Scientists stress on integrated farming system in NE

Aizawl, Aug 24 (UNI) Agriculture scientists have stressed integrated farming system in NE region, by collobrating crop, livestock and Pisci-culture simultaneously keeping in view the shrinking natural resources.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), NE hill region, Joint Director Prof N P Singh said the productivity of soil was deteriorating due to soil and water erosion, shifting cultivation, lack of good seeds and fertility of land.

High degradation of natural resources had resulted in low food production in the NE and would dwindle the multiple use of soil which created enormous problem for the future generation, he said.

Stressing upon 'Double cropping' he said, a large area of land was lying unused or used only once.

''We must use our resources 'in situ' without depending much on external inputs like chemical fertiliser,'' he added.

Earlier, farming and animal husbandry were viewed as 'competitive' but in today's concept both were 'complementary', he said.

The integration of animal and fish farming would also promote full utilisation of land area and recycling of organic manure through minimising the operation expenses in feeds, thereby, improving the farmer's living standards. Mr Singh pointed out.

ICAR's principal scientist in animal production Anubrata Das also said the integrated system of livestock and fish farming was common to the most parts of Asia.

This type of farming was based on the concept of recycle of that wastes.

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