MARKET ______ -concentrates in animal production, and there is somae potential
for on-farm self-sufficiency in power (gasohol, biogas, and animal draft) based on conversion of sweet potatoes and cassava.
f uel Lowland Rice System
HOUSEHOLD
The lowland rice system (Figure 2.5) is characteristic ot
laborabortraditional small-farm operations in the river valleys, first and fertlityfeedsecond terraces, and coastal areas of Asia, including southern
China. These areas have at least three months of rainfall abo',u f ood200~ m 'and a dry season of two to six months. Length of dry
season is a major factor in feeding animals. The areas are
tropical (frost free). Population density is high for both CROP ANIALShumans and animals. Rice is the major crop, followed in
wheatfeed wineimportance by garden vegetables and food legurre crops. The usio
ricemulh bedin poutryof fertilizer and manures assures high crop yields. Rice is
corn- Att milled in the villages; therefore, rice bran and other
basvm rie pot buffalo by-products are available. Rice bran has a good level of crude
sorgum pwerprotein (12 to 15 percent) and a significant amount of oil or
kena t ---- rtfat; hence, rice culture/livestock integration adds to the
intensification of this farming system (Maner 1978).
10. Animals provide income and manure as well as fuel in south
Asia (Figure 2.5). The major species are cattle, buffalo off frm frest(swamp-type or carabao) swine, chickens, ducks, and geese. The
bovines are kept to utilize crop residues and to supply manure and power for tillage and transport. old draft animals are sold for mat. Rice by-products and cut grass are utilized for swine feeding. The pigs are sold for additional income. The ducks and geese feed on grains lost during harvest and on insects and weeds Figure 2.4 Humid-upland farming system in Asia, permanent crop- in and around the irrigation canals. most of the eggs and mat
ping, moderateintegration of crops and animals (ani- from chickens, ducks and geese are consumed within the household
mals tethered or herded) or in the immediate community. The farms are small and
fragmented, which makes for difficult control of grazing animals.
As a result, the larger livestock are confined and hand-fed, moisture stress are frequent, which permits collection of manures. Another reason for tethAmong the assets of this system are some possibility for ering or confinement is security, as theft of animals is a
multiple cropping, excellent potential for crop/ animal inte- problem. Animals, especially the buffalo, are a strong feature
gration, good potential for small-holder dairying with crop of the cultural system (ritual) (Barnett 1978).
rotation, and feasibility of cooperative production and mar- Because of high population pressures, no land is available
keting. Rice is milled at the village level; therefore, rice for producing fuel. The high rate of use of manures on crops
bran and other by-products are available for supplementary also precludes this as a source of fuel. Hence, in this system,
feeding of animals. Some of the current limitations to increased the primary source of fuel is kerosene purchased at the market.
output are inadequate or absent credit and animal health The assets of the lowland systems are numerous. Multiple
services, insufficient power for tillage (Duff 1978), and limited cropping can be expanded to reduce dependence on a single crop
access to markets. In addition, farms are often so geo- (Riley 1978). Farmers are experienced in the care of an- imals.
graphically fragmented that much potential for grazing is lost. Labor for use in livestock production is plentiful during long
Considering the assets and liabilities, the potential appears periods. Irrigation serves to reduce risks in cropping; thus
good for change through increased cropping intensity, especially farm capital is relatively easy to accumulate on the farms.
of fodder crops for animal feeding; increased animal holdings in There are certain restrictions to expansion of crop and
order that farmers could have scheduled outputs for marketing; livestock production. For example, the nutritive value of straw
expanded farm infrastructure; extended use of draft power; and of the new, high-yielding varieties of rice is lower than in the
larger milk supplies. traditional varieties (McDowell 1978). The low feeding value of
With time, the upland areas of Asia promise to meet a rising straw may require supplementary feed for draft animals or their
demand for milk and meat through greater crop/animal inte- work efficiency will be low. Multiple cropping reduces the
gration. amount of grasses and weeds traditionally cut and fed to animals.
Integration on small farms will minimize the need for feed
49 A