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Dairy animals are the backbone of animal husbandry. India is the largest milk producer and ranks first in the world with a share of 25% of global milk production. Haemoprotozoan diseases pose significant limitations to the health and production of cattle. It leads to significant losses in the livestock industry worldwide. However, most protozoan parasites in the blood are known tocause anaemia by inducing erythro-phagocytosis. In terms of  mortality, reduced milk production and reduced immunity power, hemoprotozoan parasites pose a major threat to the livestock population. Theileria, Babesia, Anaplasma and Trypanosoma are the most important hemoprotozoan diseases of veterinary importance. These diseases affect different livestock species, caused by different species of Trypanosoma, Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Tick-borne hemoprotozoan infections have a significant negative impact on the health and productivity of cattle and result in major losses to the global livestock industry. In tropical and subtropical regions, tick-borne hemoprotozoan infections have a significant impact on animal production. In India, these hemoprotozoan parasites have long posed a serious threat to the survival of exotic and crossbred cattle (Ananda et al., 2009). Haemoprotozoan diseases have deleterious impact on health and production of animals causing death in acute cases, production losses in chronically affected animals which decrease economic share of livestock sector (Bharti et al., 2022)

What is a Farming-Based Livelihood System?
At its core, a farming-based livelihood system is one where agriculture (crop production, livestock rearing, or a combination) forms the primary source of income, food security, and overall well-being for a household or community. It’s more than just growing food; it’s an interconnected system involving:
• Production Activities: This includes all the activities directly related to farming, like:
º Crop cultivation (e.g., cereals, fruits, vegetables, cash crops)
º Livestock rearing (e.g., cattle, poultry, goats, pigs, aquaculture)
º Agroforestry (integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems)
º Soil and water management
• Assets: These are the resources available to the farming household. Key asset categories are often described as:
º Natural Capital: Land, water, soil quality, biodiversity, climate.
º Physical Capital: Infrastructure (irrigation, roads, storage facilities), tools, equipment, livestock.
º Human Capital: Skills, knowledge, labor availability, health, education.
º Financial Capital: Savings, access to credit, insurance.
º Social Capital: Networks, community organizations, access to information, trust.

India’s rural economy plays a vital role in the overall development of the country, with a significant portion of the population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors for their livelihood. Despite the structural changes in
the Indian economy over the past decades, agriculture continues to be the primary source of income for a majority of rural households. However, the income levels of farmers and rural people vary widely due to factors such as landholding size, access to resources, market linkages, climatic conditions, education, and government support systems.
The average monthly income of agricultural households in India has been a matter of concern and active policy intervention. According to reports from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and other government bodies, many small and marginal farmers earn less than what is required for a sustainable  livelihood. This income typically comes from multiple sources, including crop production, livestock rearing, wages, and non-farm activities. Yet, the increasing input costs, fluctuating market prices, and the vulnerability to climatic shocks make farming a risky and often unremunerative occupation. To address these challenges, various initiatives have been undertaken by the Government of India, such as the Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) strategy, minimum support prices (MSP), crop insurance schemes like PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana), rural employment guarantee schemes like MGNREGS, and efforts to promote farmer producer organizations (FPOs).

Livelihood refers to the means and capabilities by which individuals and households secure the necessities of life such as food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. It encompasses not just the income-generating
activities people undertake, but also the assets, skills, knowledge, and social networks they use to sustain and improve their living conditions. The concept of livelihood is broader than employment or income; it includes access to natural, financial, social, human, and physical capital that enable people to build a decent standard of living.
A widely accepted definition by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (developed by the UK’s Department for International Development) states that a livelihood comprises “the capabilities, assets (including both material and
social resources), and activities required for a means of living.” A livelihood is considered sustainable when it can cope with and recover from stresses and shocks, maintain or enhance its capabilities and assets, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for the next generation. In India, livelihood patterns differ significantly between urban and rural areas due to differences in economic structures, resource availability, access to services, and lifestyle choices.

