EEI, Integrated Farming Systems Approach and Extension strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods in Agri and Allied Sectors on 16-09-2023

Increasing the income of farmers from different sources, across land holding size a nd region has become an utmost priority for the policy planners. This triggers an urgent need of transformation in agriculture production combined with integrated farming system (IFS) approaches. In Integrated Farming Systems, all agricultural enterprises including cropping system, animal husbandry, fishery, bee keeping, goat rearing, horticulture and others are Set up in a single unit of land and hence. Better utilization of resources at reduced cost and ultimately increases the farmers’ income. The IFS also play a major role in biodiversity conservation through adoption of diversified cropping system and through integration of indigenous livestock breeds. Keeping in view of importance of improving the capacities of Extension workers on Integrated Farming Systems a 5 day on campus training programme is organized at EEI, Hyderabad from 12th to 16th September, 2023 to improve the knowledge and skills of the extension functionaries in the area of “Integrated. Farming Systems Approach and Extension strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods in Agri and Allied sectors” for the officers of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerela and Telangana state Twenty-two participants from the four states attended the program which was coordinated by Dr. N. Praveen, Professors, EEI. The five days program was covered with Key topics Covered like Successful IFS Models for Various Farming Situations, IFS, Role of Agro forestry in improving IFS and Livelihoods of small and marginal farmer, Efficient Resource Recycling and Cost Reduction Techniques in IFS, Business Opportunities in IFS – A way Forward. Waste Management strategies in IFS, Overview Session on Status of IFS in India, Recent Advances and Innovative Models, ITKs in IFS and their Scientific Rationality, Extension Strategies for Promotion of IFS, Gender Budgeting for mainstreaming of gender in Agri and Allied Sectors, GOI Schemes, Programs, Initiatives in Agri and Allied Sectors. To enhance the practical understanding of participants, the training program included Visits Learn recent advances, cost reduction technologies and business opportunities in IFS Field visit was organized to IFS Model of PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, fallowed by visit to Biodiversity Park and Field Visit to IFS model Farm, Mominpet Village, Vikarabad District.The training program received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who expressed their satisfaction with the content, delivery, and organization of the program. Many participants highlighted the practicality of the sessions and their relevance to the current challenges faced in the agri and Allied sectors. The program successfully equipped participants with new skills, knowledge, and innovative approaches to improve Integrated farming system practices.The valedictory program was chaired by Dr. M. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Director, EEI, on 16th september, 2023, who mentioned that Integrated Farming Systems Approach and Extension strategies for Sustainable Livelihoods in Agri and Allied Sectors is the need of the hour. He further mentioned that practicing IFS improves soil fertility and minimizes the nutrient losses. It reduces weeds, insect pests and diseases through appropriate crop rotation. Through IFS approach farmers will be benefited by getting additional income.