An Adoption of Natural Farming and Its Effect on Crop Yield and Farmers Livelihood In India

Sponsored by NITI Aayog, this study commenced in January 2019 and was concluded in May 2020. It was conducted by ICAR-NAARM (National Academy of Agricultural Research Management), Hyderabad, in collaboration with lCAR-CRIDA (Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture), Hyderabad. The study covered three states: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. It had two components: one, socio-economic study on the adoption and effect of Natural Farming, and two, analysis of soil, plant, and Jivamrit samples. The results showed that although crop yield in Natural Farming is not higher compared to conventional farming, however, when supplemented with FYM/ghanajivamrit, the yield improves significantly. Due to a substantial reduction in input costs in Natural Farming as compared to conventional farming, a significant reduction in the cost of cultivation of all the crops is also recorded. This results into better profitability (B:C ratio) for farmers. Natural Farming may not be looked at as a yield-enhancing practice. However, it definitely increases farmers’ income through cost reduction. The benefits are manifold: ranging from less cost of cultivation, better quality and taste to premium price.

Expectations from the collaborators: Engage to the Farmers

Incentives: Income through cost reduction

Collaboration for

• Farmers
• AgTech companies/startups
• Banking and financial institutions
• Input provider companies

Keyword(s)

• Natural Farming
• NAARM-CRIDA
• Crop Yield
• Livelihood