Studying livelihood systems requires a multidimensional approach, as livelihoods are shaped by a variety of social, economic, environmental, and institutional factors. To understand how individuals and communities sustain
their lives, researchers and policymakers use a range of indicators that help analyze both the opportunities available and the vulnerabilities faced by people. These indicators provide insights into the resources people use, the strategies they adopt, and the outcomes they achieve in their pursuit of a secure and dignified living. One of the foundational frameworks for analyzing livelihoods is the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF), which identifies five core categories of capital or assets: human capital, natural capital, financial capital, physical capital, and social capital. Indicators related to each of these asset types are commonly used in livelihood studies.
Apart from these core assets, livelihood outcome indicators are also important. These include levels of food security, poverty status, employment stability, quality of life, savings and investment behavior, and ability to withstand shocks. These outcomes provide a picture of whether the livelihood strategies adopted are sustainable and equitable. Institutional and policy indicators are equally significant. These include access to government schemes, land rights, legal entitlements, effectiveness of rural development programs, and availability of extension services. The role of markets, financial institutions, and governance structures must also be considered when evaluating livelihood systems. In the context of vulnerability, indicators like frequency of crop failure, income variability, health risks, and exposure to natural disasters are used to assess how secure or fragile a livelihood is. Coping strategies, such as migration, asset liquidation, or diversification of income sources, are also analyzed.

Agricultural Livelihood Systems (ALS) refer to the complex set of interactions between farming practices, economic activities, social structures, and environmental factors that influence the livelihoods of communities,
particularly in rural areas. In regions like India, where a significant portion of the population depends on farming for sustenance and income, understanding ALS is crucial for planning sustainable rural development and poverty alleviation. The meaning of Agricultural Livelihood Systems extends beyond just crop cultivation. It includes a variety of interlinked activities such as livestock rearing, agroforestry, fisheries, horticulture, and non-farm support services like input supply, processing, and marketing. These systems are influenced by agro-ecological conditions, landholding patterns, socio-economic status, access to infrastructure, and institutional support. A household’s livelihood strategy may be entirely agriculture-based or may combine farming with offfarm and non-farm income-generating activities. The approach to Agricultural Livelihood Systems is holistic and peoplecentered. It emphasizes understanding the livelihood strategies of farming households in the context of the resources they possess, the constraints they face, and the opportunities available to them. Rather than focusing solely on increasing agricultural productivity, the ALS approach takes into account sustainability, equity, resilience, and diversification. These systems encompass a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural activities that contribute to the
overall wellbeing of individuals and households.

What is a Farming System?
A farming system is a complex and interconnected set of components, activities, and interactions that occur on a farm. It’s a holistic view of agriculture that considers not only the crops grown but also the livestock raised, the resources used, the environment, and the socio-economic factors that influence the farmer’s decisions. It aims to optimize productivity and sustainability. A farming system is a population of individual farm systems that have broadly similar resource endowments, enterprise patterns, household livelihoods, constraints, and for whom similar development strategies and interventions would be appropriate. It is a complex interwoven mesh of soil, plant, animal, people and other resources surrounding by a distinct boundary jointly managed by farm households. A farming system refers to a complex, interrelated matrix of soil, water, crops, animals, labor, and other resources managed by farm households to increase productivity and ensure food security. It goes beyond crop production alone—it is a holistic concept that includes all on-farm and off-farm activities contributing to a family’s livelihood. Farming-based livelihood systems emphasize the role of agriculture and allied sectors in supporting rural life and sustainability.
• It considers the interactions between different components of the farm (crops, livestock, soil, water, etc.) and how they are managed by the farm household.
• The aim is to optimize resource use, increase productivity, and improve the sustainability of agricultural production.

Prevalent Farming Systems in India Contributing to Livelihood India has a diverse range of farming systems, shaped by agro-climatic zones, socio-economic conditions, and cultural practices. India, with its diverse agroclimatic zones and socio-economic conditions, supports a variety of farming systems that play a crucial role in providing food, income, and employment to a large segment of the rural population. These systems vary by region, resource availability, landholding size, and climatic conditions, and are vital in ensuring sustainable livelihoods for millions of small and marginal farmers.
Here are some prevalent examples:
• Rice-Wheat System: Predominant in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. It involves rotating rice in the wet season and wheat in the dry season. This system is crucial for food security but faces challenges related to water depletion and soil degradation.
• Rainfed Farming Systems: Found in arid and semi-arid regions. Farmers rely on rainfall for crop production. Common crops include millets, pulses, and oilseeds. Drought-resistant varieties and water conservation techniques are essential.
• Mixed Farming Systems: Integrate crop production with livestock rearing. This system is common across India and provides multiple income streams. Livestock provides manure for soil fertility and draught
power, while crops provide feed for animals.
• Horticultural Systems: Focus on the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. These systems are often found in regions with favorable climate and access to markets. They can generate high incomes but
require significant investment and management skills.
• Plantation Systems: Involve the cultivation of cash crops like tea, coffee, rubber, and spices. These systems are concentrated in specific regions with suitable agro-climatic conditions.

