I I - part - usaid

c. Other Farming Sys'em Modifications
ANNEX V-4
As discussed kn the Strategy sect-ion, farming practices
both :n the Northeast generally and ir Project tambons, currently
include actz.vities other than annual. crop production which are
important in terms 3± both overall farm income and overall labor
utill2ation. A number of these activities also have considerable
potential for a significant contributicn to increase farm income
through the util.izat.ion of improved technology. It is widely
believed that only through the examLnation of the overall farming
system and mplemen'ation of improvements wh:ch address key
constlai.n:,i throughcut- hs system, will farm families in rainfed
area's Df "he Northeast be able tc generate enough income to begin
to approach nation-wide averages. Therefore, NERAD will also have
a prcgram to i.mprove the productivity o farm activities other
than annu.a) cropping, on a selective and phased basis both between
and within Proje-t tambcns, as appropr.ate.
The iarm l..vestocK_sstem almost always includes at least
1 to 3 buflalo whi%-p-oVe tarmdraft power, and a small flock
of native chickens toz meat and eggs. A smaller percentage of
farms also have some cattle, hogs, andlor ducks or other types of
poultry, depending on feed and water availab.l ty, capital, etc.
Primary .lmitat ions for the product-on of large animals
(buffalc and cattle' currentij include d.sease, parasites, and
feed availability Disease and parasites cu:rrently result in
a 30 to 40% mortality -4 young animals kn ,dd:tion to occasional
epidemic losses, and the number of iivestock officers are
inadequate to address the problem., The Pro3ect, therefore, will
provide for better access to di.sease and parasite control
services b providing tra.ning for tambon extension agents and
farmer spec.al:sts, who will assist veter.nary officers in
vaccinrt:ons, dispensing drugs for parasite control, etc. The
Project will address the feed availab.1ity constraint through
increased crop residue output under the cropping systems modification
component, and through providing training for extension
agents and spec~ali&st farmers in the use of seeding teohn'ques
for Hamara tStylosanthes Hamata) and other forage legumes on
unused lands and,or in public areas. Selected villages will also
have demonstatitons of public land management for fcrage and
fuelwood production.
Household poilt!:y production is greatly lim.ted by
epidemic diseases ,genera!iy 90% mortality of young native
chickens), in addition to ptob.ems related to nutrition.
inbreeding depression, and parasites, Since native poultry are
an important source ot potein for family -onsumption 'second
only to tish and aJ.so h.,e ready market and a consumer
preference over commerciel breeds, NERAD will Lntroduce improved