Integrated Farming for Enhanced Productivity and Sustainability

 

Farming is awesome, like having maize farm or a cassava farm or poultry farm or even piggery. All these are good and highly rewarding but could be better by having an integrated farm. I'd say it is the best for better productivity and sustainability.

Integrated Farming simply refers running agricultural systems that integrate livestock and crop production of any kind. In clearer terms it involves having crop production of any kind and animal farm on the same piece of land, it is the most efficient farming system if properly synchronized for sustainability, residues from crop production can be used in feeding of animals while residues from livestock can also be used for crop production like organic manure. It is a dynamic approach which can be applied to any farming system around the world. It involves attention to detail and continuous improvement in all areas of a farming business through informed management processes.

Integrated Farming combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices according to a given site and situation. In simple words, it means using many ways of cultivation on the same land. It can be seen as cross-linked unit, on the fundamental role and function of agri-ecosystems, on nutrient cycles which are balanced and adapted to the demand of the crops, and on health and welfare of all livestock on the farm. Preserving and enhancing soil fertility, maintaining and improving a diverse environment. 

Apart from the fore-listed benefits of Integrated farming system, here are other reasons for developing such system:

• To become sustainable in Business
• To build a business that will transcend time
• To have a farm that works and generate revenue all season
• To create an alternate source of Revenue 
• To improve soil fertility with less dependence on synthetic fertilizer.

To successfully develop an Integrated farming system, here are the factors to consider:

• Your Budget 
• Environmental and Societal Factors
• Edaphic Factors 
• Business Vision and Aspiration.
• Market demands

Having considered all those factors and decisions has been taken here are the steps to follow to develop your integrated farming system:

• Select a suitable site
• Draft the farm layout  
• Start pen constructions
• Settle Accommodations
• Get farm equipment 
• Get your annual Laborer
• Disinfect and stock up animal 
• Clear and make ridges/beds 
• Farm Management practices
• Integrated practices on farm

With proper management, for enhanced productivity and sustainability, integrated farming is the most efficient. Basically with it cash flow is well balanced as the farmer always have products for sale all year round. to achieve this, it is advisable to try integrated farming systems. Thanks for your time and good luck developing your Integrated Farming Systems.