ICAR is undertaking location-specific multi-layer farming involving crops of different heights.

Multi-Layer Farming

• Multi-layer farming means growing and cultivating compatible plants of different heights on the same field and at the same time.
• It is generally practised in orchards and plantation crops for the utmost use of solar energy even under high planting density.
• It is mostly cash crop-based and it includes a combination of vegetables and fruits that can be grown together.

How it is done?

• In Multi-layer farming, the crops are grown at different heights on the same land.
• This farming cannot be done in open fields as shade is required. It is one type of intercropping.
• Growing plants of different height in the same field at the same time is termed Multi-layer cropping. It is generally practised in orchards and plantation crops for maximum use of solar energy even under high planting density. It is the practice of several crops of varying heights, rooting pattern and duration to cultivate together.
• The objective is to utilize vertical space more effectively.
• In this, the tallest components have foliage of strong light and high evaporative demand and shorter components with foliage requiring shade and high humidity.

Try this PYQ:

Q.What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture?

1.Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock Phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 1,2 and 4 only

(c) 1,3 and 4 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Benefits offered

• Prevent water evaporation from the soil; as an effect, 70% of water is saved.
• The income per unit area increases substantially
• Minimize risks of crop yield loss and this system enables a steady supply of farm products the whole round the year.
• Reduces the impacts of hazards such as high-intensity rainfall, soil erosion, and landslides.
• Improve the soil characteristics and adds organic matter to the soil.
• Effective utilization of leaching materials and helps in effective weed control.
• Provide micro-climate conditions that advantage crops underneath.

What else?

: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA)

• In addition to this, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme ‘Support to State Extension Programs for Extension Reforms” popularly known as ATMA Scheme is already under implementation since 2005.
• Presently, the Scheme is being implemented in 691 districts of 28 states & 5 UTs in the country.
• The scheme promotes a decentralized farmer-friendly extension system in the country.
• Under the scheme, grants-in-aid are released to the State with an objective to make available the latest agricultural technologies and good agricultural practices in different thematic areas of agriculture and allied areas to farmers including training for multi-layer farming.
• Training of farmers is one of the eligible activities of the ATMA Scheme.

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