Exercise 1: Survey of Farming Systems and Agricultural-Based Livelihood

Enterprises

Aim:
To conduct the Survey of farming systems and agricultural-based livelihood enterprises.

A. Farming Systems
Farming systems refer to the way agricultural activities are organized to maximize
production while utilizing available resources efficiently. They vary based on climate, soil,
market access and technology adoption.

Types of Farming Systems

1. Subsistence Farming
Definition: Farming primarily for household consumption with little surplus for sale.

Characteristics:

- Small landholdings

- Low input use (traditional tools, organic manure)

- Minimal mechanization

- Crop diversity for food security

Example: A farmer growing rice, vegetables, and keeping a few poultry for home
consumption.

2. Commercial Farming
Definition: Farming focused on large-scale production for market sale.

Characteristics:

- High input use (fertilizers, pesticides, improved seeds)

- Mechanized operations

- Specialization in one or a few crops (monoculture)

- Market-oriented production

Example: Large wheat farms in Punjab, India, or soybean cultivation for export.
3. Organic Farming
Definition: A farming system that avoids synthetic inputs and relies on ecological balance
and biodiversity.

Characteristics:

- Use of compost, green manure, biofertilizers

- Natural pest control (biopesticides, companion planting)

- Crop rotation and intercropping

- Certification for organic produce

Example: Organic vegetable farming using vermicompost and neem-based pesticides.

4. Mixed Farming
Definition: A system that integrates both crop and livestock farming on the same farm.

Characteristics:

- Diversification of farm activities (crops + livestock + fisheries)

- Nutrient recycling (manure used as fertilizer)

- Risk reduction through multiple income sources

Example: A farmer growing paddy and rearing dairy cows alongside.

B. Agricultural-Based Livelihood Enterprises

Livelihood enterprises refer to income-generating activities based on agricultural resources.
These enterprises provide employment opportunities and support rural economies.

1. Dairy Farming
Definition: Rearing cattle, buffaloes, or goats for milk production.

Requirements:

- Good breed selection (e.g., HF, Jersey, Murrah)

- Proper feed and healthcare management

- Milking and processing infrastructure

- Market linkage for milk sales

Example: Amul cooperative model for milk collection and processing.

2. Poultry Farming
Definition: Rearing chickens, ducks, or other birds for eggs and meat.
Requirements:

- Broiler (meat) or layer (egg) production systems

- Proper housing and disease control

- Balanced nutrition for better productivity

- Marketing of eggs and meat through cooperatives or private vendors

Example: Contract poultry farming with integrators like Suguna Poultry.

3. Agro-Processing Enterprises
Definition: Value addition through processing raw agricultural produce into finished
products.

Types of Agro-Processing:

- Cereal Processing: Flour milling, rice dehusking

- Oilseed Processing: Cold-pressed oil extraction

- Fruit & Vegetable Processing: Jam, pickles, juice production

- Dairy Processing: Curd, butter, ghee production

Example: A small-scale mustard oil extraction unit selling cold-pressed oil.

The following farm enterprises could be combined:

Agriculture alone with different crop combinations

Agriculture + Livestock

Agriculture + Livestock + Poultry

Agriculture + Horticulture + Sericulture

Agro-forestry + Silvipasture (integrates trees, forage, and grazing)

Agriculture (Rice) + Fish culture

Agriculture (Rice) + Fish + Mushroom cultivation

Floriculture + Apiary (beekeeping)

Fishery + Duckery + Poultry

Result/Conclusion:
• Farming systems determine the sustainability and efficiency of agricultural production.

• Livelihood enterprises provide income opportunities beyond crop cultivation.

• Adoption of modern technology and best practices can improve profitability and
sustainability.

C. Group Activity – Field Survey Simulation

1. Formation of Groups: Dividing students into groups, each focusing on a different aspect of
farming systems and livelihood enterprises.

• Survey Questionnaire: A structured questionnaire covering:

 Farm Type: Crop-based, livestock-based, mixed farming, etc.

 Enterprise Type: Dairy, fisheries, agro-processing, etc.
 Landholding Size: Small, medium, large
 Income & Expenses: Approximate costs and returns
 Challenges Faced: Labor, climate, market access, etc.

• Data Collection Method:

o Use of case studies or role-play (assigning some students as 'farmers' and Entrepreneurs,
while others act as surveyors).

2. Data Analysis and Presentation

Each group compiles data and presents findings on:

- Type of farming system surveyed

- Key enterprises involved

- Major constraints and solutions.

Instructor summarizes key findings from presentations.

Open discussion on improving farming systems and livelihood enterprises.

Survey Questionnaire: Farming Systems

1. Name of the Farmer: _______________

2. Age: _______________

3. Gender: Male Female Other

4. Village/Town: _______________

5. District/State: _______________

6. Educational Qualification: Illiterate Primary Secondary Graduate Postgraduate

7. Total Landholding: _______ acres/hectares

8. Type of Land Ownership: Owned Leased Sharecropping

9. Major Crops Grown: _______________

10. Cropping System Used: Monocropping Mixed cropping Crop rotation

11. Use of Inputs:

• Fertilizers: Chemical Organic Both

• Pest Control: Chemical Biological Integrated

12. Mechanization Level: Manual Partial Mechanization Fully Mechanized

13. What type of farming system do you follow? Subsistence Commercial Organic Mixed
Integrated

14. If integrated, what components do you have? Crops Dairy Poultry Fisheries Others:

15. Annual Farm Income (approximate): ₹ __________

16. Market Access: Local Wholesale Online Cooperatives

17. Major Challenges: Climate Variability Pest & Disease Outbreaks Lack of Market
Linkage High Input Costs Labor Shortage

Survey Questionnaire: Agricultural-Based Livelihood Enterprises

1. Name of the Enterprise Owner: _______________

2. Age: _______________

3. Gender: Male Female Other

4. Name of the Business: _______________

5. Location (Village/Town/District): _______________

6. Type of Enterprise: Dairy Farming Poultry Farming Fisheries Agro-Processing

Beekeeping Others:

7. Year of Establishment: __________

8. Source of Investment: Own Savings Bank Loan Government Scheme NGO Support

9. Raw Material Source: Own Farm Purchased Locally Wholesale Market

Products Produced:

• Dairy: Milk Curd Ghee Cheese

• Poultry: Eggs Meat Chicks for Sale

• Agro-Processing: Flour Oil Pickles Jaggery

11. Average Monthly Income: ₹ __________

12. Selling Method: Local Market Wholesale Online Platform Government Procurement

13. Challenges Faced: High Production Cost Lack of Skilled Labor Poor Market
Connectivity Financial Constraints

14. Have you received any government support? Yes No If yes, mention the scheme:
_______________

15. Future Expansion Plans: Increase Production Diversify Products Upgrade Technology
Other: _______