Diversification of existing farming systems in Pune district of Maharashtra Hile R.B.*, Yadav D.B., Sale Y.C. Department of Agricultural Economics, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar-413722, Maharashtra *Corresponding author's email: rbhile@gamil.com
JEL Codes: Q 10, Q 16, Q 19, Q 81 Online published on 26 April, 2017. Abstract A field experiment was conducted on farmer's field at plain zone area of Pune district during the year of 2013–14. The study was carried out with before and after approach for the economics of diversification of existing farming systems. Before diversification, the results of crop component, animal component, product diversification and capacity building were  360670, 42, 640, 47, 860, and 451170. After diversification these were increased 586624 (62.65%), 71601 (67.92%), 59510 (24.34%) and 717735 (59.08%). These results were because of providing improved varieties and inputs, arranging visit and training to farmers on field crop production, providing technical knowledge of improved package of practices, supply for semen and artificial insemination and mineral mixture and goat kids of improved breed, providing technical knowledge regarding animal health and providing equipments like grading sieve/ghee making equipments, etc. The study results revealed that the interventions at each aspect of crop, animal and product diversification were increases in employment, income and improved the standard of living of selected farmers. The sustainable diversified farming systems are seen highly profitable and the appropriate diversification of components increases the production per unit area, and reduced the costs of production. Top Keywords Cropping pattern and bench mark survey, diversification, existing farming systems, sustainability. Top |