Homegarden: Its Structure and Economic Viability in South Andaman

Abstract

A study was conducted in 19 homegardens of South Andaman to evaluate structure and composition of different components and their Interactive relations. Homegardens were composed of 5 components namely plantation trees (orchards), poultry, livestock and pond. Arecanut was a dominant species in the orchard. Plant species in the orchard was vertically distributed in five layers. Fifth layer was occupied by coconut, fourth layer by arecanut and Ceiba pentandra, third layer by mango, papaya, guava, Jack fruit and lemon, second layer by banana, nutmeg, clove and bay leaf and first, ground layer by pineapple. Cows were dominant livestock (average 2 No. per homegarden). Poultry birds population was an average 15 birds/ homegarden. Generally cows graze in nearby forests and poultry birds are fed among the trees in the orchard. Generally small fish ponds were found in the homegarden. Big fish ponds are found only in 8% homegardens. Farmers utilized 19% of the total produce of the homegarden by family members. Net return from all components of the homegarden, was Rs. 1,37,206 goes to the house. Farmers get household Items worth rupees 41,619 from the market.