Mapping of integrated farming system diversity and predominant farming models in Cooch Behar, West Bengal

This study examined the different Integrated Farming Systems’ (IFS) adoption and finding the predominant IFS models in selected blocks of Cooch Behar district, West Bengal. The study area was chosen purposively owing to the widespread practice of integrated farming systems aimed at improving livelihood outcomes. A multistage sampling approach combining purposive and random techniques were adopted to select the respondents. Primary data were collected from 175 farmers practicing Integrated Farming Systems using a pre-tested structured interview schedule through personal interviews. The data were analysed using statistical tools like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and rankings. The findings revealed that majority of the farmers were following the IFS components Crop + fishery (26.29%) and Crop+ Dairy (26.29%) followed by Crop + Dairy + Poultry + Fishery (10.29%) and Crop + Dairy + Piggery + Goat farming (6.29%) and so on. Like this, 20 different models containing different components were identified in the study out of 175 farmers from 3 blocks of the Cooch Behar district.