A study on critical analysis of natural farming practices followed by farmers in Parvathipuram Manyam district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Natural Farming is a chemical free farming system based on livestock and locally available resources and rooted in Indian tradition. Natural farming, a sustainable and ecologically friendly approach to agriculture, is gaining increasing recognition globally as a means to mitigate the harmful effects of chemical-intensive farming systems. The study evaluated the extent of adoption and farmers' perception of natural farming on the basis of primary data collected from 60 farmers. Majority (68.33%) of the farmers had medium perception followed by low (18.34%) and high (13.33%) level of perception towards Natural farming. Major practices like Pre-monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS), Beejamrutham, Ghanajeevamrutham, Dhravajeevamrutham, Neemasthram, Sour butter milk have been adopted by the farmers. Lack of certification for products, Lack of better marketing for natural farming products were the major constraints expressed by the farmers.