Farmers' Perception and Adoption of Zero Budget Natural Farming: Evidence from Sri Ganganagar District of Rajasthan, India
Sachin Beniwal
Tantia University, Hanumangarh Road, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan - 335002, India.
Droopdi Saran
Department of Agri-Business Management and Economics, Tantia University, Hanumangarh Road, Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan - 335002, India.
Vishal Ghorela *
Department of Agri-Business Management, Institute of Agri Business Management, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan - 334006, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has attracted attention as a low-external-input agricultural approach, but farmers' awareness does not necessarily translate into sustained practice.
Objective: This study assessed farmers' awareness, perceptions, adoption patterns, associated factors, constraints and opportunities in Sri Ganganagar district, Rajasthan, India.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the 2024–2025 agricultural year among 120 farmers (63 adopters and 57 non-adopters) from four villages in two blocks. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using descriptive percentages, Weighted Mean Scores, an Adoption Index, multiple linear regression, chi-square tests, the Rank Based Quotient and Garrett ranking.
Results: Although 84.2% of respondents were aware of natural farming, only 26.7% were fully aware. The overall perception score was 3.66 on a five-point scale, with perceived soil-health benefits receiving the highest rating. Adoption was reported by 52.5% of respondents, yielding an awareness-to-adoption gap of 31.7 percentage points. The mean Adoption Index was 32.42 for the full sample, indicating predominantly partial adoption. Regression analysis explained 43.9% of variation in adoption intensity; training, extension contact and education were significantly associated with the index. Yield uncertainty (RBQ 66.79) and risk of income loss (RBQ 65.60) ranked as the leading constraints.
Conclusion: The findings indicate a need for more accessible training, extension support and measures addressing perceived transition risks, while remaining specific to the sampled villages.
Keywords: Zero Budget Natural Farming, adoption behaviour, farmers' perception, Adoption Index, Rank Based Quotient, constraint analysis, sustainable agriculture