“It feels like we’re doing something good.” Mapping farmer perceptions of zero budget natural farming onto crop yields in Andhra Pradesh

The global decline in farmland bird populations in India is often ignored. The overuse of agrochemicals in farming is the root cause of all these catastrophic results. There is ample evidence in the literature that transitioning to agroecological practices may reverse this trend. We anticipated that the bird population visiting natural farming-Andhra Pradesh Community managed Natural Farming (APCNF), a novel farming approach popular in India, will increase. The study used nested design to compare the number of bird visitations in natural farming versus chemical farming to determine whether natural farming can enhance the bird numbers and diversity. Furthermore, we analyzed the bird species visits to natural and chemical farms in different agroecological zones in Andhra Pradesh, the southernmost state of India. We used the point count survey approach to count the birds on comparable farms. MANOVA and non-parametric analysis are used to examine the findings. The bird species were ranked using a Likert scale. The results show that the average bird population visiting natural vs. chemical farms varies significantly at the 0.05 level of significance, and the bird species visiting both natural farming fields and chemical farms varies between geographies and time interval.

Background: The Indian agricultural industry has faced numerous challenges, including heavy reliance on chemical inputs, declining soil quality, rising cultivation costs and farmer distress. Natural farming, which emphasizes organic and agroecological practices, has emerged as a viable alternative to address these issues and promote environmental and economic sustainability. This research article explores the potential of natural farming as a pathway to sustainable agriculture in India. Methods: The study focuses on the state of Andhra Pradesh, specifically in the Vizianagaram district, where the adoption of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has been significant. A comprehensive economic analysis is conducted, comparing natural farming with conventional farming methods. Primary data is collected through surveys and interviews with farmers practicing natural farming and conventional farming methods. Result: The results highlight the perception and attitudes of farmers towards natural farming. While both Natural Farmers and Conventional Farmers acknowledge the feasibility and benefits of natural farming, they differ in their views on complexity, scalability, input preparation and the challenges of acquiring and maintaining Desi cows. Based on the findings, policy recommendations are provided to promote and support the adoption and expansion of natural farming practices. These recommendations include awareness and education campaigns, training and capacity building, financial support, research and development initiatives, collaboration and networking, policy integration, market support and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a form of agricultural system redesign being practiced at scale in India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh. ZBNF is an emerging set of agricultural practices designed dramatically to reduce farmers direct costs (hence ‘zero budget’) while boosting yields and farm health through the use of non-synthetic inputs sourced locally (‘natural farming’). Andhra Pradesh has set out the aim of ‘rolling out’ ZBNF to all 6 million of the state’s farmers through a state-led programme of training and extension. We present data showing statistically significant differences between ZBNF and non-ZBNF yields and farmer incomes at multiple locations and with a variety of crops, as well as preliminary results on farmers’ experiences with crop health and household transitions following the adoption of ZBNF. We conclude with reflections on the lessons derived from Andhra Pradesh’s state support for ZBNF.

This study was conducted in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. In Andhra Pradesh, Zero Budget Natural Farming programme was launched in 2015-16 with the objectives of farmer and consumers welfare and conservation of environment. Andhra Pradesh ZBNF has now transcended itself into "Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming" (APCNF) in June 2020 owing to its successful practices disseminated through communities. The results of the study revealed that most of the ZBNF farmers had medium (63.75%) perception followed by high (23.75%) on attributes of ZBNF. Whereas majority of Non-ZBNF farmers 43.33% had medium perception followed by low (41.77%) on attributes of ZBNF. In response to relative advantage, 87.50% of ZBNF farmers and 55.00% of Non-ZBNF farmers agreed and partially agreed respectively for more net profitability in ZBNF. For compatibility, 75.00% ZBNF farmers and 75.00% Non-ZBNF farmers perceived that the ZBNF practices were culturally compatible because, almost all ZBNF practices were indigenous practices in tune with their existing socio-cultural values and believes in the farming community. Majority (67.50%) of ZBNF farmers not agreed with the statement of difficulty in input application. Majority (72.50%) of ZBNF farmers partially agreed with the statement of easy to procure ZBNF inputs on small scale Majority (75.00%) of ZBNF farmers and 66.67% of Non-ZBNF farmers agreed with initial low yields and gradual increase in yields. With regard to predictability, 82.50% of ZBNF farmers agreed and 66.67% of Non-ZBNF farmers partially agreed on prediction of improvement in soil health in turn improvement in soil structure, nutrient status and increase in microbial activity in the soil.

