Unit 3 Farming Based Livelihood Systems Notes PDF

FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE ❖ UNIT : 3 Types of traditional & modern farming systems. Components of farming system / farming based livelihood systems- Crops and cropping systems, Livestock, (Dairy, Piggery, Goatry, Poultry, Duckry etc.), Horticultural crops, Agro-...

FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE ❖ UNIT : 3 Types of traditional & modern farming systems. Components of farming system / farming based livelihood systems- Crops and cropping systems, Livestock, (Dairy, Piggery, Goatry, Poultry, Duckry etc.), Horticultural crops, Agro--forestry systems, Aqua culture 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. ❖ Traditional Farming Systems:- Shifting Cultivation (Slash and Burn Agriculture) Farmers clear a patch of forest, burn vegetation, and grow crops on the nutrient-rich ash. After a few years of cultivation, the soil fertility declines, and the field is abandoned. The process is then repeated on a new patch of land. Advantages: It allows soil recovery over time, conserves biodiversity in forested areas, and requires fewer inputs like fertilizers or pesticides. Disadvantages: Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and unsustainable with increasing population pressure. Locations: Practiced in tropical rainforests of Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. Subsistence Farming Farming system where crops are grown mainly for personal consumption rather than for sale. It is labor-intensive, often reliant on family labor, and uses traditional tools like hoes and plows. Advantages: Low input costs and minimal environmental degradation. Disadvantages: Low yields, limited surplus for trade, and high vulnerability to climate variations. Locations: Common in parts of Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. Pastoralism (Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic) Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE A system where livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) are moved seasonally in search of grazing areas. Nomadic pastoralists are constantly on the move, while semi-nomadic ones have a home base but still move with their herds. Advantages: Utilizes marginal lands that are unsuitable for crop production and allows flexible use of resources. Disadvantages: Overgrazing, land degradation, and conflict over grazing rights. Locations: Found in arid and semi-arid regions like the Sahel in Africa, Mongolia, and Central Asia. Mixed Farming A system that combines crop cultivation with livestock farming. Farmers grow crops to feed their animals and sell animal products such as milk, meat, and eggs. Advantages: Diversifies income, improves soil fertility through animal manure, and reduces risk through multiple income streams. Disadvantages: Requires more labor, expertise in both animal husbandry and crop production and may need more land. Locations: Practiced in temperate regions like Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Terrace Farming Farming on sloped land by constructing terraces (step-like structures) to prevent soil erosion and conserve water. Advantages: Makes, use of hilly terrain, conserves water, reduces erosion, and supports food production in mountainous areas. Disadvantages: Labor-intensive to construct and maintain terraces. Locations: Practiced in mountainous regions like the Andes (South America), Southeast Asia (rice terraces), and the Himalayas. Rainfed Agriculture Farming that depends solely on rainfall for water, with little to no irrigation. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Advantages: Minimal cost for irrigation infrastructure, promotes local crop varieties suited to rainfall patterns. Disadvantages: Highly vulnerable to weather changes, droughts, and inconsistent rainfall. Locations: Common in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America. ❖ Modern Farming Systems Monoculture The practice of growing a single crop on a large scale over a vast area. Advantages: Simplifies management, efficient use of machinery, and maximizes output for high-demand crops. Disadvantages: Depletes soil nutrients, increases vulnerability to pests and diseases, and leads to biodiversity loss. Locations: Common in large agricultural operations in the United States (e.g., corn, soy), Brazil, and Australia. Commercial Farming Large-scale production of crops or livestock for sale and profit, usually relying on advanced technologies, high inputs of fertilizers, and mechanization. Advantages: High yields, increased efficiency through mechanization and contribution to food security and export economies. Disadvantages: High input costs, environmental damage from overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, and social inequalities in land ownership. Locations: Widely practiced in developed countries (U.S., Canada, Australia) and emerging economies like Brazil and Argentina. Agroforestry A system that integrates trees and shrubs into crop and livestock farming systems to improve land use and diversify production. Advantages: Increases biodiversity, improves soil fertility and provides multiple products (timber, fruits, fuelwood). Disadvantages: Complex management system and longer time to see economic returns from tree crops. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Locations: Practiced in Southeast Asia, Africa, and parts of Latin America. Hydroponics and Aquaponics Soilless farming systems where plants are grown in nutrient rich water solutions (hydroponics) or integrated with fish farming (aquaponics). Advantages: Uses less water, no soil degradation, high efficiency in small spaces, and reduced use of pesticides. Disadvantages: High setup costs, need for technical expertise and dependence on external inputs. Locations: Practiced in urban areas, greenhouses, and arid regions (e.g., Middle East). Precision Farming A technology-driven approach that uses GPS, sensors, and data analytics to optimize farm inputs (fertilizers, water, seeds) and monitor crop conditions in real-time. Advantages: Increases efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances productivity by fine-tuning inputs to specific field conditions. Disadvantages: High initial investment and dependence technology. Locations: Predominantly in developed countries like the U.S., Europe, and Australia. Vertical Farming Growing crops in vertically stacked layers or vertically inclined surfaces, often in controlled environments (indoors or greenhouses). Advantages: Efficient use of space, controlled environment allows year-round production, reduces need for pesticides. Disadvantages: High energy costs for artificial lighting and climate control, expensive setup, and limited crop variety. Locations: Practiced in urban areas, especially in cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and New York. Genetically Modified (GM) Farming Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE A system that utilizes genetically modified crops that are engineered for traits like pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and improved nutritional content. Advantages: Higher yields, reduced use of pesticides, and resistance to environmental stresses. Disadvantages: Ethical concerns, potential environmental risks, and market resistance to GM products. Locations: Common in the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and parts of Asia. ❖ Comparison: Traditional Vs Modern Farming Systems Technology: Traditional systems rely on minimal technology, while modern systems use advanced technology like machinery, GMOs, and precision tools. Scale: Traditional farming is usually small-scale and subsistence-oriented, whereas modern farming is large-scale and profit-driven. Inputs: Traditional systems use organic methods and low inputs, while modern systems depend heavily on synthetic inputs (fertilizers, pesticides). Environmental Impact: Traditional methods often conserve biodiversity and maintain soil health, whereas modern systems may lead to environmental degradation if not managed sustainably. ❖ Components of Farming Systems / Farming-Based Livelihood Systems- Farming systems refer to an integrated set of agricultural activities organized to efficiently use resources for sustainable production. Each component within a farming system works symbiotically to improve productivity, resource efficiency, and farmer income. The main components of a farming system typically include crops, livestock, horticulture, agroforestry, and aquaculture, among others ❖ Crops and Cropping Systems Crops refer to plants grown and harvested for food, fodder, fiber, fuel, or raw materials. Cropping systems describe the patterns and techniques used to grow crops over time and space, ensuring efficient resource use and sustainable productivity. Key Types of Cropping Systems: Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Monocropping: Growing only one type of crop in a specific area year after year. Examples: wheat, rice. Mixed Cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same field without a distinct row arrangement. Examples: maize and beans. Intercropping: Growing two or more crops together with distinct row arrangements. It helps in utilizing space more efficiently. Examples: maize and cowpea intercropping. Crop Rotation: The practice of growing different crops sequentially on the same land to improve soil health and reduce pest pressure. Example: rotation of legumes and cereals. Agro-pastoral Systems: Integration of crops and livestock, where both serve to enhance productivity (e.g., crops for feed and animals for manure). Livestock-Based Systems: Livestock plays a vital role in most farming systems, contributing to food security, income, and employment. Livestock components are typically integrated with crop production systems for mutual benefits. Key Livestock Systems: Dairy Farming: Focuses on the production of milk. The animals reared include cows, buffaloes, goats, and camels. Dairy waste can be used as manure in crop production. Piggery: Raising pigs for meat production (pork). It is a profitable venture due to pigs' ability to convert diverse feeds into body mass quickly. Piggery waste can be used in biogas production or as manure. Goat Farming (Goatry): Goats are raised for milk, meat, skin, and fiber. They require less land and resources compared to larger livestock. Poultry Farming: Focuses on the raising of chickens for eggs and meat. Poultry manure is a valuable organic fertilizer for crop farming. Duck Farming: Ducks are raised for meat, eggs, and feathers. Duckry is commonly integrated into fish farming. Sheep Farming: Sheep are reared for wool, milk, and meat. Sheep farming is often practiced in regions unsuitable for crop farming. Integrated Livestock Systems: Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming: This is the most widespread farming system, where Livestock is integrated with crops. Animals graze on crop residues, and their manure improves soil fertility. Poultry cum Fish Farming: Poultry droppings serve as feed for fish in integrated systems. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE ❖ Horticultural Crops Horticulture includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and medicinal herbs. Horticultural crops are typically higher value crops and are crucial in enhancing income and nutrition for smallholder farmers. Key Components:- Fruits: Mango, banana, citrus, guava, papaya, apple, etc. Vegetables: Potatoes, tomatoes, cabbages, onions, okra, leafy greens, etc. Ornamentals: Flowers and plants grown for aesthetic purposes (roses, tulips, etc.). Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Examples include turmeric, aloe vera, and lavender. ❖ Agroforestry Systems Agroforestry refers to the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and livestock farming systems. It provides ecological and economic benefits by improving soil fertility, water retention, carbon sequestration, and providing wood and nontimber forest products. Key Types of Agroforestry: Silvo-Pastoral Systems: Trees are integrated with livestock grazing areas. This system helps improve forage quality, provides shade, and contributes to ecosystem services. Agro-Silviculture: Integration of trees with crop production. For example, growing fruit or timber trees alongside cash crops or staples. Agri-Horti-Forestry: A system combining agriculture, horticulture, and forestry to enhance productivity and reduce risks. ❖ Aquaculture-Based Systems Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. It is often integrated with other farming systems to utilize water and waste efficiently. Key Types of Integrated Aquaculture Systems: Duck/Poultry cum Fish Farming: This system involves raising ducks or poultry on platforms above fishponds. Duck/poultry droppings act as organic manure for the fishpond, promoting plankton growth (natural fish food). Dairy cum Fish Farming: In this system, cattle or buffaloes are raised near fish ponds, and the livestock waste is directed into the fishpond as organic fertilizer to promote fish production. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Piggery cum Fish Farming: In this system, pigs are raised adjacent to fish ponds, and pig excrement is used as a nutrient source for aquatic organisms, enhancing fish growth. Benefits of Integrated Aquaculture: Improved efficiency of nutrient recycling (animal waste supports fish production). Enhanced farm income through the diversification of products (meat, eggs, fish). Reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers and feeds for fish production. ❖ Special Integrated Farming Systems These systems combine multiple components of agriculture (crops, livestock, aquaculture, etc.) to achieve sustainability, economic viability, and environmental conservation. Examples of Special Integrated Systems: Rice-Fish Systems: Rice paddies are used for growing both rice and fish. The fish help control pests in the rice fields and improve water quality by eating weeds and other harmful organisms. Agro-Silvo-Pastoral Systems: This involves the integration of crops, trees and livestock on the same land. Trees provide shade and fodder, crops provide food for humans and animals, and livestock provides manure to improve soil fertility. Agri-Horti-Livestock Systems: Combining agriculture, horticulture, and livestock farming to optimize land use and improve farm income. ❖ Small, medium and large enterprises including value chains and secondary enterprises as livelihood components of farmers. Farming is the primary source of income for millions of people worldwide, but increasingly, farmers are turning to small, medium, and large enterprises to diversify their livelihoods and increase economic resilience. These enterprises can range from small on-farm activities to participation in large-scale agribusinesses. By engaging in such enterprises, farmers can generate multiple income streams, reduce risk, and improve their overall economic stability. ❖ Small Enterprises as a Livelihood Component for Farmers Definition: Small enterprises are generally businesses that have fewer than 50 employees and modest revenue. For farmers, these are often on-farm or near-farm activities that require minimal investment but provide additional income. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE ❖ Medium Enterprises as a Livelihood Component for Farmers Definition: Medium enterprises generally have between 50 and 250 employees and generate moderate revenues. For farmers, medium enterprises typically involve more formalized business activities that are larger in scale and may involve external investment or partnerships. ❖ Value Chains in Agriculture An agricultural value chain encompasses all stages involved in bringing a product from the farm to the consumer, including inputs, production, processing, transportation, and marketing. Understanding the value chain is crucial for farmers to maximize their returns and sustainability. Primary Components of the Value Chain: Input Suppliers: These enterprises supply farmers with seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, machinery, and other necessary materials. Small enterprises: Local agro-dealers. Medium enterprises: Regional input suppliers or cooperatives. Large enterprises: Multinational companies (e.g., Monsanto or John Deere). Production: This involves growing crops or raising livestock. Small enterprises: Family farms or smallholder farmers. Medium enterprises: Commercial farms using modern technologies. Large enterprises: Large-scale agribusinesses. Processing and Packaging: Adds value by transforming raw produce into consumable goods. Small enterprises: Local mills or dairy cooperatives. Medium enterprises: Regional processing plants (e.g., wheat mills, fruit canning factories). Large enterprises: Large agro-industries (e.g., Nestlé, Unilever). Distribution: Getting products from processing facilities to consumers. Small enterprises: Local vendors or small transportation services. