What is Machobane farming system?
Description. Using crop rotation, relay cropping, and intercropping Summary The Machobane farming system is an intensive cropping system, using crop rotation, relay cropping, and intercropping practices. It was developed by James Machobane during the 1950s.
What are the principles of farming system?
It is an approach for developing farm-household systems, built on the principles of productivity, profitability, stability and sustainability. All the components are complimentary and supplementary to each other. And the development process involves the participation of rural communities.
What are the 3 methods of farming?
10 Sustainable Agriculture Methods and Farming Practices
- Permaculture.
- Biodynamic farming.
- Hydroponics and Aquaponics.
- Urban agriculture.
- Agroforestry and food forests.
What crops are grown in Lesotho?
The five principal crops grown in the country comprised maize. Sorghum, wheat, peas and beans, with maize being the most dominant crop. Lack of access to financial, technological and infrastructural resources are the major limiting factors in agricultural development.
What is specialized farming system?
When a farm is organised for production of single commodity which is the only source of income, it is called specialized farm [Fig. When farming is organised to produce one main product but also has several other enterprises which contribute directly to the farm income, this is said to be semi-diversified farming [Fig.
What is the average farm size in Lesotho?
1.3 hectares
The bulk of the country `s agricultural production is undertaken on family owned smallholder farms where the average farm size is 1.3 hectares with only 11 percent of farming households owning more than three hectares of land (Mphale, 2002).
What is the Machobane farming system?
The Machobane Farming System (MFS)—Mantsa Tlala, or “expeller of hunger” in Sesotho—was developed in the 1950s by Dr. Joseph J. Machobane. His sustainable agricultural system was inspired by more than a decade of research on traditional Basotho farming techniques.
What is Basotho cropping?
In its origins, it built on Basotho values, practices and culture. The cropping element is categorized as a low external input, multiple crops and environmentally sound organic farming technology that ensures provision of food all year.
What is the agriculture like in Lesotho?
Farming in Lesotho usually consists of a three-month monoculture of maize, wheat, or potatoes. In contrast, MFS is based on intercropping and relay cropping a small parcel throughout the year, except in the highlands where land is not cultivated during the most severe winter months of June, July, and August. In the lowlands, farmers plant
What are the basic principles of sustainable agriculture?
To this cropping base, animal husbandry, conservation of the natural resource base including seed sources/ gene pool, the philosophy of self-reliance and a plan for mass education are integrated.