Upscaling of agroforestry homestead gardens for economic and livelihood security in mid–tropical plain zone of India

Abstract

Agroforestry homestead garden plays a significant role in improving food and nutritional security for the smallholders in developing countries like India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries. A study was conducted in two agroecological situations of Tripura, with the aid of farm inputs, improved technological support and direct observation during the year 2011–2014. Upscaling of homestead gardens with a number of components such as vegetables, spices, tubers, fruits, mushroom, poultry and goatery products ensured a year-round supply of a wide spectrum of food materials. Besides ensuring household food and nutritional security, this large variety of homestead garden products also contributed to income security when sold in nearby market. It also helps in improving water and organic fertilizer use through the recycling of rainwater and farm wastes from the enterprises involved. Besides facilitating cash income, homestead farming system generated employment for family labour and minimizes the risk associated with conventional cropping system.