DST- SERB sponsored high end workshop on Farming System and Natural Farming for Livelihood Security in Arid ecosystems

The Indian hot arid zone, which covers about 12% of the country's geographical area, represents a delicate ecosystem. Traditional farming systems are self-contained and resistant to extreme weather, yet they provide low yields. Amalgamation of the indigenous farming systems with newer scientific innovations can help achieve higher levels of production, while managing the fragile resource base. Proper utilization of the natural resources, enhancing input-use efficiency and environmental conservation through crop diversification, adoption of integrated farming system models, use of natural products, postharvest technology and value addition are important areas that need focus to increase livelihood and nutritional security in the arid regions. Integration of different agriculturally allied enterprises with crop production as base would provide ways to reuse and recycle by-products/waste materials of one component as input in the other linked components, and hence to reduce the cost of production, and finally to enhance the net-income of the farm as a whole. To meet the multiple objectives of poverty reduction, food and nutritional security, competitiveness and sustainability, the farming system and natural farming approaches have been recommended for livelihood security in arid ecosystems. ICARCAZRI has been the seat for research on farming systems for both hot as well as cold arid regions of India. Extensive research has been conducted on farming systems suited for the local conditions, researching varied aspects like crop/ livestock/ other component selection, management of soil and water, risk management, value addition aspects as well as socio-economic aspects. Research on suitable integrated farming system model has also been going on at the ICAR-CAZRI, Regional Research Station, Bikaner aimed at finding the best components that can improve livelihood security in the region.