Input-driven agriculture has led to an epidemic of impoverishment, farmer suicides, and environmental degradation in India, but has also shown consistent staying power in Indian politics. We examine the case of organic farming policy adoption to explore this paradox. Specifically, our objective was to evaluate how the state-wide Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) program (now formally known as Community Managed Natural Farming) in Andhra Pradesh, India came to be. Evidence was drawn from government documents, field notes from a ZBNF workshop and farmer interactions, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. Results suggest that advocacy of civil society networks, champions within the bureaucracy, emphasis on rural livelihoods, and the 20-year history of consensus building around agroecology all played a key role in the adoption of the ZBNF program in this state. Given the possibility of scaling up ZBNF at the national level, our analysis of the enabling environment is especially timely.

Indian agriculture sector is the most vulnerable due to climate change challenges like uncertain rainfall and water stress and coupled with week economic status of the farmers. The Indian agriculture sector facing three different challenges, such that high cost of production, low production and productivity and degradation of natural resources with affected agroecological system. Now it evident that serious concerns raised about the future problems related to country with the present approach. Natural farming can produce nutritious food without harming the environment or the health of the soil. The Andhra Pradesh state was specifically chosen for the study since it has more than 750000 farmers that practice natural farming there. The secondary data have been used which is drown from the RySS and Indiastat and also related reposts, and the study referred various previous studies and research articles from the existing literature. The study investigates the spatial distribution analysis by using ArcGIS. And the study analyzed the yield and net returns of the natural and non-natural farming in the study area. Natural farmers will gain more from lower cultivation costs, higher crop yields, higher earnings, better, healthier, more nutrient-rich food, environmental preservation, and reduced soil erosion. In addition, ecological farming requires less capital, which lowers debt loads.

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has been popularized as an alternative agriculture in recent years in the country. Based on agroecological principles, ZBNF proved to be cost and resource effective. In the present study, the sustainability of ZBNF practices was assessed and sustainability variable was divided into three dimensions, namely, economic, socio territorial and agro-ecological dimensions. Furthermore, four unique criteria were considered under each dimension. In Economic dimension in case of Andhra Pradesh, the average score of the index of economic dimension was 199.75 out of 300 and fall into medium category. In the Maharashtra state, the average score of the index of economic dimension was 240.33 out of 300 and fall into high category. In case of Socio-territorial dimension in Andhra Pradesh, the average score of the index of the socio-territorial dimension was 242.42 out of 300 and fall under high category. In Maharashtra state, the average score of the index of the socio-territorial dimension was 229.58 out of 300 fall under high category. In case of Agro-ecological dimension in Andhra Pradesh, the average score of the index of agro-ecological dimension was 244.75 out of 300 fall under high category. In Maharashtra state, the average score of the index of the socio-territorial dimension was 248.50 out of 300 fall under high category. The average sustainability measurement index of ZBNF practices for Andhra Pradesh (228.97) followed by Maharashtra (239.47) falls under high level sustainability category.

This paper presents the use of thematic collages as a methodological innovation to participatory photography as a research framework. Participatory photography was used to understand the subjective “off-script” motivations behind the full or partial adoption of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) by members of women’s self-help groups in Andhra Pradesh, India. The addition of thematic collages to existing participatory photography methods was developed as a mechanism to better support the dialogic generation of new Freirean “generative themes” for investigation by a group. Further, the use of thematic collages invites the integration of “renegade” or non-thematic images into participant group analysis. ZBNF is an agricultural practice that has become an extension priority in Andhra Pradesh. It emphasizes the use of defined chemical-free inputs and regenerative farming techniques as a holistic approach toward socio-ecological resilience. As part of an interdisciplinary research project, this participatory photography design was piloted parallel to a soil science experiment in three geographically distinct agroecological zones in Andhra Pradesh. We show how participatory photography, with the novel addition of thematic collages, can be integrated into interdisciplinary research as a method to discover the underlying motivations to adopt agricultural practices and participate in agricultural movements like Zero Budget Natural Farming.

