Farmstead Planning

By – Sandeep Shukla

Introduction:Farmstead is the area within the farm occupied by buildings, corrals, fences and gates and used generally as a center of operations for farm works and activities.

Farm Planning Objectives:Productivity, ProfitabilityStability, ModernizationEnvironmental Compatibility & Safety.

Major factors:Weather

Geography

Transportation

Health & Hygiene

Building Infrastructure

Dealing with Waste

Ways of Farming

Communication System

Creating Energy &

Water Supply

Other Considerable factors

Do not forget factors such as:-

• Intensity and direction of the wind, • Average monthly minimum and maximum temperatures • What time does the sun rise and set through the seasons? • What is average annual vapor-transpiration rate of an area?

• What is the average humidity throughout the year?

Site SelectionPay attention to the following when production sites are selected

• Soil types, soil depth and fertility • Drainage of the soil • Availability of water • the natural vegetation • Access to the area

Farm layoutA Farm layout refers to the compiling of physical structures such as homesteads, outbuildings, waterways, contours, camps, water supply roads and the layout of orchards, vineyards or lands.

A Layout of Modern Farm Stead….

An another view of a modern farmstead…

Comparison:

TRADITIONAL FARM HOUSE MODERN FARM HOUSE

Energy development on farmsteads…..

Conclusion:Planning is the first and most important step in designing a farmstead. The modern farmstead should provide efficiency , security and safety. A farmstead also a place of relaxation , recreation & play of workers , family members , guests or others. Some farmsteads will have high demands for electrical power and water supply , the plan should provide for efficient distribution of these services.