The decision to leave land fallow is primarily influenced by factors such as lower farm profitability, undulating topography, and the migration of rural youth to urban areas. To demonstrate the potential of the agri-horti system in overcoming these challenges, ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa designed and implemented interventions in a community-owned farm of Gaondongrim village of Canacona Taluka in South Goa under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) programme. These interventions were: (i) rejuvenation of barren land through the planting of improved cashew varieties under the agri-horti system, (ii) improved nutrient and production technologies, (iii) effective utilization of interspace and available natural resources and (iv) value addition through the preparation of feni from cashew apples. Through repeated measures ANOVA and paired-t test, the impact of these interventions

was assessed. Findings revealed that the employment generated at the farm significantly increased from 730 mandays per year (2017-18 – before interventions) to 1,697 mandays per year (2022-23 – after the interventions) and net returns also significantly improved by ` 4,31,377. This community-owned farm acts as a role model for rejuvenating barren land, creating a sustainable production system at the village level for generating substantial employment options, promoting crop diversification and improving the livelihoods of farmers.

Highlights

• Declining agricultural profitability is a key factor influencing the decision to leave land fallow.
• Successful agri-horti interventions in barren farmlands significantly enhanced on-farm employment generation and net returns for 33 scheduled tribe farm families.