Tailored framework for sustainable intensification of marginal and small farms using farm typology to strengthen farm income

Abstract

Farm typology studies assist in understanding how different farming components interact with each other and with the surroundings. These are often a prerequisite before devising adaptations to numerous agri-related challenges and in the development of sustainable agriculture policies. This holds importance for countries where the majority of the workforce is engaged in the agri-sector. The deliberated study investigates the determining factors that characterize the small and marginal farms spread across 16 states of India through typology to understand the limitations and challenges to formulate an alternative framework for leveraging their livelihood through enhanced income. The study clusters the surveyed farms under 06 farm types following a multivariate statistical approach. Further, it recommends alternate farming system models developed at research stations for different agro-climatic zones and the attributes of the respective farm type for the contemplated agroclimate zones. The study further scopes for the increment in annual farm income following the adoption of the recommended models. The results underscore the potential impacts of recommended models on the farmer's livelihoods