The study warns that promoting the practice may have adverse consequences and imperil India's food security
A new study by Nabard and Icrier casts doubt on the idea of widely adopting Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India. The study raises concerns that ZBNF could significantly decrease yields of key crops like rice and wheat.
The research, based on a three-year field experiment, found that ZBNF resulted in a 59% drop in wheat production and a 32% decline in basmati or coarse rice compared to traditional methods. This raises concerns for national food security, as crop yields are crucial for maintaining a steady food supply.
Despite the findings, the government is still proceeding with its Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati scheme, which promotes traditional practices, including ZBNF. However, the study by the National Centre of Organic Farming suggests that this approach may need further development.
The study acknowledges the success of organic farming in niche markets where higher prices can offset lower yields.
However, a large-scale shift to organic methods could negatively impact overall food production in India. The study emphasises the need for robust supply chains for organic farming inputs before widespread adoption.
As an alternative to address declining soil health due to chemical fertilisers, the study proposes a direct benefit transfer of Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000 per hectare to farmers. This would allow them to purchase fertilisers at market price while giving them the freedom to choose their farming practices. The study believes this could promote a more neutral approach to farming subsidies.
Interestingly, many elements of ZBNF, such as seed treatments and soil aeration techniques, are already used in conservation agriculture practices. Further research may be needed to determine the most effective methods for sustainable farming in India.