Types of Traditional and Modern Farming Systems
India, with its diverse agro-climatic conditions, has witnessed the coexistence of both traditional and modern farming systems. These systems reflect the evolution of agricultural practices—from indigenous knowledge and
subsistence farming to technology-driven, market-oriented approaches. A. Traditional Farming Systems Traditional farming systems are based on indigenous knowledge, ecological balance, and subsistence needs. These systems are often practiced by tribal, marginal, and small-scale farmers and are well-adapted to local environments.
Types of Traditional Farming Systems
1. Subsistence Farming
Subsistence farming is a traditional farming system in which a farmer grows crops and/or rears livestock mainly to meet the needs of their own family, with little or no surplus for sale in the market. It is generally practiced on small landholdings, using simple tools, indigenous seeds, and family labor.
• Focus: Meeting the food needs of the family.
• Crops: Millets, pulses, vegetables.
• Tools: Manual or animal-drawn implements.

Farming systems or farming-based livelihood systems consist of various components that work together to produce food and generate income for farming households. Understanding crops and cropping systems is a
fundamental aspect of this broader framework. A farming system or farmingbased livelihood system is a complex and dynamic arrangement of various interrelated components that work together to support agricultural productivity, sustainability, and livelihood security. The components of such systems are selected and managed based on ecological conditions, socio-economic status, resource availability, and cultural practices. These components not only serve individual purposes but also integrate with one another to enhance overall system efficiency and sustainability.
The core component of any farming system is crop production, which includes cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and other field crops. The choice of crops is influenced by soil type, rainfall, climate, and market access. Cropping systems such as mono-cropping, mixed cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and sequential cropping are employed to optimize land use, reduce pest and disease risks, and improve soil fertility.
Livestock is another crucial component that supports the farming system through the provision of milk, meat, manure, and draft power. Cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep, and poultry are commonly reared. Integration of livestock with crops ensures recycling of nutrients and diversification of income sources. Fisheries, particularly in water-abundant or coastal regions, form an important msupplementary activity. In inland areas, fish farming is integrated with rice cultivation (e.g., rice-fish farming) or practiced in farm ponds, contributing to dietary protein and income.

Livestock integration into a farming system offers multiple benefits, including manure for soil fertility, animal products for food and income, and utilization of crop residues. Livestock components like dairy, piggery, goatry, poultry, and duckry are essential for enhancing income, improving livelihoods, and ensuring sustainability within farming systems. They are particularly important in diversified and integrated farming approaches, enabling
multi-output farming that benefits rural communities both economically and nutritionally. Livestock plays a vital role in farming systems across India and serves as a major source of livelihood, especially for small and marginal
farmers. It provides nutrition, income, employment, and farm inputs such as manure and draft power, while also serving as a risk buffer in times of crop failure.
• Dairy: Dairy farming involves the rearing of cows and buffaloes for milk production. It is a prominent source of regular income in rural areas and supports food security through milk and milk products. Cow dung is also used as organic manure and fuel.
º Definition: Raising cattle (cows, buffaloes) primarily for milkproduction. 

These three components—horticultural crops, agroforestry systems, and aquaculture—play a significant role in diversifying agriculture, increasing income, and promoting sustainability in farming-based livelihood systems
across India. Horticultural crops, agroforestry systems, aquaculture, duck/ poultry cum fish, and dairy cum - all describe different farming systems, often with a focus on integration and diversification. Here’s a breakdown of each: • Horticultural Crops: This refers to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It’s a broad category encompassing many different specific crops and growing techniques. Horticulture includes the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, condiments, and medicinal plants. These crops are high-value, laborintensive, and contribute significantly to nutritional security, income generation, and employment creation, especially for smallholders and women. Examples: Mango, banana, guava, brinjal, tomato, onion, rose, marigold, turmeric.
Advantages
• High market demand and export potential.
• Year-round employment opportunities.
• Improves diet diversity and nutrition.

