Integrated farming system cultivates sustainable future for small farmers

Premlal Patel looks over his small patch of land filled with green vegetables surrounded by fruit trees on the edge. “I have embarked on a journey to diversify my income sources,” says Premlal and he surveys his 1.6 acres of land in the Bagrohi village of Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh.

He has introduced animal husbandry, starting with a cow, then a goat, and eventually a buffalo. His vegetable cultivation expanded, and the fruits of his labor found their way to the market, contributing significantly to his household income.

Premlal Patel embraced sustainable farming practices with cow dung and cow urine as manure, and organic repellents, reaping the rewards of his efforts. Gradually, he extended his crop cultivation to one full acre of land and utilized 50 decimals for vegetables and animal fodder.

For years, Premlal’s life was bound under a cyclical pattern marked by financial uncertainty and deprivation. However, his fate took a dramatic turn in 2018 when he chanced upon the SAFBIN project meant for the empowerment of smallholder farmers like him. Attending a meeting of the Radha Krishna Kisan Group, he was introduced to the concept of an Integrated Farming System (IFS). Eager to explore this newfound knowledge, Premlal began actively participating in these gatherings and gradually recognized the potential to revitalize his land and prospects by implementing IFS in his land.

IFS has provided a solution by providing stability to the income and nutritional security, particularly for small and marginal farmers like him. The system is a mix of farm enterprises such as crops, livestock, small ruminants, etc. to provide economic and sustained agricultural production through efficient utilization of resources.

With his sheer determination, Premlal secured a loan that would prove to be a catalyst for change. He used the funds to dig a bore well and planted fruit trees around the borders of his farm. Over the years, his annual income multiplied, soaring from Rs 60,000 in 2018 to an impressive Rs 1,50,000 in 2023. He capitalized on his newfound resources, selling not only milk from his cows and buffaloes but also the fruits from the field he had carefully nurtured. No longer did he need to purchase vegetables or fruits from the market; his own produce fulfilled those needs.

Premlal Patel’s market-friendly approach further elevated his status, as he began selling vegetables in bulk, further augmenting his earnings from crops, vegetables, fruit trees, and animal husbandry. His fields remained productive throughout the year, with moong and urad crops flourishing even during the summer season. Through prudent management of resources and finances, he methodically repaid the money he had once borrowed, transforming himself into a self-sufficient farmer.

Today, Premlal Patel and his family bask in the happiness of their well-earned success, relishing the fruits of his unwavering dedication and tireless effort. The story of Premlal Patel serves as an inspiring testament to the power of knowledge, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency in the world of agriculture.