Farmers’ Perceived Constraints and Suggestions for Effective Implementation of Integrated Farming System in Navsari District of South Gujarat
Yogesh Sharma *
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India.
S. R. Salunkhe
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari Gujarat, India.
Axita A. Meghnathi
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, JAU, Junagadh, India.
H. J. Kavad
Department of Agricultural Extension Education and Communication, AAU, Anand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an important approach to improving resource-use efficiency, farm productivity, and sustainability through the integration of crop and allied enterprises. However, the effective implementation of IFS may be constrained by technical, labour, financial, and institutional factors. The present study was conducted to identify the constraints perceived by farmers and document their suggestions for the effective implementation of IFS in Navsari district of South Gujarat. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and Navsari district was purposively selected. All six talukas were covered, from which two villages were randomly selected from each taluka, and ten farmers were randomly selected from each village, resulting in a total sample of 120 respondents. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured interview schedule during February–March 2026. The constraints and suggestions were analysed using frequency, percentage, and rank. The findings revealed that a lack of knowledge regarding the integration of different subsystems was the major constraint, reported by 89.17 per cent of respondents, followed by scarcity and the high cost of labour (81.67%), longer working hours (78.33%), and a lack of knowledge regarding the effective recycling of farm wastes (75.83%). Regarding suggestions, conducting demonstrations on IFS to enhance farmers’ confidence ranked first (91.67%), followed by providing training on IFS (85.83%) and government encouragement for subsidiary and alternative enterprises (81.67%). The findings highlight the need to strengthen farmers’ technical knowledge and practical skills through field demonstrations and systematic training. Improved access to machinery, credit, insurance, quality inputs, and marketing facilities, along with the appropriate use of ICT tools, may further support the effective implementation of IFS among farmers.
Keywords: Integrated farming system, farmers’ constraints, farmers’ suggestions, resource recycling, farm enterprises, agricultural extension, labour constraints, training and demonstrations, institutional support, Navsari