Natural Farming (NF) is a non-chemical agricultural practice that has gained traction in India since 2016. However, its expansion remains limited due to various challenges. This research investigates the determinants affecting Natural Farming (NF) farmers intention to use digital platforms for purchasing agricultural inputs based on gender by employing an extended framework of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Social Influence (SI), Personal Innovativeness (PI), Perceived Cost (PC), and Perceived Risk (PR) as constructs. 795 valid responses were collected from the NF farmers in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, and analysed using Measurement Invariance of Composite Models (MICOM) and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation-based Multi-Group Analysis (MGA). The MICOM procedure confirmed partial measurement invariance, allowing for MGA based on gender. Results indicate that PE and PI significantly impact adoption for both genders, while FC influences only males. These findings highlight the need for gender-specific digital adoption strategies, emphasizing performance benefits, innovation readiness, and access to technological services to enhance digital adoption among NF farmers.

The “Green Revolution” (GR) technology-induced agricultural intensification has transformed India from food scarcity to a food surplus country. However, this has also resulted into several adverse repercussions. Increased application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides with stagnating/declining crop productivity has dovetailed with uncertain market conditions and climate change effects which has resulted in un-remunerative agriculture. Consequently, farmers have fallen into the debt trap due to the rising cost of crop production apart from health hazards due to serious exposure to harmful chemical pesticides. Natural Farming (NF), an agro-ecological approach to farming is believed to be an effective way to counter some of these challenges. The present paper presents field-level farmers’ experiences of NF adoption in three states of India—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. The study was conducted during February–March 2019 by surveying 295 NF adopted and 170 non-NF adopted farmers. It was found that NF practice has been followed by some farmers for more than 10 years but others have adopted during the recent past. There is variation in the practice followed by the NF farmers. There are farmers who are using Farm Yard Manure (FYM). A solid form of jeevamritha (liquid concoction of microbial inoculants) called as ghanajeevamritha was also found to be used by farmers in Andhra Pradesh. It was observed that non-NF yields are superior to NF yield without FYM. In most crops, however, NF with FYM had a greater yield than NF without FYM and non-NF farms. There has been a decrease in the variable cost and a marginal increase in the market price of NF produce. The study suggests that natural farming may be seen as one of the alternative practices which has potential to rejuvenate the agro-ecosystem, besides cost saving for the individual farmers.

The productivity of rabi sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is low in Andhra Pradesh (892 kg/ha). In order to achieve higher productivity of sunflower, farmers need to access a wide range of information related to production technologies, post-harvest processes, remunerative markets, credit and weather. The increasing penetration of mobile phone networks and handsetsin India presents an opportunity to make useful information more widely available and plays a significant role in technology transfer. Thisstudy was conducted with sunflower farmers of Mahaboobnagar district, Andhra Pradesh, India with the objectives of assessing the farmers preferred extension delivery methods, their needs and perceptions of use of mobile phones and the gain in knowledge on sunflower production technologies due to mobile phones. The knowledge scores showed significant differences between pre- and postdissemination of messages over mobile phones, which indicated that substantial improvement in knowledge, is possible with the use of mobile phones as source of knowledge access.

Natural farming, encompassing traditional, organic, and sustainable agricultural practices, is gaining prominence as a viable alternative to conventional farming. In India, with a significant proportion of the world's organic producers, natural farming has historical significance and diverse regional adaptations. This systematic review delves into the principles, historical evolution, techniques, regional adaptations, and impacts of natural farming on soil health, biodiversity, and economic viability. Natural farming, particularly Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), reduces input costs and enhances soil health, although challenges such as lower initial yields and higher labor costs persist. This review highlights successful case studies, including ZBNF in Andhra Pradesh and organic farming in Sikkim. Additionally, these findings underscore the positive effects of natural farming on soil carbon sequestration and microbial activity. Despite these challenges, opportunities for scaling up natural farming are significant and supported by government policies and community initiatives. Future research needs to focus on long-term impacts, cost-effective bio inputs, and socioeconomic benefits to establish natural farming as a sustainable agricultural practice in India.

