Vol. 10, Special Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
MMV Srinivasa Rao, TSSK Patro, Kella Lakshman, N Ravisankar and A S Panwar

Abstract:
The study investigated farmers’ perception and extent of adoption of Subhas Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF) in Vizianagaram District of Andhra Pradesh with the specific objectives of assessing over all farmers’ perception, the determinants of their adoption, constraints in practicing SPNF, cost of cultivation, yield and economics differences and suggestions for sustainable SPNF adoption. The study is based on extensive field survey and interactions with adopted and non-adopted farmers across the Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh during 2019-20. About thirty SPNF practicing farmers from across the clusters identified randomly selected for the purpose. Simultaneously 30 conventional farmers were also selected from the same villages for comparison, thus making the final sample size 60. The data were collected by using well developed schedule by personal interview method. The responses were scored, quantified, categorized and tabulated using mean, standard deviation, correlation coefficient, frequencies and percentages. Majority of the farmers agreed that, relative advantage over chemical farming (56.67%), SPNF feasible to adopt present day farming situation (53.33%), soil is enriched with SPNF (83.33%), there is increase in micro organisms and earth worms in soil (96.67%), SPNF facilitates natural enemies population (76.67%), quality production is possible (100%) and SPNF is practicing to produce for his own family consumption (76.67%) besides that farmers expressed the difficulties regarding difficult to practice (46.67), purchasing and maintaining traditional cows is difficult (53.33) and they thought that weed management is also difficult (96.67%). Further, farmers also still in doldrums regarding reduces cost of cultivation (76.67), getting more returns (76.67). Majority (63.33%) of the farmers were undecided about getting sustainable yields through SPNF. More than half of the famers disagreed that adoption of SPNF on large scale is possible (55.00%). Almost all the farmers (100%) felt that, weed management is difficult, 96.67% farmers expressed that, intensive labour requirement in SPNF and 100% farmers observed low yields in initial years. Intensive labour requirement was another threat hindering farmers to adopt SPNF on large scale. The cost of cultivation is increased 22.58% in case of SPNF (Rs.47991ha^-1) with comparison with conventional farming(Rs.39149 ha^-1), might be due to intensive labour involvement. The yields were recorded 4835 kgha^-1 in SPNF which is 18.41% lower than conventional farming (5925 kgha^-1). The major constraints expressed were non availability of SPNF inputs, lack of information on preparation and use of asthras, intensive labour requirement, weed management and finally low yields in initial years. The farmers who are having animals, irrigation facilities, machinery and undergone more trainings on SPNF, the farmers had gained good knowledge on SPNF, skills in preparation of asthras and overcoming practical difficulties in SPNF and significantly positive relation with extent of adoption of SPNF practices. Hence efforts are needed to facilitate farmers with continuous support through series of trainings on technical knowhow to increase the extent of adoption of SPNF.