This emphasis on ZBNF must be analysed critically and holistically.
What are some concerns?
Cost - ZBNFs ability to reduce the cost of production and raise farmers’ net returns from cultivation is yet to be proved.
Little research has been done on these so far.
Yield - There is a concern whether there will be more yield under this practice in comparison to chemical farming as there are varied agro-ecological conditions across states.
As the demand for high-value commodities is increasing by the day, there is a doubt whether ZBNF would be appropriate for this.
Training - Farmers aren’t equipped with appropriate training to make the shift.
The availability of livestock for urine and dung is doubtful.
Farmers might go back to a system followed by their parents during pre-Green Revolution period.
What are the other measures to be taken?
More investment in irrigation is needed.50% of net sown area is rain-fed.
Farmers cannot remain dependent on rain.
The government expenditure is more on the operation and maintenance of operational dams in the country and less towards capital intensity.
The government should encourage private investment through provision of subsidised credit and subsidy on capital.
Farmers are unaware of tech interventions and new farming practices. The NSSO 70th round (2012-13) noted that government extension programmes have not been able to reach most farmers.
Marketing of agricultural commodities has hardly progressed. Farmers receive a small share of the consumer rupee due to a long chain of intermediaries in marketing.
Sale of produce in APMC-run regulated markets hardly provides solace.
A survey says that a majority of farmers prefer to sell their produce to village traders and they receive prices below MSP for wheat and rice in most states.
