challenges etc.
farming for livelihood
Strategies for Enterprise Successful integration,
20 2
Integration Government policies, Examples.
Overview of Agro-Climatic Characteristics of different zones and
21 2
Zones in India their agricultural potential.
Feasibility of different
Farming Systems for Suitable farming systems for different
22 2
different Agro-Climatic zones, Climate adaptation.
Zones
Commercial Farming Based
Livelihood Models by Role of NABARD, ICAR and other
23 NABARD, ICAR and other Organizations in promoting commercial 4
organizations across the models, Successful cases.
country
Case studies on different
Analysis of successful enterprises, Dairy
24 Livelihood Enterprises 4
Cooperatives etc.
associated with farming
Risk Factors in Climate, Market fluctuations, Input costs;
25 Farmingbased Livelihood Mitigation strategies etc. 4
Systems

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 Success Factors in Innovation, Market access, Government
26 Farmingbased Livelihood support, Social capital etc. 2
Systems

Schemes and Programmes Overview of schemes like, PM-KISAN,

27 2
by the Central Government National Rural Livelihood Mission.

Schemes and programmes State-specific programs promoting rural

28 2
by State Governments livelihoods, Case examples.
Role of Private Sector in Public-Private Partnerships, Role
29 2
Livelihood Promotion of private agribusiness.
Public-Private Partnerships Successful collaborations in rural
30 2
in Agriculture development and farming systems
Farming-based Livelihoods Circular economy, Green economy,
31 2
in the 21st Century Climate change, Sustainability.
Impact of Digitalization and Technology in Agriculture,
32 2
Changing Lifestyles Future prospects for rural livelihoods.
Total = 100

PRACTICAL [MDC-111]

Exercise
Exercise Topic Exercise Sub-topics
No.
Survey of Farming Systems and Methods of data collection;
1 Agriculture-based Livelihood Field survey techniques;
Enterprises Preparing reports on surveyed farms.
Study of Components of
Farming-based Livelihood Components: Crop, livestock, fishery, agroforestry;
2
Models in Different Agro- Identifying models suited to specific zones.
Climatic Zones
Study of Production and
Analysis of input-output relations;
3 Profitability of Crop-based
Identifying profitable crops
Models
Study of Livestock-based Models Livestock systems: Dairy, poultry, goat farming;
4
Profitability and market access
Study of Processing-based Value addition in agriculture;
5
Models Studying small-scale food processing units

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 Study of Integrated Study of crop-livestock-aquaculture integration;
6
Farmingbased Models Synergies and challenges
Field Visit to Innovative Visit to farms using modern technologies;
7
Farming System Models Documenting practices
Enterprises involved in input supply or value
8 Visit to Agri-based Enterprises
addition
Study of Functional Aspects:
Backward and forward linkages; Assessing supply
9 Integration of Production,
chain models
Processing and Distribution
Agri-Enterprises in Industry and
Studying value chain enterprises; Evaluating
10 Service Sectors (Value Chain
sustainability models
Models)
Concept of Project Formulation
Identifying project objectives;
11 on Farming-based Livelihood
Structuring budgets and timelines
Systems
Cost and Profit Analysis of
Developing Cost-Benefit analysis; Identifying
12 Farming-based Livelihood
Break-Even points
Projects
Case Study of Start-ups in Analysing real-world Start-ups;
13
Agrisectors Identifying success factors
Group Project: Develop a
Formulating a working model;
14 Farming-based Livelihood
Feasibility and sustainability analysis
Model
Preparation of Report on
Compiling field data;
15 Farming Systems Survey and
Preparing reports with recommendations
Livelihood Models
Presentation and Evaluation of Group presentations;
16
Practical Project Reports Internal assessment of reports and participation

Suggested Readings (MDC-111):

1. Ashley, C., & Carney, D. (1999). Sustainable Livelihoods: Lessons from Early Experience.
Department for International Development, London, UK.
o Relevance: This book explores sustainable livelihood frameworks, which are key to
understanding livelihood patterns and rural income systems.
2. Agarwal, A., & Narain, S. (1989). Towards Green Villages: A Strategy for Environmentally
Sound and Participatory Rural Development. Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi,
India. o Relevance: Provides strategies for participatory rural development, focusing on environmental
sustainability—a core concept in farming systems.
3. Carloni, A. (2001). Global Farming Systems Study: Challenges and Priorities to 2030 –
Regional Analysis: Sub-Saharan Africa. FAO, Rome, Italy.

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 o Relevance: Offers insights into global farming system challenges, with lessons that can be
adapted for Indian contexts in agricultural development.
4. Dixon, J., Gulliver, A., & Gibbon, D. (2001). Farming Systems and Poverty:
Improving Farmers’ Livelihoods in a Changing World. FAO & World Bank, Rome &
Washington, DC.
o Relevance: Focuses on farming systems' role in poverty alleviation and rural livelihood
improvement.
5. Evenson, R.E. (2000). Agricultural Productivity and Production in Developing Countries. In
FAO, The State of Food and Agriculture. FAO, Rome, Italy.
o Relevance: Discusses agricultural productivity, a critical factor in sustainable farming and
improved livelihoods.
6. Bhatt, B.P., et al. (ICAR Research Complex for Eastern Region). Livelihood Improvement
of Underprivileged Farming Community: Experiences from Bihar. Patna, Bihar.
o Relevance: Case studies on improving livelihoods in rural India, relevant to learning about
region-specific agricultural interventions.
7. Panwar et al. (2020). Integrated Farming System Models for Agricultural Diversification,
Enhanced Income, and Employment. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.
o Relevance: Provides models for agricultural diversification and income enhancement, which
align with farming system topics.
8. Reddy, S.R. (2016). Farming System and Sustainable Agriculture. Kalyani Publishers, New
Delhi.
o Relevance: Covers sustainable agriculture principles and farming system models, essential for
sustainable livelihood systems.
9. Singh, J.P. et al. (2015). Region Specific Integrated Farming System Models. ICARIndian
Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram.
o Relevance: Discusses integrated farming models tailored to different agro-climatic regions of
India, essential for practical learning.
10. Walia, S.S., & Walia, U.S. (2020). Farming System and Sustainable Agriculture. Scientific
Publishers, Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
o Relevance: Provides insights into sustainable agricultural practices and integrated farming
systems with regional focus.

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