Mixed cropping and its use for farmers
Answers
Table of Contents
Description:
Advantages of the technology
Disadvantages of the technology
Financial requirements and costs
Institutional and organisational requirements
Barriers to implementation
Opportunities for implementation
References
Mixed farming is an agricultural system in which a farmer conducts different agricultural practice together, such as cash crops and livestock. The aim is to increase income through different sources and to complement land and labour demands across the year.
Description:
Mixed farming systems can be classified in many ways. They can be based on land size, type of crops and animals, geographical distribution, market orientation, and so on. Three major categories are distinguished here (FAO, 2001).
On-farm versus Between-farm Mixing
On-farm mixing refers to mixing on the same farm, and between-farm mixing refers to exchanging resources between different farms. On-farm mixing enables the recycling of resources generated on a single farm. Between-farm mixing can be used to resolve waste disposal problems where by crop farmers use dung from animal farms for fertiliser.
Mixing within Crops and/or Animal Systems
This practice involves multiple cropping or keeping different types of animals together. For example, grain-legume association can provide grain with nitrogen. With plant inter-cropping farmers can make the most of the space available to them by selecting plants and cropping formations that maximise the advantage of light, moisture and soil nutrients. Examples of mixed animal systems include chicken-fish production where chicken dung serves as fish fodder.
Diversified versus Integrated Systems
In a diversified system some components exist as independent units. In an integrated system, maximum use is made of resources, making the system highly interdependent.
Mixed farming technology contributes to adaptation to climatic change because the diversification of crops and livestock allows farmers to have a greater number of options to face the uncertain weather conditions associated with the increased climate variability. Mixed farming can also give a more stable production because if one crop or variety fails, another may compensate. Livestock represents a means by which families can save and invest in the future. Livestock is a walking bank of assets that can be sold during periods of need such as if crops fail due to drought or flooding.
Advantages of the technology top:
This technology also allows greater food security and improved household nutrition levels. In addition, farmers can generate a surplus of some products that can be sold at market. Among other benefits, this technology also allows farmers to grow fodder for livestock and poultry. An additional benefit of mixed rice–fish culture systems is that the fish may help reduce populations of existing and emerging disease vectors such as mosquitoes.
In many areas the hungry season on farms comes in the months just after the rains start when producers need to invest labour in the planting and management of crops, but before they start to produce. Conversely grass production starts immediately with the rains, and livestock quickly gain weight and increase milk production. The high milk production in the rains can greatly help support the nutrition of farmers while they are tending their crops and waiting for harvest. The advantages of mixed farming systems for the environment are shown in Box 1 below.
The organisations promoting this technology need to have qualified technicians both in agronomy and livestock production. These organisations must identify the farmers that are familiar with the technique of multiple crops in the area and develop positive relationships with them.