From fluctuating yield to sustainable income-Sri Mallu Dora, Bottapanukula, ASR District

With cashew being a primary source of income for farmers like Mallu Dora, issues of fluctuating yields and dependency on a single crop make income unstable. In 2023-24, low rainfall significantly reduced the average cashew nut yield to 1-2 bags per acre, resulting in financial losses for most farmers. BCT KVK along with GSS, an NGO, intercropping was encouraged in the unutilized space between coconut trees. The sustainable model integrated crops of ridge gourd, turmeric, colocasia, okra, brinjal, and spine gourd. The crop yield was good and led to a total additional income of ₹78,000 in one year, with potential annual increases. With no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers used, the soil and crops are healthier. This in turn has encouraged neighbouring farmers to adopt similar practices as well.