Mixed farming is a system of farming which encompasses growing of crops as well as the keeping of livestock. These kind of farming offers the highest return to farmers in regard to agricultural business. This is because, the farm is optimally utilized. Such farming ensures that there is nothing left as waste.
For instance, Farmyard manure from the animals is a very good source of soil nutrients. It maintains soil fertility. Additionally animal waste can be used in production of biogas for domestic energy use (lighting and cooking). The following are reasons why farmers ought to start considering mixed farming;
- Optimal resource utilization – Mixed farming offers the farmer a higher return since the farm is optimally operated.
- Reduction in cost of production- instead of purchasing synthetic fertilizers, the farmyard manure from the livestock is used as farm manure which in return significantly reduces the overall input cost.
- Reliable and constant food supply – farmers are able to provide food throughout the year. This largely reduces the instances of food insecurity.
- Diverse diet – the animal products for example; milk and eggs provides proteins while greens like vegetables provides energy, vitamins and minerals.
- Encourages intensive cultivation – more investment is done on a small part of land.
- Risk sharing – incase one project/enterprise fails, the farmer will be safe to rely on other sources of a different enterprise e.g. when crops fail, a farmer can rely on eggs and milk.
- By-products well used – the farm by-products for example, fodder, maize leaves and animal waste can be used on the farm, this in return increases production.
- Improvement in managerial skills – the farmer is able to learn hands on skills which enables him/her to optimally utilize the resources available.
