Integrated crop-livestock farming systems for sustainable agricultural development in India: A review

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems (ICLFS) are increasingly recognized as a viable pathway for achieving sustainable agricultural development in India, particularly in the context of small and marginal farming. This review synthesizes recent national and international evidence on the role of ICLFS in enhancing productivity, profitability, soil health, climate resilience and circular bioeconomy outcomes. Drawing on ICAR-led on-farm trials, State Agricultural University studies and peer-reviewed literature, the paper highlights that integrated systems outperform specialized cropping in terms of system productivity, net farm income and employment generation by effectively recycling crop residues and livestock waste into high-value outputs. Empirical evidence indicates that well-designed Integrated Farming System (IFS) models can increase net farm income by 2-4 times, generate 250-450 additional man-days of employment per hectare annually, and meet 30-60% of crop nutrient requirements through internal recycling. The review further demonstrates that ICLFS contribute to climate-smart agriculture by reducing yield variability, improving soil organic carbon stocks, enhancing water-use efficiency and lowering greenhouse gas emission intensity per unit of output. At the same time, adoption is constrained by biomass competition, labour demands, fodder and water scarcity, animal health risks and weak market linkages. The paper proposes a conceptual framework and policy-relevant strategies—aligned with ICAR priorities and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)—to scale ICLFS through location-specific designs, strengthened extension, manure-to-value innovations and institutional support. Overall, ICLFS emerge as a cornerstone for sustainable intensification, income diversification and resilient agricultural systems in India.