An integrated approach for productivity enhancement.

This chapter discusses the application and advantages of the integrated farming system approach to improve productivity. The integrated approach aims at an interrelation of a complex matrix of soil, water, plant, animal and environment and their interaction with each other, enabling the system to be more viable and profitable than the arable farming system and this leads to production of quality food. The Bhoochetana (Karnataka, India) initiative is described, which is considered as the pathbreaking approach for the development and inclusive agricultural growth through enhanced productivity in dryland agriculture. This innovative flagship programme targets integration of management interventions, including integrated nutrient management, soil and water conservation, cropping system management as well as a different outreach approach, as a complete technological tool.