Impact of Conservative Use of Farm Resources in Trans-Gangetic Plain in India

The impact of conservative use of farm resources has been assessed in five districts (Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Kaithal and Yamunanagar) of Haryana during 2009–10 by collecting data from 98 farmers through personal interview method. The study has revealed that adoption was highest of residue management (RM) plus zero tillage (ZT) (35%), followed by green manuring (GM) plus RM plus ZT (16%). About 24 per cent farmers retained full residue and incorporating it into the soil for fertility management, while about 55 per cent farmers retained it partially. Partial budgeting of zero tillage over conventional tillage has indicated that since the technology facilitates timely sowing of crops, the additional yield recorded in wheat was 2.3 quintals worth 2300. With saving in tillage cost and reduced seed rate, the net benefit amounted to 5405/ha in comparison to conventional tillage. The major reasons cited for practising zero tillage included reduced cost of cultivation, high suitability for problem soils, savings in fuel cost, and irrigation water, timely sowing, overcoming of labour shortage, facilitation of line sowing, less weed intensity, and less cost on machinery maintenance and repairing. The study has also identified the reasons for discontinuance of ZT technology by some farmers.