Here is the aggregated input on topic #3 "Strategies used by small farms to overcome challenges – a view of the past"
Q3.1/9 - Question "3.1. Identify the three main challenges which small farms, in your region, have faced in the recent past."
No wonder, agricultural productivity for major crops and livestock species in India is still lower than that of the world averages. Nevertheless, Indian farmers have found a new breed of enterprising farmers—the
AGRIPRENEURS—who are the role models to follow!
Some creative farmers across India are innovating and applying suitable technologies and practices developed by them or integrating in their farms the technologies developed elsewhere. This type of farmers’ connection
to farmer extension services, thus, is gaining ground in India. Such technologies have better adaptability and resilience to handle climate change impacts, too.
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Q3.2/5 - Question "3.2. Share specific examples of what types of adaptations and innovations have helped small farms to cope with these challenges."
Adoption of good agronomic practices and cultivation of >1ha mechanized farm, help farms mitigate against challenges such as insect pest, cattle herds invasion, and price shocks, good agronomic practice helps sustain
food systems as it can be a buffer against severe losses.
For instance, the challenge of birds devastating rices farms can be addresses by cultivating a large expanse of land with little or no trees, as the birds will consume insignificant proportions of the rice seeds, which
will not have effect on their yield. Also regrowth of cassava farms and still achieving optimum yield after herds invasion is imminent.