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Medium enterprises: Regional distributors, cooperatives. Large enterprises: Multinational distributors, retail chains. Marketing and Retail: Involves advertising, selling, and delivering products to the final consumers. Small enterprises: Farmers' markets, small shops. Medium enterprises: Regional supermarket chains. Large enterprises: Multinational retailers like Walmart or Carrefour. ❖ Secondary Enterprises as Livelihood Components for Farmers Secondary enterprises refer to businesses activities that farmers can engage in, in addition to their primary farming activities. These activities help diversify income sources and increase economic resilience. Examples of Secondary Enterprises: Agri-tourism: Farmers open their farms to tourists for activities such as farm stays, tours, and agricultural education. This offers both direct income and a marketing platform for farm products. Processing of Farm Products: Farmers can set up small-scale processing units (e.g., making jam, cheese, or dried fruit) to add value to their primary production. Animal Husbandry: Farmers can rear animals (e.g., chickens for eggs, goats for milk) alongside crop farming to generate additional income. Crafts and Handicrafts: Utilizing agricultural byproducts (e.g., straw, wood) to make and sell crafts. Renewable Energy Production: Farmers can produce bioenergy or invest in solar or wind energy installations, providing electricity to the grid or local communities. Transport and Logistics: Farmers can invest in small transport businesses to carry their own produce to market, reducing dependency on external logistics. Input Supply and Equipment Leasing: Farmers with extra equipment (e.g., tractors, harvesters) can rent these out to neighboring farmers, creating another revenue stream. Role of Enterprises in Supporting Farmer Livelihoods Different types of enterprises contribute to farmers' livelihoods in varied ways. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Small Enterprises: Enable farmers to access locally available inputs at lower prices and provide personalized services (e.g., credit from local suppliers, small-scale marketing). These enterprises can foster close community ties. Medium Enterprises: Facilitate access to better technology, regional markets, and offer farmers opportunities for value added processing of their products (e.g., processing cooperatives, bulk transportation). Large Enterprises: Provide access to global markets, advanced agricultural technologies, and bulk-buying opportunities. However, large enterprises may also exert significant pressure on smaller farmers, sometimes leading to unfavorable power dynamics in contracts or pricing. Challenges and Opportunities in Value Chains for Small holder Farmers Challenges: Access to Finance: Smallholder farmers often struggle to obtain affordable credit to invest in necessary inputs or technology. Market Access: Farmers may face challenges in accessing high-value markets due to logistical hurdles or lack of information. Dependence on Middlemen: Many small-scale farmers sell their produce through intermediaries who take a substantial cut of profits. Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure in rural areas can limit farmers' ability to process or transport goods. Opportunities: Cooperatives and Farmer Associations: Farmers can pool resources, reduce costs, and access larger markets by forming cooperatives. This strengthens their bargaining power. Technology Adoption: Digital platforms (e.g., mobile money, agri tech apps) allow farmers to access market prices, weather forecasts, and online sales, bypassing middlemen. Sustainable Farming Practices: Organic and fair-trade certifications offer farmers opportunities to access niche, high value markets. Small, medium, and large enterprises play crucial roles in supporting agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers. While small enterprises provide localized services, medium and large enterprises drive regional and global market integration. Secondary enterprises give farmers additional income streams, boosting their resilience in a rapidly evolving agricultural economy. Effective integration of value chains and enterprise support systems is key to maximizing farmers ‘productivity and income potential. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE ❖ Factors Affecting the Integration of Various Enterprises of Farming for Livelihood The integration of different farming enterprises (such as crops, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and horticulture)is essential for creating a sustainable and diverse livelihood for farmers. The process of integrating these enterprises involves combining activities to optimize resource use, increase income, and reduce risks. Environmental Factors:- Soil Quality: The type of soil available influences the crops that can be grown and the success of integrating livestock or agroforestry. For example, fertile soils may support multiple crops or trees that provide fodder for livestock, while poor soils may limit integration options. Climate and Weather Conditions: Climate affects which crops, livestock, or fish can thrive in a region. For instance, dairy farming and fish farming may thrive in temperate regions, while dry areas may be better suited to drought-tolerant crops and hardy livestock. Water Availability: Access to sufficient and reliable water is crucial for integrating farming systems such as crop production, livestock, and fisheries. Irrigation infrastructure and rainfall patterns directly impact integration, especially in water- intensive activities like horticulture and aquaculture. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: A healthy ecosystem with diverse plant and animal species promotes natural pest control, soil fertility, and water conservation, creating better opportunities for integration of enterprises. Degraded ecosystems, on the other hand, limit options for farmers. Economic Factors:- Market Access: The availability of local, regional, or international markets plays a significant role in the success of integrated farming systems. For instance, farmers may choose to focus on high-demand products (like dairy, fish, or organic vegetables) if they have access to markets that offer fair prices. Capital and Investment: The initial cost of setting up integrated enterprises can be high, especially for infrastructure (e.g., irrigation systems, livestock pens, or fish ponds). Farmers with limited access to credit or financial resources may face challenges in adopting integrated systems. