AGR 102 Farming Based Livelihood Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the most important factor for sustainability in a farming system?

Soil health

What are the three major groups of factors that determine the type of farming system used in a region?

Physical and biological elements, endogenous human elements, and exogenous human elements.

Which of the following cropping systems involves growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same field with no distinct row arrangement?

Strip intercropping

Mixed intercropping (correct)

Relay intercropping

Row intercropping

What is the main objective of a cropping system?

Efficient utilization of all resources while maintaining stability in production and obtaining higher net returns. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three working hypotheses of farming systems?

There is always a reason for a particular farming system, changes in the environment affect farming choices, and farmers adapt to changes that offer additional benefits. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of a farming system (according to the diagram in Chapter 2)?

Resources, constraints, components, interactions, and objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What is the core objective of sustainable farming systems?

Preserving the environment and ensuring resource sustainability Signup and view all the answers

What advantages do sustainable farming systems offer?

Effective resource utilization, reliance on internal resources, pest and weed management, soil fertility preservation, reduced environmental impact, and long-term sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

The term 'mixed farming' is identical in meaning to 'farming system'.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects the types of farming systems in India?

Global currency exchange rates Signup and view all the answers

Define the term 'cropping intensity'.

The number of crops cultivated on a piece of land per annum. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key advantage of intercropping?

Reduction in weed and pest pressure Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of 'allelopathy' in intercropping.

The harmful effect that one plant has on another through the release of chemical substances or toxins into the root environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three broad categories of overall effects of competition in intercropping?

Mutual inhibition, mutual cooperation, and compensation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the objectives of an integrated farming system?

Maximizing yield of all components, achieving agro-ecological equilibrium, controlling pest and weed populations, and reducing the use of chemicals for sustainable production. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of integrated farming systems?

Increased reliance on external inputs for fertilization Signup and view all the answers

Name four examples of components commonly included in integrated farming systems.

Cropping, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps involved in preparing a model integrated farming system for a specific situation?

Assess available resources, identify the existing cropping system, identify components to integrate, determine the size of each component, understand the requirements of each component, modify existing cropping systems to integrate the new components, analyze the economics of individual components and the system as a whole, and identify constraints and recommend solutions for technical feasibility, economic viability, and practical utility. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key factors influencing the selection and size of components in integrated farming systems?

Climatic conditions (rainfall, temperature, solar radiation, wind, humidity), soil type, farmer preferences, farm size, knowledge, skill, and technology, storage, transportation, marketing, resource mobilization, credit facilities, socio-economic conditions, and cultural beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What are three advantages of intercropping?

Greater biodiversity and stability in production, a better use of resources, and more stable and overall higher yield. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of 'crop rotation' and why it is crucial for soil health.

Crop rotation refers to growing different crops in succession on the same land to maintain soil fertility, prevent pest and disease buildup, and control weeds. It helps in sustaining the ecosystem, preventing soil exhaustion, and promoting healthy and balanced plant growth. Signup and view all the answers

The 'land equivalent ratio' (LER) is a widely used index to assess the yield advantage of intercropping systems.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the main challenges that India faces regarding food security in the face of a growing population?

India faces a growing population, limited arable land, and a need to increase food production to meet the demands of a growing population. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key strategies for increasing agricultural productivity in India?

Increasing the area under cultivation and increasing productivity through intensive cropping systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'cropping pattern' in a farming system?

The cropping pattern represents the proportion of land under different crops at a specific point in time, guiding the yearly sequence and spatial arrangement of crops and fallow. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of 'agroforestry'?

To combine woody perennial plants with herbaceous crops or livestock on the same land, maximizing productivity, conserving resources, and improving soil health. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential benefits of integrating trees into farming systems?

Increased soil fertility, improved soil nutrient conservation, enhanced soil structure, and better control of erosion. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used index to assess the efficiency of cropping systems?

Fertilizer Application Index (FAI) Signup and view all the answers

The relative yield index (RYI) is calculated by dividing the mean yield of the crop in the zone by the mean Indian yield.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary challenges in managing agricultural labour resources?

Challenges include the seasonal nature of agriculture, fluctuating labor demand, managing diverse skill levels, and ensuring fair wages and working conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What are some effective strategies for improving labour productivity in agriculture?

Strategies include careful selection of workers, providing appropriate training, ensuring timely payment, optimizing working conditions, utilizing labor-saving tools and technology, managing labor demand during peak seasons, and fostering a positive work environment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key factors to consider for selecting the appropriate site for a biogas plant?

Proximity to the kitchen or place of use, access to cattle dung, level ground for drainage, and ample sunshine. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the concept of 'agroforestry' and its potential benefits for sustainable land management.

Agroforestry combines trees with herbaceous crops or livestock, maximizing productivity, conserving soil health, and promoting biodiversity. It offers a sustainable approach to land use by integrating trees into the landscape, addressing fuel needs, and providing shade and fodder, contributing to a holistic and ecologically balanced farming system. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a commonly practiced integrated farming system in India?

Wheat-Cotton Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of 'resource recycling' in integrated farming systems and provide two examples.

Resource recycling involves efficient reuse of organic waste materials generated within the farm system, reducing reliance on external inputs and minimizing environmental impact. Examples include the use of cow dung as manure and biogas fuel, and the utilization of fish waste as fertilizer for crops. Signup and view all the answers

What are the key challenges faced by farmers in India related to water availability and efficient water management?

