Farming Systems Approach in

Agricultural Research

Dr.T.Balaguru
Head-ARSMP Division
National Academy of
Agricultural Research Management
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500 407
Technology Adoption Criteria
 Suitability : Needs & Environment

 Feasibility : Resource Status

 Production : Overall

 Productivity : Risk

 Profitability : Cost Reduction

 Stability : Production & Income

 Sustainability: Resource Base

 Non-Adoption of Agricultural
Technologies
 Lack of Awareness (Illiteracy / Ignorance of
Farmers)
 Ineffective Extension Services
 Difference in On-Station & On-Farm Conditions
 Hostile Environment
 Lack of Resources
 Non-Availability of Inputs in Time

Inappropriate Technologies
Rainbow of Agricultural
Revolutions
Green Revolution
White Revolution
Blue Revolution
Yellow Revolution
Golden Revolution
Gene Revolution
‘Agri-Export Revolution’
 Emergence of FSA
 Agricultural Revolution Strategy
* Reductionistic, Disciplinary Approach
 Disadvantaged Farmers:
* Small, Resource-Poor
* Harsh Environment
 R & D with a Farming Systems
Perspective
 Agricultural R & D Approaches
I. Conventional Approach
* Technology Farmer Increased Production
* Green, White, Blue, Yellow Revolutions !
* Total Production Increased
* RRF Benefited and RPF Bypassed
* TOT Approach
II. Innovative Approach
* Farmer Technology Farmer Increased Prodn.
* Increased Production & Providing Social Justice
* RPF and RRF Will Benefit
* FS Approach
 Multiplicity of Terminologies
Farming Systems Research (FSR)
Farming Systems Research & Extension
(FSR / E)
Farming Systems Development (FSD)
On-Farm Research (OFR)
Farmer Participatory Research (FPR)
On-Farm Client Oriented Research (OFCOR)
Production Systems Approach (PSA)
Integrated Farming Systems Approach
(IFSA)
Concept of Farming Systems Approach
 Farming System: Components & Interaction
Production – Crop, Livestock, Agroforestry…
Factors – Land, Labour, Capital, Energy…
 Holistic View of Farming System
 Interpretations:
 Shaner et al (I982)
- Interdependencies Between Components
- Interaction of Components with Biophysical and
Socioeconomic Factors
Farming System
Agro-climate
Land

Agric. Crops

Farm
Household

Infrastructure
Farming System Model
 Core Characters of FSA
 Problem Solving Approach
 Holistic Approach
 Acknowledges Location Specificity
 Defines Specific Client Groups
 Farmer Participatory Approach
 Recognizes ITK System
 Bottom – Up Strategy
 Interdisciplinary Approach
 Emphasizes On-Farm Activities
 Core Characters of FSA (Contd.)
 Considers Gender Issues
 Iterative and Dynamic Approach
 Recognizes Interdependencies Among
Multiple Clients
 Focuses on Actual Adoption
 Stresses Sustainability Considerations
 Complements On-Station R & D
 FSA PROCESS
Target and R & D Area Selection

Problem Identification and

Development of a R & D Base

Planning On-Farm R & D

On-Farm R & D and Analysis

Extension of Results
 Issues For Consideration
 Integration of FSA Strategy
Complementary, but not a Substitute
 Manpower Development
Organized Manpower Planning
 Orientation of R & D Personnel
Skill Development: Training & Field Experience
 Interdisciplinary Teamwork
Training & Policy Level Changes
 Farmer Participation
Establishing Mechanism & Strengthening
 Issues for Consideration
Strengthening On-Farm Activities
Orientation & Providing Guidelines
 Research – Extension – Farmer Linkages
Establishment & Role Clarification
 Gender Analysis
Evolving Systematic Framework
 Curriculum Modification
Reorientation to Expose on FSR
 Policy Issues
Sensitization & Policy Level Support
 Sustainability of Farming Systems:
Issues
 Increase in Productivity & Profitability
 Complementarity between Components
 Preservation of Agricultural Resource Base:
* Soil : Erosion, Acidity, Salinity, Alkalinity
* Water: Scarcity, Drainage, Pollution
* Flora & Fauna
* Integrated Approach
 Use of Inputs:
* Internal - Maximization
* External - Minimization
 Utilization of ITK
 Consideration of Gender Issues
 Compatibility with:
* Agro-Climatic Conditions
* Socio-economic and Cultural Factors
 Conclusions
 Necessity Well Established
 Integration Rather Than
Isolation Required
 Orientation of People Needed
 Guidelines Solicited
 Paradigm Shift to be
Appreciated