Towards redesign at scale through zero budget natural farming in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT 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.