Farmers face significant challenges with inadequate water supply due to drought, late monsoons, early withdrawal of monsoons, and limited access to irrigation. This can result in crop loss and decreased productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What are some strategies to manage water scarcity in irrigated areas?

Farmers can adapt by choosing drought-tolerant crops, adjusting sowing time, implementing water-saving irrigation techniques, modifying land shaping, and using practices to reduce moisture stress. Signup and view all the answers

The growth rate of food grain production in India has consistently outpaced the rate of population growth in recent years.

False Signup and view all the answers

Integrated farming systems are particularly crucial for which type of farmers?

Small and marginal farmers with limited resources Signup and view all the answers

What are some key challenges faced by farmers in India related to labor management?

Farmers face challenges related to the seasonal nature of agriculture, labor shortage during peak seasons, ensuring fair wages, managing diverse skill levels, and maintaining a positive work environment. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between maintaining livestock in a sole enterprise and integrating livestock into an integrated farming system?

In a sole enterprise, livestock are raised independently, while in an integrated system, livestock are integrated with other enterprises, allowing for resource recycling, waste utilization, and a more holistic and sustainable approach. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

AGR 102 (2+1): Farming Based Livelihood Systems

Course for first-year B.Sc. (Hons) & ABM students
e-Notes compiled by Dr. C. P. Chandrashekara & Dr. B.N.Aravind Kumar, Professors of Agronomy
College of Agriculture, Dharwad, UAS, India

Topic Covered in Specific Weeks

Week 1: Status of agriculture in India and different states, income of farmers and rural/urban populations.
Week 2: Definition, concept, and patterns of livelihood in urban and rural areas, different indicators for studying livelihood systems.
Week 3: Agricultural livelihood systems (ALS): meanings, approach, approaches, and framework.
Week 4-5: Definition of farming systems and farming-based livelihood systems, scope, components, principles, role and importance.
Week 6: Factors affecting farming systems, characteristics of farming systems, why sustainable farming systems, advantages of sustainable farming systems, classification - historical background, objectives, and characteristics of integrated farming system (IFS).
Week 7: Components of farming systems/farming-based livelihood systems, components of IFS/ enterprises and their selection, management methods and steps in building a model IFS. Recycling in IFS.
Week 8: Types of farming systems, and factors affecting types of farming, components, classification of farming system.
Week 9: Different kinds of farming systems, components of IFS, enterprise selection & management, considerations, and examples of various farm enterprise combinations and factors influencing their choice.
Week 10: Concepts related to cropping systems, terms, and definitions, different cropping systems (e.g., mono, multiple, intercropping), principles of cropping system, types of cropping systems, forms of multiple cropping.
Week 11: Crop rotation: definition, advantages, and disadvantages; principles of crop rotation; plant interactions in intercropping; criteria for assessing yield advantages in intercropping.
Week 12: Efficient cropping systems and their evaluation; interrelationships/interactions in intercropping systems (e.g., competitive, non-competitive, complementary).
Week 13: Farming system components and their maintenance, including livestock, agroforestry, aquaculture, different enterprises and their interactions.
Week 14: Factors affecting integration of enterprises for livelihood; feasibility and models of different farming systems related to climates; examples.
Week 15: Risk and success factors in farming-based livelihood systems, case studies.
Week 16: Resource management under constraint situations and optimization techniques, efficiency of labour management; schemes and programmes of the central and state government, Public and Private organizations involved in promotion of farming-based livelihood.
Week 17: Role of farming systems in the 21st century in view of the changing lifestyle and roles of circular and green economies, digitalization.
Week 18-21: Practical sessions with field visits involving dairy, sheep/goat, fish, poultry rearing, and production practices, study of start-ups in the agricultural sectors, Suggested readings, and relevant references.

Important Concepts

Farming Systems: A set of interconnected farm enterprises (crops, livestock, etc.) that function as an integrated unit.
Integrated Farming System (IFS): Combining different enterprises to optimize resource utilization, maximize income, and ensure sustainability.
Sustainable Farming System: Farms that can adapt to changing conditions, preserve natural resources, and maintain long-term productivity.

Critical Factors affecting Farming Systems (Determinants)

Factor A (Physical and Biological): Land, soil quality, topography, climate, water availability.
Factor B (Endogenous Human): Family size, management skills, education, labour availability, capital, access to credit.
Factor C (Exogenous Human): Policies, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions.

Important Cropping Systems

Sole Cropping (Monoculture): Growing one crop on the same land.
Multiple Cropping: Growing two or more crops in the same field.
Intercropping: Growing two or more crops together in the same field.
Sequential cropping: Growing two or more crops in sequence.
Crop Rotation: Growing different crops on the same land in a succession.
Multitier Cropping: Growing several crops at different heights or layers on the same land.

Important Concepts (Other)

Land Equivalent Ratio (LER): A measure of the effectiveness of intercropping, in terms of land use.
Relative Yield Total (RYT): Measures the yield advantage of an intercrop compared to the total yield of each component crop.
Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC): Quantifies the relative impact of a species on production.
Crop Intensity Index (CII): Indicates the number of times land is cropped in a year.
Crop Equivalent Yield (CEY): Useful in comparing the economic output of many kinds of crops.
Agroforestry: A practice involving combining trees with crop or livestock production.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of Farming Based Livelihood Systems as outlined in the AGR 102 course for first-year B.Sc. (Hons) & ABM students. Topics include the status of agriculture in India, livelihood patterns, and sustainable farming systems. Test your understanding of these important agricultural principles and their applications.