Integrated farming system in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India for food and nutritional security

Abstract

The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) face challenges like soil degradation, resource scarcity, and climate change, threatening agricultural sustainability. Integrated Farming System (IFS) offers a holistic solution by integrating crops, livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and horticulture. This approach optimizes resource use, diversifies incomes, and enhances resilience to climatic and economic risks.
IFS ensures food and nutritional security by promoting crop diversification, including cereals, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, and addressing protein deficiencies through livestock and fisheries. Techniques like rainwater harvesting, agroforestry, and vermicomposting improve resource efficiency, enhance soil health, and conserve water. Adopting IFS in the IGP faces challenges like
low farmer awareness, high initial costs, and inadequate policy support. Overcoming these requires capacity building, financial incentives, and region-specific models tailored to the IGP’s conditions. With proper support, IFS can transform the IGP into a sustainable agricultural system, securing long-term food and nutritional security.