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Natural Farming Practices in India: Its Adoption and Impact on Crop Yield and Farmers' Income
Abstract
AI}STRACT Natural Firming (NF) is contemplated by its protagonist as one of the most potential crop cultivation methods to drastically cut down production costs by reducing dependence on rnarket for purchase of critical inputs. Being considered as an agroecologically diverse farming practice, it brings hosts of ecological and social benefits, although, there are two school of thoughts-opposing each other on the efficacy of its practices. In order to better understand the practice followed in NF' as well as the cost saving and income gain by the NF farmers, the study was undertaken in the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during January-June 2019 covering 55 and 124 NF-adopting farmers and 50 and 61 non-NF farmers in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, respectively. Though there are certain practices prescribed in natural farming, the most adopted practice is use of Jeevamritha, Beejamritha and other plant protection materials. Further, there is always scope for tweaking and innovation in these practices like Ghanajeevamritha. use of Azolla in paddy field or applying Jeevamritha through drip irrigation. Significant reduction in cost of cultivation of all the crops was observed, However, the effect on crop yield is not conclusive. NF-farmers in Karnataka harvested better yield in finger millet, but lower yield in paddy and sugarcane. While in Andhra Pradesh, yield advantage was visible in paddy. It was also observed that the NF adopted farmers who applied farm yard rnanure harvested better crop yield than those who did not apply. Thus, natural farming may not look as yield enhancing farming practices, but definitely increases farmers' income through cost reduction and long-term sustainability.
... For example, a rejection of mainstream agronomic science, while accepting recent research advances in microbiology to optimise the soil microbiome. These contradictions have led to the criticism that the ZBNF movement has been driven by belief systems (e.g., Hindu promotion of indigenous cows) rather than scientific evidence [35]. There is a genuine danger that the success of the social movement fueling the adoption of ZBNF practices has become out of step with science that supports its efficacy. ...
... Neemasthram was prepared from cow dung, cow urine, neem seeds and leaves as well as other bitter tasting leaves available locally (e.g., castor). Agnasthram consists of cow urine, neem leaves, tobacco leaves, chillies, and garlic [35]. ...
It has been claimed that Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), a burgeoning practice of farming in India based on low-inputs and influenced by agro-ecological principles, has the potential to improve farm viability and food security. However, there is concern that the success of the social movement fueling the adoption of ZBNF has become out of step with the science underpinning its performance relative to other farming systems. Based on twenty field plot experiments established across six districts in Andhra Pradesh (SE India), managed by locally based farmer researchers, we present the first ‘on the ground’ assessment of ZBNF performance. We show that there is no short-term yield penalty when adopting ZBNF in small scale farming systems compared to conventional and organic alternatives. In terms of treatment response, we observed differences between agro-climatic zones, but in this initial evaluation we cannot recommend specific options tuned to these different contexts
... The ZBNF treatment largely used insect traps, not chemical insecticides, but also used homemade 'Neemasthram' (cow dung, cow urine, neem seeds and leaves as well as other bitter tasting leaves available locally (e.g. castor)) and 'Agnasthram' (cow urine, neem leaves, tobacco leaves, chillies and garlic) in place of purchased neem oil (Kumar et al. 2019) and liquid Jiwamrita as a microbial inoculant. ...
Unlabelled:
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a grassroot agrarian movement and a state backed extension in Andhra Pradesh, and has been claimed to potentially meet the twin goals of global food security and environmental conservation. However, there is a lack of statistically evaluated data to support assertions of yield benefits of ZBNF compared to organic or conventional alternatives, or to mechanistically account for them. In order to fill this gap, controlled field experiments were established in twenty-eight farms across six districts, spanning over 800 km, over three cropping seasons. In these experiments, we compared ZBNF (no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, home-made inputs comprising desi cow dung and urine with mulch) to conventional (synthetic fertilisers and pesticides) and organic (no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, no mulch, purchased organic inputs, e.g. farmyard manure and vermicompost) treatments, all with no tillage. Comparisons were made in terms of yield, soil pH, temperature, moisture content, nutrient content and earthworm abundance. Our data shows that yield was significantly higher in the ZBNF treatment (z score = 0.58 ± 0.08), than the organic (z= -0.34 ± 0.06) or conventional (-0.24 ± 0.07) treatment when all farm experiments were analysed together. However, the efficacy of the ZBNF treatment was context specific and varied according to district and the crop in question. The ZBNF yield benefit is likely attributed to mulching, generating a cooler soil, with a higher moisture content and a larger earthworm population. There were no significant differences between ZBNF and the conventional treatment in the majority of nutrients. This is a particularly important observation, as intensive use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers comes with a number of associated risks to farmers' finances, human health, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. However, long-term field and landscape scale trials are needed to corroborate these initial observations.
Supplementary information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13593-023-00884-x.
... This finding was in line with the findings of Singh and Tyagi (2014), Prajapati at al. (2018), Sarada and Kumar (2018), Kumar et al. (2019) and Ingale (2020), Padma at al. (2022. ...
Natural farming has always been India's inherent advantage and strength. The shift in the global consumption patterns, health awareness among the consumers and the increasing significance of sustainability is now putting natural products to the forefront locally, nationally and also at international level. A study was conducted in six talukas of Junagadh, Rajkot and Gir Somnath districts of Gujarat state. The number of villages were selected irrespective from each taluka on the basis of available of adopted natural farming farmers. Total 144 farmers selected as sample size. The result of the research finding revealed that majority (97.91 per cent) of the adopted natural farming farmers followed jivamrut practices with first rank followed by neemastra practices which is 95.13 per cent and bijamrut which is 93.75 per cent farmers adopted with second and third rank, respectively.
... Land rent ( 4,500) was accounted for major share in fixed cost followed by depreciation ( 850) interest on fixed capital ( 649) and land revenue ( 60) among all treatments. [12] in their study that sugarcane yield in natural farming (NF) was less than in non-natural farming in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh states. The gross returns was found to be highest in RPP ( 88,871) followed by OPS ( 77,266), ZBNF ( 71,922) and control ( 42,756).This was mainly due to usage of recommended inorganic fertilizers and PPCs in RPP. ...
This research work is mainly focused on comparative economic analysis of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) for Kharif Groundnut under Central Dry Zone of Karnataka. The purpose of conducting the study is to examine the cost of cultivation for ZBNF with other treatments. This is mainly due to farmers are facing high cost of cultivation by practicing conventional farming as it is highly depends on external inputs. ZBNF is low cost technology where, farming is practiced by using jeevamrutha, beejamrutha, mulching and whapsa etc. The Groundnut experiment was conducted at ZAHRS, Babbur Farm, Hiriyur during Kharif 2019-20 in order to estimate economics for different treatments. Each treatment was having different input usage. For calculating economics of each treatment, conventional cost of cultivation method was followed (i.e. calculation of Variable cost, Fixed cost, Gross returns, Net returns and B:C).The results of economic analysis revealed that the per hectare yield (17.46 q/ha) total cost ( 53,019), gross returns ( 88,871), net returns ( 35,852) and B:C (1.68) were found to be highest in RPP among all treatments i.e. ZBNF, OPS and Control. The cost of cultivation of ZBNF 22.55 per cent lesser than RPP. The B:C ratio was found to be more in ZBNF (1.66) than OPS (1.58).This is due to highest cost for purchase of excess quantity of FYM in case of OPS. It is concluded from the study that RPP was best treatment among all treatments. This is due to highest yield, net returns and B:C was found in RPP treatment as compared to all treatments. In the economic point of view, there was reduction in total cost in case of ZBNF with fewer yields as compared to RPP.
