1Assistant Professor, Central University of Andhra Pradesh, Ananthapuramu, Andhra Pradesh, E-mail: mishrabrajaraja@gmail.com, dr.brajaraja@cuap.edu.in
2Faculty Member, Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad, E-mail: ms.srinivasa@gmail.com; msrinivasareddy@cess.ac.in, respectively.
This paper examines the implementation of Climate Resilient Zero-budget Natural Farming (CRZBNF) in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, focusing on the drought-prone district of Anantapuramu. CRZBNF, promoted by the Central Government through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), aims to ensure production sustainability and generate viable income for marginalized communities. This farming practice is rooted in agroecological principles traditionally practiced by Indian farmers and has been scientifically validated through lab research. Andhra Pradesh has been a frontrunner in scaling up CRZBNF, leveraging grassroots organizations like Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and receiving substantial financial support from national and international agencies. The practice has been disseminated farmer-to-farmer through demonstrations and knowledge-sharing initiatives. CRZBNF significantly lowers production costs by localizing inputs, utilizing family labor, and reducing dependency on irrigation and mechanization. Moreover, the value addition from this form of farming is higher when compared to chemical farming due to lower costs and improved yield rates. Consequently, CRZBNF is gaining popularity among the economically vulnerable, including smallholders, women, and tenants.
CRZBNF, Agro-ecology, Andhra Pradesh, SHGs, Biological inputs, Accion Fraterna Ecology Centre, Cost reduction
