Perception and constraints of zero budget natural farming in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Zero-Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a holistic alternative to the present paradigm of high-cost chemical inputs-based agriculture. Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP), Department of Agriculture (DoA) implemented Andhra Pradesh ‘Zero-Budget’ Natural Farming (APZBNF) Programme, through Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) (corporation for farmers’ empowerment). RySS is a not-for-profit organization established by GoAP. The programme has been initiated in 2015-16 with multiple objectives of enhancing farmers’ welfare, consumer welfare and for the conservation of the environment.so in order to understand the Perception levels and Constraints of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) the present study was undertaken in Nellore District. Data was collected from 30 ZBNF beneficiaries of Andhra Pradesh using structured interview schedule during the year 2019 January. The findings of study revealed that majority of the farmers had Medium level of Perception (53.34%), followed by both High (23.33%) and low level of Perception (23.33%) respectively. Among constraints, marketing is a major problem constituting 100 per cent followed by yields were decreased in the beginning 90 per cent, preparations of inputs were difficult 40 per cent and advises were not timely 13.33 per cent. The suggestion offered based on the study for overcoming the problems were marketing facilities should be provided and timely advises should be provide.