While doing multi-layer farming farmers must select the crops according to their region’s climate conditions. Because some crops may not survive in some regions therefore before starting one should check the survivability of the crops in their location.
Quick overview – Crop combination list, multilayer farming model explained, Profit and cost are given.
Multilayer farming model
Let’s understand what a multi-layer farming model is and how farmers can get benefited by using this model on their small farms.
In multi-layer farming, four layers can be created meaning 4 crops can be planted on a single farm. Let’s understand how to create each layer and which plants should be planted into the layers.
1st crop – It is the bottommost layer and to form this dig the ground bit deeper than usual. Under root plants are planted in this layer such as ginger, garlic and turmeric etc. After sowing root plants level the ground for 2nd crop, ginger will take at least 2 to 3 months to grow.
2nd crop – Now select a crop that can be harvested after 2 to 3 months. Mostly leafy crops are preferred in layer 2, they also cover the land so resulting in no weed growth. Chaulai or amaranthus is a nutrient crop that grows within 15 days only. It also prevents weed growth. Fenugreek, spinach, coriander, amaranthus, tomato, brinjal, maki, chari, berseem and leafy veggies can be grown as 2nd layer crop.
3rd crop – After planting two crops, the first one was a root crop such as ginger that can be planted inside the ground and the second one above the ground as an amaranthus plant. Plant a climbing crop as a 3rd crop. Bamboo sticks are considered best for climbing crops so dig some bamboo sticks if not available then pick some wood sticks and dig them. Now select climbing plants like ivy gourd, bitter gourd etc. Ivy gourd is an annual plant and it can produce fruits for 9 months. To protect plants from direct sunlight one must construct the farm with sticks and put some shady grass over it so that plants can receive partial sunlight.
4th crop – One can plant trees as a 4th crop. Papaya tree can be planted at a distance of 18 by 15.
Multi layer farming crop combination list
| Ginger + spinach + banana. Sweet potato + coriander + coffee. Turmeric + bottle guard + chaulai + coconut. Yam + chilli + cucumber + papaya. Coconut + coffee + papaya + pineapple. Coconut + coffee + black pepper. Coconut + banana + coffee. Coconut + banana + black pepper. Coconut + banana + pineapple. Coconut + banana. Coconut + black pepper + cacao + pineapple. Coconut + jackfruit + coffee + papaya + pineapple. Coconut + papaya + pineapple. Coconut + pasture. Coconut + papaya + pineapple + peanut. Coconut + banana + taro. Coconut + banana + ginger. Mango + pineapple. Mango + papaya + pineapple. Mango + pasture. Mango + guava + cowpea. Maize + green gram + ground nut. Amarnathus + lady finger + colocasia. Spinach + radish + onion. Brinjal + ladies finger + basela + colocasia. Eucalyptus + papaya + berseem. Sugarcane + potato + onion. Sugarcane + mustard + potato. Pigeon pea + upland rice + black gram. Pigeon pea + sesame + groundnut. |
Crop layers
1st layer – Ginger garlic, sweet potato, onion, turmeric, yam, potato.
2nd layer – Fenugreek, spinach, coriander, amarnathus, maki, chari, barseem and leafy veggies etc. After these you can also plant these Brinjal, tomato, chilli and okra etc.
3rd layer – Cucumber, bitter gourd, ivy gourd, pumpkin, ridge gourd and ash gourd etc.
4th layer – Papaya or other fruit trees.
Estimated costing profit
Labour costs and other necessary costs are included.
This cost is for 1 acre for 5 years.
Per year cost Rs 30,000
5 year cost = Rs 30,000 x 5 years = Rs 150,000.
Net profit of Rs 4.5 lakh to 5 lakhs can be achieved from 1 acre in 1 year only.
| Agriculture production 1 acre (per quintal) | Market rate per quintal |
| Amaranthus 200. Ivy Gourd 250. Papaya 80. Ginger 60. | Amaranthus Rs 450 to 500. Ivy Gourd Rs 600 to 700. Papaya Rs 1200 to 1500. Ginger Rs 5000 to 6000. |
Conclusion – Multilayer is a sustainable farming model and in comparison to ordinary cultivation labour and other costs are fewer. By adopting multilayer farming farmers can achieve regular income throughout the year. Greens grown in 2nd layer gives daily income between March and July. From April onwards 3rd layer crops which are climbing crops like Scarlet gourds, bitter gourd and ivy gourd start fruiting till november end. In the August season the 1st layer of crops such as gingers are harvested. Like this the whole year from March to February farmers can have a year-round income.
FAQ
Give multilayer farming crop combination list
Chaulai + fenugreek.
Bitter gourd + Ivy gourd.
Bitter gourd + Pumpkin + chaulai.
Banana + papaya.
Banana + mango.
Banana + papaya + mango.
Papaya + mango.
What is multilayer farming?
It is a sustainable farming model containing 4 layers in which 4 different types of crops can be planted on the same land.
Name some crops that I can use in multilayer farming?
Tomato, ginger, garlic, vegetable, cauliflower, brinjal, lentice, coriander, turmeric, spinach, turai, okra, onion, bitter gourd, green chillies, bottle gourd, cucumber, papaya.
How many layers are there in multi crop cultivation?
4 layers.
What should I plant in 1st layer?
Root crops that grow underground such as ginger, turmeric, sweet potato, onion and garlic etc.
What to grow in 2nd layer?
leafy veggies such as fenugreek, spinach, coriander, berseem, amaranthus, maki and chari etc.
What can I plant in 3rd layer of multi-cropping?
Climbing plants such as bitter gourd, ivy gourd, pumpkin, cucumber, ridge gourd and ash gourd etc.
What crop should I plant in 4th layer?
Trees like papaya and drumsticks can give you good benefits.
Can arecanut trees be intercropped with mahogany trees?
Yes, you can but provide a good spacing between both.