It seems that you’re interested in integrated farming systems involving aquaculture combined with other types of livestock. Integrated farming systems(IFS) are agricultural systems that combine different agricultural practices to maximize productivity, enhance sustainability, and diversify income sources. Here’s a brief overview of how these combinations work:
1. Duck/Poultry cum Fish: This system integrates duck or poultry rearing with fish culture in a common water body. Ducks or chickens roam over or near fish ponds, and their droppings directly fertilize the pond, increasing natural fish food (plankton).
• Overview: This system involves raising ducks or poultry alongside fish in a shared environment, often in ponds.
• Benefits
º Nutrient Cycling: Duck or poultry manure can supply nutrients to the water, enhancing fish growth.
º Pest Control: Ducks help control pests in rice paddies while providing additional protein sources.
º Water Quality: The movement of ducks or poultry can improve the aeration of water and help manage algae.
• Considerations: It’s essential to manage feeding and water levels to prevent over-fertilization and maintain good water quality.

Small, medium, and large enterprises (SMEs and LEs) play a vital role in any economy by providing goods, services, and employment opportunities. Each category has unique characteristics, challenges, and significance within the economy. Value chains are integral to understanding how these enterprises operate and compete in the market. Enterprises in agriculture and allied sectors are classified based on investment, turnover, and scale of operation. These enterprises form the backbone of agri-based value chains, providing crucial support in production, processing, storage, marketing, and distribution.
Here’s an overview of SMEs, LEs, and their value chains:
Small Enterprises
Definition
• Typically have fewer than 50 employees.
• Annual revenue varies by country but is generally less than $10 million.
Characteristics
• Often family-owned or local businesses.
• Serve niche markets and local communities.
• Limited resources for marketing, technology, and personnel.
• Higher flexibility and capacity for innovation due to fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

Secondary enterprises can play a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of farmers by diversifying their income sources, reducing risks associated with dependence on a single crop or farming activity, and increasing overall
economic resilience. In addition to primary farming activities, many farmers engage in secondary enterprises to diversify their income, reduce risk, and ensure year-round employment. These activities add value to agricultural produce or provide services linked to the agri-sector, often through microenterprises, cottage industries, or village-level entrepreneurship.
Definition
Secondary enterprises refer to non-farm or off-farm activities that are directly or indirectly linked to agriculture, often based on local resources, skills, and traditional knowledge. Here are several ways that secondary enterprises can serve as effective livelihood components for farmers:
1. Value-Added Products
Farmers can engage in the production of value-added products. This may include processing raw agricultural products into items such as jams, cheeses, dried fruits, or specialty sauces. By doing so, they can enhance the market value of their products and tap into niche markets.
2. Agri-Tourism
Farmers can diversify their income by participating in agri-tourism. This could involve offering farm tours, educational workshops, farm stays, or events like harvest festivals. Agri-tourism not only generates additional income but also helps connect consumers with food sources. 

The integration of various farming enterprises—such as crops, livestock, poultry, fishery, horticulture, agroforestry, and others—plays a vital role in strengthening rural livelihoods. However, successful integration depends on
a variety of interrelated factors. The first and foremost is the agro-climatic condition of the area, which includes soil type, rainfall pattern, temperature, humidity, and elevation. These factors determine the suitability of different
enterprises and their possible combinations. For example, fish farming is more viable in water-abundant regions, while goat farming is more appropriate in dry or hilly regions. Landholding size and its layout also greatly influence
enterprise integration. Farmers with larger and well-demarcated plots have more flexibility to integrate different components such as ponds for fish, sheds for livestock, and space for crops or horticulture. On the other hand, marginal and small farmers may find it challenging to accommodate multiple enterprises without careful planning. Similarly, water availability is a key determinant, especially for integrating enterprises like fishery, dairy, and horticulture, which require regular and ample water supply. The presence of water harvesting structures or access to irrigation facilities enhances integration potential.

