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Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest Systems (ICLFS) are efficient land-use systems that integrate agricultural crops, livestock, and forests in the same location. By using an integrated approach, the effectiveness of resources is optimized, biodiversity is improved, and soil quality is enhanced while decreasing the environmental impact of agriculture.

In India, ICLFS is particularly useful for marginal and small farmers to diversify income and enhance resilience against climate change. Through crop-pasture rotation, forest grazing by livestock, and agroforestry, farmers can enhance productivity and ecological equilibrium. Livestock provide manure to increase soil fertility, whereas trees provide shade, fodder, fuelwood, and timber, in addition to ecological services like carbon sequestration and erosion protection.

This system lowers reliance on off-farm inputs, enhances nutrient cycling, and raises resistance to pests, diseases, and climate variability. Additionally, it guarantees perennial productivity, offers diverse sources of income, and enhances food and nutritional security.

Government policies and research centers are encouraging ICLFS in agroecological zones under conditions of degradation or low productivity. ICLFS can be scaled up as a climate-smart solution to sustainable rural livelihoods, environmental sustainability, and long-term agricultural sustainability in India and other developing countries if suitably planned and trained.

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