Horti-Pasture Cropping System Initiated at KVK Ranga Reddy

4 July 2025, Ranga Reddy

A Horti-Pasture Cropping System was established on 1.5 acres at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ranga Reddy district, under the technical guidance of ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad. The plantation was formally initiated by Dr. V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR–CRIDA.

This integrated system combines fruit trees with pasture crops to promote productivity, sustainability, and income diversification in dryland agriculture. Fruit species planted include:

• Jamun (Syzygium cumini) – Variety: Bahudoli; Spacing: 8 m × 8 m; Pre-bearing period: ~48 months

• Mulberry (Morus spp.) – Variety: Agate; Spacing: 8 m × 8 m; Pre-bearing period: 9–12 months

• Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) – Variety: Balaji; Spacing: 8 m × 8 m; Pre-bearing period: 24–26 months

• Laxmanphal / Soursop (Annona muricata) – Spacing: 8 m × 8 m; Pre-bearing period: 24–26 months

To enhance fodder availability, Hedge Lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus), variety Vellimasala, was planted as the forage component at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, with a harvest maturity of just 6 months.

This holistic model aims to improve farm resilience, soil health, and resource use efficiency while supporting livestock nutrition through integrated fodder production.

(Source: ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad)