PERCEPTION OF FARMERS ON ATTRIBUTES OF ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING

Abstract

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.