Mixed Farming Meaning
Let’s know about Mixed Farming. With the economic bars so high it is practically difficult to survive on a single mode of income, be it urban hood or rural lives.
Man has to opt. options that act as a secondary source of income and with urban areas being very developed the options are beyond the horizon; but things get complicated for the local farmers with limited supplies, technology and knowledge, but that’s where Mixed farming comes into place.
What is mixed farming?
Mixed farming is an agricultural practice where both crops and livestock are grown and raised on the same farm.
This concept sustains means of addition income and maximizing resources by integrating crop cultivation and animal rearing. This combination of cattle and corn maintains a great balance in the ecosystem as well.
Advantages of Mixed Farming
- Resource recycling– It is a circle of complete utilization of every resource to its maximum potential. Animal manure can be used as natural fertilizers, retaining the soil moisture, preventing erosion and helping the crops to achieve full nourishment and a healthy growth. Crop residue helps to act as fodder for the livestock. This process helps reduce wastage, encourages organic farming and overall improves the biodiversity.
- Economic stability– With double the resources, there’s high chances of double income. Farmers can earn from both practices at once. Crops can be sold in markets after harvesting, cattle farming can help bring in income from different modes like cows and goats can provide dairy products for consumption, sheep can give wool for textile etc. This is a great risk management concept as there’s always a backup ready in case one of either of these sectors fail to bring income, the other is ready with a steady hand.
- Increase Employment– Since there are two different and diverse sectors to manage, employment rate increases significantly to help local farmers and land owners by hiring new people to help out in both the sectors simultaneously- Looking after the livestock, handling of crops and other tasks.
Disadvantages of Mixed Farming
- Financial constrain– Even though the end result is beneficial, the initial cost is complicated to resolve. To have dual source of livelihood, it required double the amount to built infrastructure like maintaining shed, get modern equipment, tools and better irrigation systems, it takes a major toll on the farmers pocket. Another budget cut occurs with hiring laborers with diverse skills needed to maintain both sectors.
- Disease Transmission– Poor quality of management due to lack of focus on either one of the sectors can lead to pest infestation among crops and thus hampering cattle health, which eat crop residue as fodder and hence get infected as well. Same can happen with sick animal manure could infest soil health and spoiling the crops overall- example: water contamination or soil infestation and thus leading to cross contamination between animals and crops. The end resulting in poor quality yields or lives of the cattle.
Also read: What is Vertical Farming? Meaning, Benefits & Disadvantages
Solution to the issues of mixed farming
- Adopt modernity– Educating farmers on modern techniques and tools for better agriculture practices could be beneficiary. Modern technologies have made great success in this field like better composting systems, drip irrigation and biogas plant for efficient resource use. Planned land division and smart water usage equally and efficiently between land and animals is one for the win. Access to government schemes and workshops could help adapt modernity.
- Disease management– Proper focus and healthy management could help with disease outburst among crops and animals. Timely cleaning and maintaining hygiene, vaccinations and pest control systems could be of great support.
- Soil Management– Crop rotations, crop diversification, using organic manure (e.g.-cow dung etc) instead of chemical fertilizers and integrated pest management could maintain balance. Proper water treatment and irrigation system help maintain moisture as well, thus preventing the soil from over exhaustion and dehydration.
FAQs about Mixed Farming
To increase overall productivity and sustainability by combining crop cultivation and livestock rearing
Growing wheat + mustard with cattle or buffalo rearing.
Rice + fish farming in eastern India
It promotes a healthy ecosystem, helps sustain biodiversity, encourages sustainability and reduces waste.
When managed with precision and dedication, small farmers could benefit massively from diverse income and reduced risk.
India, USA, France, Australia, and many European countries practice mixed farming.