A study was conducted to find the impact of lockdown due to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on agriculture, in general, and on oil palm cultivation, in specific. Results revealed that the majority of the farmers contacted had 26-30 years of farming experience, were between 31-60 years of age, were educated up to high school level, with an average of four family members and possessed medium landholdings. The crops grown by these farmers include oil palm, maize, coconut, paddy, cocoa and vegetables. The majority of them had irrigated dry lands. All the farmers were aware about the reasons for the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas where lockdown impact was visible on agriculture, either directly or indirectly, include labour availability, high cost of labour, harvesting, transport, and market prices. Resources affected due to lockdown were labour, fertilizers, harvesting, transport etc. All cultural practices were adopted in oil palm. The majority of the respondents perceived that oil palm was not affected compared to other crops during the lockdown; they opined to have obtained a good market price for oil palm during the lockdown period. Most of them informed that they received oil palm cultivation related messages sent by ICAR-IIOPR, Pedavegi. They perceived to be aware of the technologies during the lockdown period. Messages (SMS) on oil palm irrigation, cultivation practices, and fertigation were adopted. The need for Government assistance during the lockdown period was felt in the following aspects for different crops, viz., marketing, cultivation assistance, and transport. Farmers perceived that lockdown might have long-term implications due to the non-availability of labour for harvesting crops. It is evident from the study that crops affected severely during the lockdown period require long term strategies to mitigate the problems faced. Farmers must be supported with minimum support price (MSP), transport facilities and ad hoc strategies to sell their products through the government purchase mechanism. A need for monitoring the increase in the prices of agricultural inputs was also felt.

The study analyzed the reasons and constraints for adopting natural farming (NF) by ricegrowing farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India, using participatory qualitative and quantitative analyses. A sample of 500 conventional ricegrowing and 500 natural rice-growing farmers are selected. The basis for qualitative research was developed during interviews, field visits, surveys to understand farmers' perceptions and knowledge on NF. Quantitative analysis was done by taking multiple responses to ascertain the constraints and reasons to adopt NF by using a pre-tested interview schedule. Garrett Ranking technique prioritized the reasons and constraints for adopting NF concerning ranks and Garrett mean score. The critical constraints found to adopt NF are higher labor costs, lack of experience in any of the agroecological techniques, low fertile soils, and higher incidence of pests and diseases. Awareness of the advantage of diversification of crops and staggered planting to arrive at different harvesting schedules are helpful. Detailed NF crop cultivation techniques, availability of NF input shops at the local level, soil testing, and soil treatment will boost farmer confidence to take up NF. Some of the significant reasons stated for adopting NF in the study are the lower production costs, lower farm size, debt reduction, and the farmers' health.

Andhra Pradesh Community Natural Farming (APCNF) is an organization that promotes natural farming. Their farming techniques are low-cost and eco-friendly and include the use of local resources. Natural farming has the ability to achieve the twin objectives of ensuring global food security and environmental preservation because it does not rely on agrochemicals. The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), which occasionally conducts village-level training on natural farming techniques through SHG and RySS groups. But, it is still unknown to many people and has no support to assist them. We have designed this Prakruthi Sedhya application, a complete Natural Farming Mobile app. Our motto is to help people by assisting them in farming and creating a network among them. This app provides details about cultivating different crops, using natural farming techniques, and crop care information, including preparing natural fertilizers and using them at appropriate times. Furthermore, it indicates the weather forecast in each region. It also includes details about government schemes and minimum support prices(MSP) of all crops, fixed by the central government of India. This application connects farmers and buyers so that farmers can sell their yield directly to customers. Building a network among farmers through discussion forums can also be met. This app was created using real data that was gathered from APCNF specialists, agriculture officers, and active farmers. It is a complete Telugu language-based app and anyone can use this app because it is made to be user-friendly.