Economic performance and profitability of integrated farming system models under irrigated conditions in the Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka: Resource recycling, economic returns and sustainability in integrated farming systems

Over the years, fragmented landholdings coupled with changing climatic conditions have put Indian farming under severe pressure. Hence, the only possible way to sustain a farming community is through the adoption of an integrated farming system (IFS). However, the benefits of IFS still need a quantifiable validation, particularly to a small and marginal farmer of Indian semi-arid regions. To address this, a field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2023–24 and 2024–25) under irrigated conditions to evaluate the regional suitability and economic performance of different IFS models. The study comprised five IFS models, integrating cropping systems, horticulture, livestock, agro-forestry and vermicomposting. Results indicated significant difference in economic returns among the different components and models. Among the different cropping systems, baby corn-palak recorded the highest profitability with mean net returns of ₹25660 and a benefit : cost (B : C) ratio of 3.59. In horticultural systems, ornamental sunflower-beetroot exhibited superior performance with high net returns and benefit-cost ratios. Among the allied enterprises, the agroforestry component (Agase) showed the highest economic efficiency (B : C ratio 5.52), while dairy contributed the highest net returns (₹179800), ensuring stable income. Vermicomposting provided consistent additional returns and improved nutrient recycling within the system. Among the IFS models, the cropping + horticulture + livestock + agroforestry + vermicompost model recorded the highest mean gross returns (₹11.11 lakh), net returns (₹7.00 lakh) and system economic efficiency (₹1917.83 day-1). Thus, the results of the present study clearly demonstrated that the integration of multiple enterprises significantly improved farm income, resource recycling and system sustainability. Hence, for attaining economic stability under changing climatic conditions, adoption of diversified IFS models is recommended for famers of Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka under assured irrigation supply.