Comparative performance of cow based natural and conventional farming of wheat in middle Gujarat

The present experiment was carried out to study the effect of natural and conventional farming practices in middle Gujarat. The study covered 60 farmers practicing cow based natural farming (CBNF) and 60 non-CBNF farmers or practicing conventional farming from Ahmedabad, Kheda and Vadodara districts. Required primary data were collected for the agricultural year 2019-20 rabi season of wheat. The results showed that cost of cultivation was less in CBNF as compared to non-CBNF. The non-CBNF resulted in higher yield and net returns as compared to CBNF. The low cost in CBNF resulted in the higher B:C as compared to non-CBNF in spite of the low gross income and yield. In wheat crop of CBNF system, MVP:MFC was found more than one for all input variables indicating under-utilization of these inputs hence there was substantial scope for increasing the production of wheat. While, in non-CBNF system, the MVP:MFC for human labour, tractor charge, irrigation and pesticides was less than one indicating overutilization of these inputs which could be reduced to get more profit.