Division of Technology Evaluation and Transfer, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal—132 001, Haryana
The study has shown the economic superiorty of the zero tillage over the traditional method of wheat production. The zero tillage has shown tremendous potential for improving soil quality and sustaining its fertility by increasing carbon sequestration and decreasing net emissions of carbon dioxide. Organic matter depletion can be slowed and reversed through reductions in tillage operation. The average operational cost (Cost A1) of Rs 15275/ha under traditional method has been reduced by about 14 per cent in zero tillage (Rs 13146/ha). The costs on machine labour and irrigation have been reduced by about 29 per cent and 18 per cent in zero tillage as compared to those on conventional method, respectively. The net income of Rs 17942/ha on operational cost for wheat production in zero tillage is significantly higher than that of Rs 15525/ha earned by the conventional method. Benefit-cost ratio has depicted the zero tillage to be economically more feasible and attractive option (2.36) than that of the conventional method (2.02). The positive and significant regression coefficient of zero tillage has explained clearly that this technology has favourable impact on net returns of the wheat crop. The negative significant regression coefficients of field preparation and irrigation factors have revealed that these variables have strong negative influence on net return of wheat under zero tillage method. Thus, the zero tillage is capable to improve the quality of soil, sustain farm income, increase per unit area farmer's profitability, substantially improves livelihood of rural people and eventually reduces social poverty. The study has suggested promotion of zero tillage technology by encouraging private entrepreneurship in production of specific implements required for this technology.
