2013 03 Creative Things Thursday And Features

In the world of farming and agriculture, there is a process referred to as mixed cropping which is otherwise known as intercropping. This is cropping system wherein the farmers can sow more than two crops simultaneously. By being able to plant several crops, farmers are able to make the most use of land while also reducing risks that are linked to single crop failure.

How Farmers can Benefit from Intercropping?

Intercropping is creating biodiversity and attracting wide variety of both predatory and helpful insects in minimizing pests. At the same time, it can help as well in increasing soil organic matter, suppress the growth of weed and fumigate soil.

In India, an NGO named Agragamee has developed Wadi-Tribal Development Project with efforts of strengthening agrarian livelihoods while also increasing nutritional and food security. In Gujarati, Wadi means small orchard that covers 1 acre. 2 or more agricultural crops are selected strategically for the process of mixed cropping with fruit trees under Wadi model.

This is in efforts of minimizing biological and climatic risks. Furthermore, it helps in providing diversity in nutritional foods that local communities can take advantage of.

For a Better World

Also, Timor-Leste NGO Resilient Agriculture and Economy through Biodiversity in Action or REBIA is working with women, men and even the youth in promoting biodiversity-based agriculture model that boosts food production, improves economic opportunities and reduce environmental degradation.