Since the green revolution, India has seen an alarming rise in the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Use of chemicals excessively has a detrimental effect on the ecology, soil, human health and groundwater purity. The Zero Budget Natural Farming method was used in this case to reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. In India, agriculture is a big sector. It is necessary for the survival and growth of the Indian economy. The majority of farmers rely heavily on inorganic, external chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, which over time deplete soil fertility and damage groundwater and other ecosystems that depend on water. The health of Indian farmers is seriously threatened by the ongoing use of pesticides and chemicals. Zero-budget farming has the ability to drastically cut costs associated with production. Low-cost farmers use mulching, soil safeguards, organic pesticides, and fertilizers. The four basic pillars of natural farming on a tight budget are Jivamrita, Beejamrit, Acchadana (Mulching), and Whapasa. Farmers with limited resources employ fertilizers, natural pesticides, mulching, and soil conservation techniques. Retaining crop wastes over time restores soil fertility and helps to maintain soil health. The control of pests and diseases is a crucial component of low-cost natural farming crop production techniques. To achieve food security in the face of climate change, a comprehensive system approach incorporating natural agricultural principles for sustainable agriculture is required. I have covered the idea, necessity, advantages, major pillars, principles, opportunities, and obstacles of adopting zero budget natural farming, as well as the aspects to scale up zero budget natural farming.
The agricultural sector and environmental safety both work hand in hand to promote sustainability in important issues like soil health, plant nutrition, food safety, and security. The conventional methods have greatly harmed the environment and people's health and caused soil fertility and quality to decline as well as deteriorate. Keeping in view the excessive exploitation and cascade of degradation events due to unsustainable farming practices, the need of the hour demands choosing an appropriate, eco-friendly strategy to restore soil health, plant nutrition, and environmental aspects. The priority highlights a need for a sustainable and environment-friendly upgradation of the present agricultural systems to utilize the beneficial aspects related to harnessing the gene-microbiome strategies which would help in the restoration and replenishment of the microbial pool. Thus, exploring the microbiome is the utmost priority which gives a deep insight into the different aspects related to soil and plant and stands out as an important contributor to plant health and productivity. "Microbes" are important drivers for the biogeochemical cycles and targets like sustainability and safety. This essential microbial bulk (soil microbiome) is greatly influenced by agricultural/farming practices. Therefore, with the help of microbiome engineering technologies like meta-transcriptomics, meta-proteomics, metabolomics, and novel gene-altering techniques, we can easily screen out the highly diverse and balanced microbial population in the bulk of soil, enhancing the soil's health and productivity. Importantly, we need to change our cultivation strategies to attain such sustainability. There is an urgent need to revert to natural/organic systems of cultivation patterns where the microbiome hub can be properly utilized to strengthen soil health, decrease insect pest and disease incidence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ultimately prevent environmental degradation. Through this article, we wish to propose a shift in the cultivation pattern from chemical to the novel, upgraded gene-assisted designed eco-friendly methodologies which can help in incorporating, exploring, and harnessing the right microbiome consortium and can further help in the progression of environmentally friendly microbiome technologies for agricultural safety and productivity.
Agriculture was, by default, organic throughout the world before the technique of manufacturing synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer was discovered in 1903. However, availability of agro-chemicals became very common after the Second World War and the agriculture started becoming more and more chemical based. Synthetic fertilizers were introduced in India during 1965-66 and their use grew rapidly along with the high yielding varieties during the green revolution period and Indian farming, by and large, became chemical based. However, by the end of the twentieth century the ill-effects of such chemical-based farming were very well understood by the common Indian people and demand for organically produced food started growing. Different methods and procedures of growing organic food got popularity among the growers, however, a sense of confusion on package of practices on organic/natural farming kept on growing simultaneously. This review article was designed to make various concepts related to organic/natural farming crystal clear for the readers. Principals of organic farming, crop cultivation strategies in organic/natural farming, challenges in organic/ natural farming and possibilities and suggestions in organic/natural farming have been elaborately articulated in this review.
