Income from farming is not always stable; sometimes crop prices fall, and sometimes low yields are caused by weather conditions. In such situations, the farmer needs alternative sources of income. The Central University of South Bihar, located in Gaya district of Bihar state, has developed such a model that combines agriculture and animal husbandry on a two-acre plot.
Under this model, cattle, goats, chickens, ducks, and fish are raised simultaneously on one territory, while fruits and vegetables are grown in parallel. The goal of this approach is to ensure more efficient use of available resources and land so that the farmer does not depend solely on one type of crop.
Even farmers with two-acre plots can start such a farm by adapting it to their needs and available resources. First, it is necessary to assess the size of the land, the availability of water supply, and the possibility of providing feed for livestock. If there is enough land and feed, the farmer can consider starting a dairy farm with 6–8 dairy animals.
A feature of this agricultural model is the ability to use the waste from one process in another, which helps reduce operating costs. For example, residues after harvesting can serve as feed for animals. Furthermore, manure from cows and other animals is used to produce organic fertilizers, which are then applied to the field.
Water from the pond can be used for irrigating crops, and the feed grown in the field can serve as food for livestock. Thus, agriculture, animal husbandry, and aquaculture function interdependently, helping the farmer reduce costs for purchasing feed, fertilizers, and other necessary materials.
The farmer's income largely depends on market prices for agricultural products. If grains are sold at a low price in a certain season, the farmer may incur losses. However, if other activities are linked to the main crop, earning options expand. For example, the farmer can earn money by selling milk, eggs, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Organic fertilizers obtained from manure can also be used in the field or sold, creating an additional source of income. This reduces the risk that the farmer's entire income will suffer due to spoilage or falling prices of one crop.
If the farmer has a pond, they can engage in both aquaculture and duck farming. The land around the pond can be used to grow vegetables and plant fruit trees, allowing for maximum efficient use of the pond and surrounding area. The farmer gets the opportunity to earn money from fish, ducks, and vegetables at different times. Nevertheless, this requires monitoring the condition of the pond, water quality, and adhering to proper husbandry methods.
Inter-row strips and unused parts of the field can be used to plant fruit trees such as mango, guava, lime, papaya, banana, and terebinth. These trees begin to bear fruit over time, and the harvested crop can be sold in the market. This creates a source of income even from the part of the field that is usually not used for traditional agriculture. Additionally, the farmer can start small poultry farming, which will provide additional income from eggs and meat. Chicken waste can also be used to create fertilizers.
To implement integrated agriculture, it is not necessary to start all processes simultaneously. The farmer can start based on their budget, land size, water availability, and market infrastructure. For example, one can start with a combination of dairy farming and vegetable cultivation, and then, as resources and experience grow, add poultry farming, goat farming, or aquaculture. The farmer should take care in advance of animal feed, their care, vaccination, clean water, and an established sales system. It is also crucial to check the suitability of the pond before starting aquaculture or duck farming.
