Economic and environmental impact of resource conserving technology: A study of zero tillage in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Zero till technology (ZT) is one of the promising resource conservation technologies promoted in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. ZT is inherently embedded with an array of economic and environmental benefits. The study assessed the economic and environmental impacts including water saving benefits of ZT in the IGP region. Farm survey was conducted in Haryana and Bihar, which revealed that there is significant water saving due to ZT adoption and the saving of irrigation water ranges between 440 m³ ha⁻¹ in Haryana and 200 m³ ha⁻¹ in Bihar. Economic surplus method was used in assessing the economic impact of ZT in Haryana and Bihar. It was found that around 6% cost advantage in wheat production was realized at farm level and overall an economic surplus of US$ 142 million with a rate of return of 49% on the R&D investment was estimated. In addition, there has been reduction in carbon emission in the range of 50–60 kg ha ⁻¹ mainly due to less burning of diesel. Considering the water saving benefits of the technology, the farmers in the study area were willing to pay (WTP) 7,100 for its adoption. The accrued benefits of ZT suggested that ZT technology be promoted on a wider scale by removing the constraints in adoption and by providing support for less adoption regions.