This is an effort to comprehensively review the "Climate Resilient Zero Budget Natural Farming" being promoted in Andhra Pradesh by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (a para-statal), Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives, United Nations Environment Programme, BNP Paribas, KfW, World Wildlife Fund, World Agroforestry Centre, etc. The author situates the programme within a wider review of the factors that shaped India's 'Green and GMO Revolutions', and asks if in promoting ZBNF the interests of the farmers and farming communities has been secured. Besides, the critique examines the role of a variety of international finance agencies and foundations and enquires into the empirical evidence, or the lack thereof, that appears to have been the basis of promoting this programme across the entire state, and now in many parts of India as well.
Rural social movements have in recent years adopted agroecology and diversified farming systems as part of their discourse and practice. Here, we situate this phenomenon in the evolving context of rural spaces that are increasingly disputed between agribusiness, together with other corporate land-grabbers, and peasants and their organizations and movements. We use the theoretical frameworks of disputed material and immaterial territories and of re-peasantization to explain the increased emphasis on agroecology by movements in this context. We provide examples from the farmer-to-farmer movement to show the advantages that social movements bring to the table in taking agroecology to scale and discuss the growing agroecology networking process in the transnational peasant and family farmer movement La Vía Campesina.
The concept of sustainable agriculture serves a broad range of needs at the local level and is highly important for the quality of life. Agriculture systems purposefully disrupt natural systems, in an ecological sense, through patterns of human intervention. The increased consumption pattern of chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides has led to changes in physicochemical and biological properties of soil. The chemical fanning system has led to considerable loss of soil organic matter showing 0.66% when compared to natural farm soil, which shows 2.7% of organic matter. 86 mg/kg of heavy metals like chromium was detected in chemical farming, which is detrimental to the growth and development of plants.
The Green Revolution has transformed India to a food grain surplus country from a deficit one. No other activity has such immense impact on the socio-economic development of the people as the Green Revolution. Intensification of agriculture over the years has led to overall degradation of the fragile agro-ecosystem. High cost of production and diminishing economic returns from agricultural practices are affecting the socio-economic condition of farmers. Loss of soil fertility, erosion of soil, soil toxicity, diminishing water resources, pollution of underground water, salinity of underground water, increased incidence of human and livestock diseases and global warming are some of the negative impacts of over adoption of agricultural technologies by the farmers to make the Green Revolution successful. Indiscriminate and disproportionate use of chemicals pollutes the soil, air and water and feed and fodders offered to animals. This may be one of the important etiologies of increased productive and reproductive health problems of livestock. Various scientific studies and surveys conducted on fertilizer and pesticide residues during last 45 years indicate the presence of residues of fertilizers and pesticides like nitrates, organochlorines, organophosphates, synthetic pyrethroids and carbamates at higher level than permissible limit in milk, dairy products, water, fodder, livestock feeds and other food products. As urea, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer is used much more than the recommended 4-to-1 ratio to potassium; it is contributing to the global warming. The extent of systematic damages caused in the process of Green Revolution to the soil, groundwater, and ecosystem needs to be quantified. It could lead to irreversible consequence to the life of the people who are benefited once if the timely, adequate and sustainable measures are not taken up to mitigate the harm done by the Green Revolution.
Poor returns to cultivation and absence of non-farm opportunities are indicative of the larger socio-economic malaise in rural India. This is accentuated by the multiple risks that the farmer faces – yield, price, input, technology and credit among others. The increasing incidence of farmers’ suicides is symptomatic of a larger crisis, which is much more widespread. Risk mitigation strategies should go beyond credit. Long term strategies requires more stable income from agriculture, and more importantly, from non-farm sources. Private credit and input markets need to be regulated. A challenge for the technological and financial gurus is to provide innovative products that reduce costs while increasing returns. The institutional vacuum of organising farmers needs to be addressed through a federation of self-help groups (SHGs) or alternative structures.
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