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Price Volatility: Fluctuations in the prices of agricultural products can affect the stability of income from integrated farming systems. Farmers may hesitate to invest in high-risk enterprises if there is uncertainty in product prices or demand. Technological Factors:- Access to Modern Farming Technologies: Availability and adoption of modern technology (e.g., precision agriculture, improved seeds, artificial insemination for livestock, aquaculture innovations) greatly influence the integration of different farming enterprises. Efficient use of these technologies improves productivity and sustainability. Mechanization: Mechanized farming tools and machinery can increase efficiency in integrating enterprises like crop-livestock farming. Lack of mechanization may limit integration potential, especially for smallholder farmers. Knowledge and Skills: Farmers must have the technical know-how to manage multiple enterprises effectively. Training and extension services are critical to enable them to integrate crops, livestock, and fish production, as well as adopt modern farming practices. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): ICT can support integration by providing farmers with real-time data on market trends, weather forecasts, and farming techniques. This helps in making informed decisions regarding enterprise integration. Social and Cultural Factors:- Traditional Farming Practices: Some farming communities may rely on traditional, single-enterprise methods (e.g., subsistence farming)that resist integration. Changing these practices requires education, incentives, and community involvement. Family Labor and Workforce: The availability of family labor or hired help affects the ability to manage multiple enterprises. Labor intensive enterprises, such as livestock or horticulture, may require more workforce, and successful integration depends on the capacity to meet labor demands. Land Tenure and Ownership: Secure land ownership or long-term leasing arrangements encourage farmers to invest in diverse enterprises and adopt sustainable practices. In contrast, insecure land tenure limits long-term investment in integrated systems. Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE Gender and Social Roles: In many farming communities, gender roles influence enterprise integration. Women may focus on specific enterprises (like small livestock or horticulture), while men may dominate larger-scale or more mechanized enterprises. Promoting gender equality in access to resources can improve integration. Cultural Preferences: Local preferences for certain crops or livestock also play a role in what enterprises are integrated. Cultural Preferences: Local preferences for certain crops or livestock also play a role in what enterprises are integrated. Cultural significance attached to specific enterprises can affect the willingness to adopt others. Policy and Institutional Factors:- Government Policies and Subsidies: Supportive government policies, subsidies, and incentives can encourage farmers to adopt integrated farming systems. Policies that promote crop diversification, agroforestry, and livestock integration, as well as access to credit, can boost integration. Land Use Regulations: Zoning laws, environmental regulations, and land use policies can either promote or restrict the integration of enterprises. In some regions, laws may restrict activities like livestock farming or fish ponds, which limits integration opportunities. Cooperatives and Farmer Organizations: Cooperative groups and farmer associations can provide resources, training, and market access, making it easier for farmers to adopt integrated systems. Institutional support helps share knowledge and resources among farmers. Access to Extension Services: Availability of agricultural extension services that provide technical knowledge, support, and training on integrated farming practices is crucial. Without access to such services, farmers may not be able to effectively integrate enterprises. Rural Infrastructure: Infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and energy access directly impact the ability of farmers to integrate enterprises and bring products to market. Ecological Sustainability:- Natural Resource Management: Sustainable integration requires careful management of soil, water, and biodiversity to avoid depletion. Practices like crop rotation, Akhil Agriculture  FARMING BASED LIVELIHOOD SYSTEMS NOTES BY AKHIL AGRICULTURE agroforestry, and conservation agriculture can enhance ecological sustainability while integrating various enterprises. Environmental Impact: Enterprises like livestock farming and aquaculture can have negative environmental impacts (e.g., methane emissions, water pollution). Sustainable integration involves balancing productivity with ecological conservation, such as using organic practices or regenerative farming techniques. Resilience to Climate Change: Integrated farming systems that include a mix of crops, livestock, and trees can provide greater resilience to climate change by diversifying risks. The success of integration will depend on the ability to adapt farming practices to changing environmental conditions. Integrating various enterprises in farming is a multifaceted approach that depends on environmental, economic, technological, social, cultural, and policy related factors. A successful integration strategy focuses on maximizing resource use, improving income diversity, and ensuring ecological sustainability. With proper planning and support, integrated farming systems can improve farmers livelihoods and make them more resilient to economic and environmental challenges. Akhil Agriculture