Redesigning of Farming Systems Using a Multi-Criterion Assessment Tool for Sustainable Intensification and Nutritional Security in Northwestern India

Sustaining agricultural systems dominated by small and vulnerable resource-poor farms that are subject to climatic aberrations is a major challenge for most Asian countries. In this context, the role of agriculture requires immediate attention in northwestern India where marginal farmers with less than meagre 1 hectare land represent about 67% population. Research based on prototype being promoted redesign current farming practices help give these sustainable livelihoods. We hypothesize integrating innovative cropping into smallholder could achieve objectives. The study presented here describes modelling approach ex-ante assessment households terms economic, environmental, nutritional indicators comparison those experimental research order delineate an alternative scope flexibility optimize practices. used FarmDESIGN model evaluate farmers’ realities, focus (marginal poor (MPFs)) diversified (MDF) objective enhancing profit, soil organic matter balance, system yield dietary energy reducing pesticide usage. Introducing up 33% farm area, combined rearrangements existing crops, provided ample opportunity improve performance. improvements were greater when added, MPFs benefit greatly from balance considering negative farms. conclude model-based evaluating potential new systems, along fine tuning combinations, will support enhanced adaptability practices, which livelihoods farmers.