KANDYAN FOREST GARDEN: AN AGRO-FORESTRY SYSTEM WITH HIGH POTENTIAL FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Abstract

Kandyan Forest Garden (KFG), is a traditional cropping system practiced for centuries.This is considered as the oldest 'agro-foresty'system in Asia. KFG's located in Kandycentered districts with an altitude of 450 - 1050 m, and receiving an annual rainfall of>2400 mm. The topography of the land is sloping with a gradient of 50 - 250. The landholdings vary from 0.4 - 1.75 ha. (mean =0.7 ha), with sufficient idle family labour foralternate income generation opportunities. This perennial, tree-based home garden systemhas high floristic diversity. The perennials are composed of spice, timber, fruit, food,medicinal and shade trees. The density of perennial trees ranged from 60 -340 per ha.(mean = 196), and contains at least 12 different species. The inhabitants are traditionaland conventional farmers with wide experience in farming. Many of them have beenkeeping livestock as a secondary source of income through generations. The climate isconducive for exotic breeds and have high market potential for livestock products. Theperennial trees provide excellent tree fodder. Other than the major perennials, the livefences,supports and shade trees also provide green fodder year round. The annual drybiomass production from perennials range from 2500 -18000 kg, with a crude protein of> 16% and digestibility of >50%. The perennial tree fodder acceptance is high by goatsthan cattle and buffalo. The fodder potential can be further improved by introduction ofsimple agricultural techniques such as 'Sloping Agricultural Land Technology' (SALT).This also improves the soil conservation. This system is stable and highly sustainable.The potentials for income generation using the resources within the system is enormous.The most important factor is that to maintain the stability and the sustainability of thesystem.