RA 00015.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

F A R M I N G S Y S T E M S
The goals of ICRISAT from the beginning have embraced development of improved systems of farming.
In genera], the goals of the Farming Systems section parallel those long-range goals of
ICRISAT - t o increase food production in the SAT, and to make it more reliable from season to
season and year to year.
Specifically, the goals of the Farming Systems research programs can be presented in three
statements-
- t o aid in generating economically viable labor-intensive production technology winch makes a
better use of the productive potential of resources while at the same time conserving and improving
resources.
- t o assist in development of technology for improving land and water management and resource
conservation systems which can be implemented and maintained during the extended dry seasons, thus
providing additional employment to people and better utilization of available manpower.
- t o assist in raising the economic status and quality of life for the people of the SAT by aiding in
the development of systems of farming which will increase and stabilize agricultural output.
At any location, these objectives must be accomplished by providing optimum conditions for rainy
and postrainy season cropping through proper management of the soil and of the total precipitation
that falls on the land and by better utilization of the improved environment through more-productive
cropping systems. In some areas tins will also require collection and storage of runoff and the efficient
utilization of stored water and groundwater.
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