Zero Budget Natural Farming Impact on Tribal Rabi Rice Farming: Economic Analysis
Poiba Ravi Prasad *
Department of Agricultural Economics, PG College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar- 848125, India.
H. O. Sharma
Agro Economic Research Centre for Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh – 482004, India.
Prashant Shrivastava
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh– 482004, India.
Puli Nageswara Rao
Bharatiya Engineering, Science and Technology Innovation University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh-515731, India.
Ujjwala Bammidi
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, Telangana- 500030, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examines the economic viability of implementing Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) interventions in rabi rice cultivation, focusing on cost-effectiveness and productivity outcomes. Data collected before (2014-15) and after (2018-19) ZBNF adoption in a selected tribal area of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India were analysed. Results reveal a reduction in total variable costs by 10.20 per cent, primarily attributed to decreases in weeding and nutrient supply expenses. Despite a slight increase in operational costs, ZBNF led to a significant drop (51.30 per cent) in input expenditures. Yield experienced a notable 10.25 per cent increase, resulting in a decrease in production costs from ₹1161.23 to ₹934.34 per quintal. The calculated cost-to-benefit ratio of -1:1.17 demonstrates favourable economic outcomes, highlighting the potential of ZBNF to enhance economic viability and sustainability in rabi rice cultivation among tribal farmers.
Keywords: Cost-effectiveness, economic viability, interventions, rice and ZBNF