THE INITIATIVE

• Encouragement of Intensive Integrated Vertical Farming

THE BENEFICIARIES

• Farmers with small holdings in Kannur district, Kerala

THE CHALLENGE

• Many farmers with relatively small land holdings
• Space constraints which dissuaded small farmers from taking up dairy farming

THE SOLUTION

• NABARD sanctioned a grant assistance of ? 4.55 lakh to Krishi Vigyan Kendra
• An integrated high-tech livestock and farming unit for bird rearing, goat, poultry and rabbit farming, fodder production and cultivation of vegetables, fruits and flowering plants in a small space was developed by Krishi Vigyan Kendra
• A pyramid design to prevent overheating of the shed and roof top cultivation for reduced room temperature
• Animal waste was used as organic fertilisers in the unit itself, thereby reducing expenses

THE IMPACT

• Use of a vertical structure ensures maximum production from minimum space
• Only one person (who can earn an income of about ? 2.5 lakh per year) required to manage the entire system
• An easy-to-replicate model that promotes integrated farming system and generates income all through the year