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Impact of Zero Budget Natural Farming on Crop Yields in Andhra Pradesh, SE India

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Duddigan

    (Soil Research Centre and Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK)

  • Chris D. Collins

    (Soil Research Centre and Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK)

  • Zakir Hussain

    (Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Guntur 522 034, India)

  • Henny Osbahr

    (International Development Department, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK)

  • Liz J. Shaw

    (Soil Research Centre and Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK)

  • Fergus Sinclair

    (World Agroforestry, The International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

  • Tom Sizmur

    (Soil Research Centre and Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6UR, UK)

  • Vijay Thallam

    (Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Guntur 522 034, India)

  • Leigh Ann Winowiecki

    (World Agroforestry, The International Centre for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF), Nairobi 00100, Kenya)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Duddigan & Chris D. Collins & Zakir Hussain & Henny Osbahr & Liz J. Shaw & Fergus Sinclair & Tom Sizmur & Vijay Thallam & Leigh Ann Winowiecki, 2022. "Impact of Zero Budget Natural Farming on Crop Yields in Andhra Pradesh, SE India," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:3:p:1689-:d:740364
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ranjan Bhattacharyya & Birendra Nath Ghosh & Prasanta Kumar Mishra & Biswapati Mandal & Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao & Dibyendu Sarkar & Krishnendu Das & Kokkuvayil Sankaranarayanan Anil & Manickam Lali, 2015. "Soil Degradation in India: Challenges and Potential Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-43, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Johanna Wilkes, 2022. "Reconnecting with Nature through Good Governance: Inclusive Policy across Scales," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Ranjit Kumar & Sanjiv Kumar & BS Yashavanth & Nakeertha Venu & PC Meena & A Dhandapani & Alok Kumar, 2023. "Natural Farming Practices for Chemical-Free Agriculture: Implications for Crop Yield and Profitability," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Ravi Gorripati & Mainak Thakur & Nagesh Kolagani, 2023. "Promoting Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Through Participatory System Dynamics with Crop-Water-Income Dynamics," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 37(10), pages 3935-3951, August.

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