Sustainable intensification in coconut for building system resilience and nutritional security of smallholders in Eastern India

Khopade, R and Sawargaonkar, G L and Kale, S and Davala, M S and Rakesh, S and Das, S S and Verma, R V and Raje, K and Singh, R and Jat, M L (2025) Sustainable intensification in coconut for building system resilience and nutritional security of smallholders in Eastern India. npj Sustainable Agriculture, 3. pp. 1-10. ISSN 2731-9202

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Abstract

Coconut-based cropping systems are vital to the coastal rural economy, which faces challenges like declining soil fertility, low productivity, pest invasions, and climate change. The study conducted in the eastern Indian state of Odisha investigated strategies for sustainable intensification in coconut through multi-storied and intercropping, reinforced with soil test-based fertilizer management (STBFM). Multi-storied cropping with STBFM (T6) recorded significantly higher coconut equivalent yield (33,407 nuts ha−1) and net income (USD 4344.67 ha−1) annually. Correlation study revealed the importance of magnesium, calcium, and copper in enhancing system productivity and profitability. Multi-storied cropping with and without STBFM recorded the highest sustainability yield index (0.91 and 0.86). Nutritional composition was higher in T6 (energy—110,632 Kcal, fat—902 g, carbohydrates—22,344 g, and iron—5190 mg). The Present study highlights the need for the adoption of multi-storied/intercropping with judicious nutrient management for reinvigorating sustainable coconut farming at landscapes, besides ensuring smallholders’ nutritional security in eastern Indian states.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Global Research Program - Resilient Farm and Food Systems
CRP:	UNSPECIFIED
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Ecology, Environmental sciences, Plant sciences
Subjects:	Others > Odisha Others > Food and Nutrition Others > Food Security Others > India
Depositing User:	Mr Nagaraju T
Date Deposited:	06 Aug 2025 06:33
Last Modified:	06 Aug 2025 06:33
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/13266
Official URL:	https://www.nature.com/articles/s44264-025-00080-2
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	We gratefully acknowledge the support of the officials from headquarters and the Khorda district of Odisha Livelihoods Mission (OLM) for their support and facilitation during project implementation. This study was funded by the Odisha Livelihoods Mission, Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, India.
Links:	Google Scholar

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