India’s vast geographical expanse and diverse climatic conditions have led to the development of distinct agro-climatic zones. These zones, as defined by the Planning Commission and ICAR, provide a scientific basis for selecting location-specific farming systems that ensure sustainable productivity, livelihood security, and efficient resource use. The feasibility of farming systems in these zones depends on factors such as rainfall, temperature, soil type, water availability, cropping intensity, and socio-economic conditions. The feasibility of different farming systems significantly depends on the specific agro-climatic zone, which encompasses factors such as temperature, rainfall, soil type, and elevation. India’s vast and varied geography is divided into 15 agro-climatic zones by the Planning Commission. Each zone has specific soil types, climatic conditions, topography, and resource availability. These factors influence the most feasible and sustainable farming systems. Below is a detailed description of suitable farming systems for each zone.
1. Western Himalayan Region (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand)
• Climate: Cold temperate to alpine.
• Feasible Farming Systems:
º Horticulture-based (apple, pear, walnut)
º Agri-horti-pastoral (wheat/barley + fruits + sheep/goat)
º Apiculture and sericulture
• Justification: Hilly terrain and climate favor fruits and small livestock.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s rural economy by facilitating credit flow, infrastructure development, and livelihood enhancement in agriculture
and allied sectors. Among its many initiatives, the promotion of commercial farming-based livelihood models stands out as a dynamic and sustainable approach to empower rural communities—especially small and marginal
farmers, tribal populations, and rural women. These livelihood models are scientifically designed, economically viable, and socially inclusive, aiming to generate income, create rural employment, and ensure food and nutritional security. They also align with national programs like the Doubling Farmers’ Income mission, National Livestock Mission, PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and the Agri-Infra Fund.
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing rural livelihoods through various commercial farming-based
livelihood models. These models aim to empower farmers, increase production efficiency, and ensure better income through diversified agricultural practices. Here are some of the notable initiatives and models promoted by NABARD:
1. Dairy Farming as a Commercial Livelihood
Dairy farming is one of the most prominent models promoted by NABARD. Small dairy units with 2–10 crossbred cows or buffaloes are encouraged under schemes such as the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme
(DEDS). These units produce milk daily, generating regular income, and provide by-products like dung for compost or biogas. NABARD facilitates credit through banks and provides back-ended subsidies, especially for SHGs, youth, and women farmers. Technical training on fodder management, disease control, and scientific milking practices is also provided.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed various commercial farming-based livelihood models to enhance the income of farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and improve the overall
socio-economic conditions in rural areas. While specific models may vary by region and crop, here are some key features and themes observed in ICAR’s initiatives:
1. Integrated Farming System (IFS) Models
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a wide range of Integrated Farming System (IFS) models tailored to various agroclimatic zones of India. These models aim to enhance farm productivity,
ensure sustainable livelihood, and improve resource use efficiency by integrating different components like crops, livestock, poultry, fishery, horticulture, agroforestry, etc.
Key Objectives of ICAR’s IFS Models
• Enhance income and employment from small and marginal holdings.
• Ensure year-round productivity and food security.
• Recycle resources within the farm to minimize external input dependency.
• Promote sustainability through organic integration and ecological balance.

Commercial farming is an increasingly vital component of agricultural development strategies in many states. State governments often implement various livelihood models aimed at promoting commercial farming to enhance agricultural productivity, boost local economies, and improve farmers’ livelihoods. Here are some common commercial farming-based livelihood models that state governments may employ:
1. Cooperative Farming
• Description: Farmers form cooperatives to pool resources, share equipment, and access larger markets. This model strengthens bargaining power and reduces costs.
• Government Role: States may provide technical assistance, financial support, and facilitate access to markets.
2. Contract Farming
• Description: Farmers enter into agreements with corporations or buyers for the production of specific crops. This model often guarantees a market for the farmers’ produce.
• Government Role: Facilitation of contracts, monitoring compliance, and providing legal support.
3. Agribusiness Incubators
• Description: Establishing incubators to support startups in the agricultural sector, providing mentorship, training, and resources for innovative farming techniques.
• Government Role: Funding, infrastructure support, and partnerships with educational institutions.