Understanding the constraints and reasons to adopt natural farming - a study on rice growing farmers of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT 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.