The tribal population in Madhya Pradesh is concentrated in the districts of Alirajpur, Barwani, Dindori, Jhabua, Dhar and Mandla. The cultivation of field crops, collection of non-timber, hunting, forest products, animal husbandry and labour wages are the major sources of livelihood of the tribal people. The majority of these people live below the poverty line due to predominantly rainfed agriculture, with traditional package of practices. Millets have been an integral part of the farming system in tribal and hilly regions. Although there is a great diversity of crops in these areas, the productivity is very low. Most of the crops are raised as mixed, often sown by broadcasting. The use of chemicals fertilizers and pesticides is minimal, and there is virtually organic farming by default in most of these areas. Limited research efforts have been made to develop improved production technologies for raising the productivity of crops and the livelihood security of the people. Integrated use of bulky organic sources along with biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers proved beneficial for meeting the nutrient requirement and almost doubled the productivity of field crops. The conservation of soil, water and other natural resources, and their management on a scientific basis enhanced productivity by 50–100% and livelihood security. The adoption of improved crop varieties suitable under the given farming situation showed superiority over the conventional landraces. The integrated farming system ensured a sustainable increase in farm income, with a B:C ratio of >2.5. Minimal use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in these areas offers an opportunity of organic farming with the support of local institutions. Small-scale farm implements and machines are needed for proper crop management, post-harvest processing and value addition.