Large-scale zero-budget farming may hit crop output: study
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A joint study by Nabard and Icrier suggests that large-scale adoption of traditional farming practices such as Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) may impact the production of major crops like rice and wheat. The study calls for long-term experimentation and a rigorous assessment before implementing ZBNF as a nationwide agricultural practice. A three-year field experiment by the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research estimated a decline of 59% in wheat production and 32% in basmati rice or coarse rice production under ZBNF compared to integrated crop management. The study also highlights the importance of productivity for food security and suggests that resilient supply chain networks for farm inputs are necessary for transitioning towards natural farming. The study recommends the development of a scientifically valid protocol for ZBNF by the National Centre of Organic Farming. It also proposes providing direct benefit transfers to farmers to purchase fertilizers at market prices to address soil quality deterioration caused by excessive use of subsidized urea.

#Farming #Agriculture #CropProduction #ZeroBudgetNaturalFarming

https://www.financialexpress.com/policy/economy-large-scale-zero-budget-farming-may-hit-crop-output-study-3435666/