Mixed farming

MIXED FARMING

  • According to the 12th National Conference of Agricultural Economists (1960) a farm where at least 10 per cent of its income is contributed by livestock is called a mixed farm. The upper limit of gross income to be contributed by livestock activities was fixed at 49 per cent under Indian conditions.
  • This conference restricted the scope of mixed farming to the livestock activities, which would largely include milch cattle and buffaloes.
  • Any extension of mixed farming by supplementary enterprises like sheep and goat farming, fishery and poultry were classified under diversified farming.
  • eg. Crop with dairy farming, the most common type of farming in India
  • Advantages of mixed / diversified farming are
    • Well suited for adoption round the year under Indian conditions.
    • Income obtained throughout the year.
    • Offers opportunity for better use of land, capital and labour.
    • Helps in maintaining soil fertility.
    • Reduces the risks due to failure, unfavourable market price etc.
    • Income is regular and quick.
    • Cost of transportation and sale of by-products can be reduced to minimum.
    • Offers opportunity for complete use of agricultural wastes.
    • Provides balanced and protective farming.

Last modified: Tuesday, 6 December 2011, 10:09 AM