AGRICULTURAL INTENSIFICATION IN TERMS AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS (SURVEY OF ALASHTAR LORESTAN PLAIN IN IRAN)

Abstract

This research examines the processes and conditions of sustainable development through an institutional and alternative approach. The research develops by applying census information, field observations, participatory appraisal, interviews with purposive samples, as well as reports on crop production and has analyzed the differences between the area of land use and yield per unit area using comparative techniques of agricultural land use. The field of study was Alashtar plain in Lorestan province .The purpose of field research was to compare and analyze family farming systems with other agricultural systems. At the theoretical level and review of sources showed that  higher the level of agricultural intensification , the greater the relative efficiency of family farming systems has been proven not only in Iran but also in other countries such as Japan, China, and Taiwan, based on research by Lupitten and Susan Green et al. Family knowledge storage responds well to changes in climate and the market, but is also a precursor to the low costs of change, especially technological change, in the use of new innovations and inputs .BUT a survey of agricultural credit granted during the two recent decades shows that more than 80% of the credits and facilities have been provided to users who own more than 50 hectares of agricultural land. And family farms are almost forgotten; calculations have taken place; redistribution of large land units and substantial change in government policies to support family utilization systems will double the production of agricultural products in Iran It is very important that in family farming systems the use of new technologies is avoided because such holders are less technologically savvy and mostly use rental technologies. In large scale agricultural systems such as agro-industrial units the ownership of agricultural machinery such as tractors, combines, and other production tools is much wider and broader. Because of this, such systems have to use older, worn-out technologies and are therefore; especially compared to family farmers; less productive and have less degree of agricultural intensification. In addition, highly valuable and civilizing innovations in Iran such as aqueduct originated from family-owned systems. In recent years a new way of cultivating cucumber under the Crete-plastic units promoted and expanded by family farming systems in Alashtar plain and Bijnavand area of Lorestan province. Also, varieties of greenhouse cultivation, mixed cultivation and rice cultivation have been developed by family farmers in Visian area of Lorestan province. As Ali Murad Khan predicted, food security depends on strengthening family farming systems in Iran and the Asian continent.