A farming system encompasses a decision-making unit consisting of the farm household and various agricultural enterprises like crops and livestock, which transform land and labor into products for consumption or sale. It is influenced by several factors including climate, soil, topography, and government policies, and involves an integrated approach to maximize productivity and sustainability. The document also outlines different types of farming systems, their components, and highlights the significance of farming systems in livelihoods, especially in India, contributing to employment, food security, and economic growth.

1. Farming System Definition
• A farming system is a decision making unit comprising the farm household,
cropping and livestock system that transform land and labor into useful
products, which can be consumed or sold (Fresco and Westphal, 1988).
• A farming system is a mix of farm enterprises such as crop, livestock,
aquaculture, agroforestry and fruit crops to which farm family allocates its
resources in order to efficiently manage the existing environment for the
attainment of the family goal (Lal and Miller, 1990).
• A farming system is defined as a complex interrelated matrix of soil, plants,
animals, implements, power, labor, capital and other inputs controlled in
part by farming families and influenced to varying degrees by political,
economic, institutional and social forces that operate at many levels (Dixon
et al., 2001).

2. Farming based livelihood system
• Farming based livelihood system refers to livelihood strategy
adopted by rural households that centre on agriculture and
related activities. In this system agriculture is the primary
means of securing food, income and employments. These
house hold diversify into allied sectors such as animal
husbandry, fisheries, and non-farm rural activities to enhance
their income and reduce risk.

3. Key element/factor determining the type of farming
1. Climate:
Temperature, rainfall, and growing season length influence the types of crops and livestock that can be raised.
For example, rice is grown in warm, wet climates, while wheat is suited to cooler, drier areas.
2. Soil:
Soil fertility, texture, and pH determine the suitability for different types of crops. Fertile, well-drained soils
support intensive farming, while poor soils might be used for extensive grazing.
3. Topography:
The physical landscape affects the choice of farming systems. Flat areas are suitable for large-scale mechanized
farming, while hilly regions may be used for terraced farming or grazing.
4. Water Availability:
Access to water resources influences irrigation practices and the feasibility of intensive farming. Regions with
ample water supply can support irrigated agriculture, while arid areas might rely on dryland farming or
pastoralism.
5. Economic Factors:
Market access, price fluctuations, and availability of credit and subsidies affect farming choices. Farmers may
adopt commercial farming if there is strong market demand and good infrastructure.

4. 6. Technology:
The level of technological advancement, including machinery, irrigation systems, and
biotechnology, can dictate farming methods. High-tech farming systems like precision agriculture
rely on advanced tools and data analysis.
7. Cultural Practices:
Traditional knowledge, customs, and local preferences play a role in farming decisions.
Indigenous practices often shape sustainable farming methods and crop choices.
8. Government Policies:
Agricultural policies, including subsidies, tariffs, and regulations, influence farming systems.
Governments may promote certain types of farming through incentives and support programs.
9. Labor Availability:
The availability and cost of labor can determine whether farming is labor-intensive or
mechanized. Areas with abundant labor might engage in intensive, labor-heavy farming, while
those with scarce labor might lean towards mechanization.
10. Environmental Concerns:
Awareness of environmental impacts and sustainability goals can drive the adoption of eco-
friendly farming systems like organic farming and agroforestry.

5. Component of Farming System
A farming system is an integrated resource management strategy
employed by farmers to maximize the productivity and sustainability of
their agricultural practices. It involves the careful coordination of various
components, including:
1. Crops, livestock, birds and trees.
2. Cropping systems like monocrop, mixed/ intercrop, multi- tier crops of
cereals, legumes (pulses), oilseeds, forage etc.
3. Livestock components may be cows, buffalos, goats, sheeps, poultry and
bees.
4. Tree components may include fruit trees, timber, fuel and fodder.

6. Concept of farming system
• In farming system, the farm is viewed in a holistic manner. Farming
enterprises include crops, dairying, poultry, fishery, sericulture, piggery
and tree crops.
• Farm as an unit is to be considered and planned for effective integration
of the enterprises to be combined with crop production activity, such that
the end-products and wastes of one enterprise are utilized effectively as
inputs in other enterprise.
• For example the wastes of dairying viz., dung, urine, refuse etc. are used
in preparation of FYM or compost which serves as an input in cropping
system. Likewise the straw obtained from crops (maize, rice, sorghum etc)
is used as a fodder for dairy cattle. Further, in sericulture the leaves of
mulberry crop as a feeding material for silkworms, grain from maize crop
are used as a feed in poultry etc.

7. Farming System Concept:
• A farm is a system in that it has INPUTS, PROCESSES, OUTPUTS and
FEEDBACK .
• Depending on the type of farming e.g. arable/pastoral,
commercial/subsistence, the type and amount of inputs, processes
and outputs will vary.
• Income through arable farming alone is insufficient for bulk of the
marginal farmers.
• The other activities such as dairying, poultry, sericulture, apiculture,
fisheries etc. assume critical importance in supplementing their farm
income.

9. Broad categories of farming systems:
1. Irrigated farming system, embracing a broad range of food and cash crop
production.
2. Wetland rice-based farming system, dependent upon seasonal rains supplemented
by irrigation.
3. Rainfed farming system in humid areas characterized by specific dominant crops or
mixed crop-livestock system.
4. Rainfed farming system in steep and highland areas, which are often, mixed crop-
livestock System.
5. Rainfed farming system in dry or cold low potential areas, with mixed crop-livestock
and pastoral system merging into system with very low current productivity or
potential because of extreme aridity or cold.
6. Dualistic (mixed large commercial and small holders) farming system, across a
variety of ecologies and with diverse production patterns.
7. Coastal artisanal fishing system, which often incorporate mixed farming elements.

10. Prevailing Farming system in India contributing to livelihood
Crop- based farming system
• Rice-wheat system
• Rice- based system-
• Millet-based system
• Sugarcane- based system
Mixed farming system
• Crop- livestock system
• Agroforestry system

11. Horticulture based system
• Fruit and vegetable farming
• Spice based farming system
Livestock –based farming system
• Dairy farming
• Poultry farming
Fishery- based farming system
• Inland fisheries
• Marine fisheries

12. Thank You

15. Contribution of farming system in livelihood in
India.
• Employment generation
• Food security
• Income diversification
• Sustainability and resource conservation
• Economic growth
• Women empowerment
• Export earnings