A two-day training programme on Integrated Farming System in animal husbandry practices commenced at Harminder Bay, with a focus on promoting practical, low-cost, and income-generating farming models suited to local conditions. The programme is being organised by the Department of AH&VS in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency, officials said.
The training, being held at the Community Hall, Harminder Bay, is designed to familiarise farmers with integrated approaches that combine livestock, crop production, and allied activities. Officials associated with the programme said such systems help optimise available resources, reduce dependency on external inputs, and improve overall farm resilience, particularly for small and marginal farmers.
Key components of the training include the use of duck rearing in fish ponds to generate dual benefits, cattle rearing for the supply of organic manure to crops, and vermicomposting techniques for producing natural fertilisers. Participants were also introduced to the concept of establishing small-scale units in dairy, goatery, and piggery as supplementary income sources that can be managed alongside traditional farming activities.
Resource persons explained how integrated farming systems allow different components of a farm to support each other, creating a closed-loop model. For instance, animal waste can be converted into compost or used directly as manure, while crop residues can serve as fodder, reducing overall input costs. Officials noted that such practices not only enhance productivity but also promote environmentally sustainable farming by recycling nutrients within the system.
During the sessions, farmers were briefed on the economic advantages of adopting integrated models. By diversifying activities across livestock and crops, farmers can spread risk and ensure more stable income throughout the year. Officials highlighted that small-scale dairy, goatery, and piggery units can provide regular cash flow, particularly during periods when crop income is uncertain or seasonal.
The department also used the platform to assure participants of institutional support for those willing to adopt integrated farming practices. Farmers were encouraged to begin with modest units based on their capacity and available resources, with the assurance that technical guidance, quality inputs, and access to relevant departmental schemes would be provided. Officials emphasised that gradual scaling, rather than large initial investments, is key to the long-term success of such models.
Participants were informed about the importance of scientific management practices in animal husbandry, including proper housing, feeding, and disease control, to maximise returns from integrated systems. Demonstrations and interactive discussions formed a core part of the training, allowing farmers to raise location-specific issues and seek practical solutions from subject matter experts.
The training programme is part of a broader effort to encourage diversification in the agricultural sector of the islands, where land availability and input costs pose unique challenges. Officials said integrated farming offers a viable pathway to increase productivity per unit of land while maintaining ecological balance.
As the programme continues into its second day, participants are expected to receive further exposure to successful models and operational details that can be replicated at the village level. The department indicated that follow-up support would be extended to interested farmers to facilitate adoption on the ground.
By focusing on integration rather than isolated activities, the training aims to equip farmers with strategies that align economic viability with sustainable resource use, reflecting a shift towards more resilient farming practices in the islands.
