Technology, infrastructure and enterprise trade-off: Strengthening smallholder farming systems in Tamil Nadu State of India for sustainable income and food security

The complexities of smallholder farming systems pose a challenge in demonstrating the potential benefits or risks new technologies and policies. Using Integrated Analysis Tool, rule-based dynamic simulation model, this study tried to improve performance major Tamil Nadu State India. Amongst four viz. Black gram-based (BFS), Paddy-based (PFS), Farming Systems (IFS) Villupuram district Dryland System (DFS) Virudhunagar district, IFS was found be most profitable resilient based on their simulated for 3-year rotation. Setting as benchmark, interventions were evaluated under other relative performance. analysis allowed understanding interactions impact whole farm way considering cash flows, cost intensity, input-output trade-offs. While multi-bloom technology black gram increased net profit BFS without much stress input labour, area expansion rainfed groundnut incurred high expenditure. Trading-off paddy with maize significantly PFS but replacing sugarcane tapioca turmeric not remunerative. Improved livestock management practices have substantially DFS wherein crop yield could enhanced prospects good irrigation infrastructure. endowed has achieved 90% performance, whereas water-starved achieve only 65% IFS. We conclude that agricultural policy must focus are also consider what is acceptable farmer, synergies trade-offs between competing resources at level.