1Department of Social Sciences, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
2Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
3Directorate of Extension Education, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
4Retired Dean, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
5National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, PUSA, New Delhi, India
*Corresponding author: ajayrawat537.ar@gmail.com (ORCID ID: 0009-0003-0457-3279)
Online published on 7 May, 2025.
The present study, entitled “Comparative Analysis of the Vegetable Crops Grown Under Natural Farming: A Case Study in Mandi of Himachal Pradesh,” explores the practice of Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF/ZBNF) among 120 farmers in Sundernagar, Karsog, and Balh blocks in Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals that the literacy rate among the farmers is high, with 96.15% of the males and 81.58% of the females being literate. The average number of workers is 3.71, and the average landholding is 0.83 ha, out of which 0.30 ha is under natural farming and 0.15 ha is under conventional farming. The cropping intensity under natural farming is high at 204%, and the agriculture income share in total household income is 58.11%. The study also highlights the presence of livestock among the farmers, with cows, bullocks, and improved buffalo being the most common. Four major crops, including tomatoes, French beans, peas, and cauliflower, were grown under natural farming, with estimated yields per hectare ranging from 60 to 101 q/ha. The yield from SPNF crops was found to be less than that of conventional crops, but with the intercropping system, it becomes similar to conventional farming and has more diversity under SPNF. The estimated net returns per hectare for the major crops ranged from ₹ 75509 to ₹ 117433/ ha, while the estimated costs per hectare ranged from ₹ 61620 to ₹ 86532/ha. The study suggests the need for a specialized and organized market for SPNF produce to increase the income of farmers and promote the practice of natural farming. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the practice of SPNF among farmers in Himachal Pradesh and highlights the need for market interventions to support the practice and increase the income of farmers.
⓿ SPNF improves rural livelihoods by reducing costs and increasing resilience.
⓿ SPNF promotes sustainability by cutting inputs, boosting biodiversity, and resilience
⓿ Grassroots research and farmer-scientist collaboration refine and expand SPNF.
⓿ Organized markets, policies, and research-sharing drive SPNF adoption.
⓿ SPNF offers a sustainable alternative requiring institutional support.
⓿ Economic viability of SPNF depends on marketaccess and government backing.
Natural Farming, Conventional Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, Cost of Cultivation, Socioeconomics, Vegetables, Specialized Market
