2024, Vol. 7, Issue 3, Part H

author(s)
M Mallikarjun, C Radha Kumari, E Sireesha, K Balaji Naik, V Yugandhar and M Harini

abstract
Chemical-free farming practices, such as natural and organic farming aim to reduce external agricultural inputs of synthetic origin while relying on ecosystem management. In order to fulfil the food needs of expanding population, it has been determined that heavy use of pesticides, inorganic fertilizers and other inputs for maximizing agri-production is necessary. Achieving a balance and sustainable food production is a challenging issue for the increasing food demand of rapid population growth. Taking this into account, an On Farm Trial (OFT) on the effect of organic and natural farming practices on paddy growth, yield attributes, yield and economics was conducted in 5 locations at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) operated mandals in Kalyandurg during the late Kharif season of 2023-24 on 2.0 ha of irrigated alfisols. The study revealed that farmers practice of conventional farming recorded higher yield attributes, grain yield, gross return, net return and return per rupee invested than organic and natural farming practices. The grain yield reduction was -17.2 and –39.8% in organic and natural farming practices, respectively over conventional farming. The higher net returns (Rs. 30455/ha) and return per rupee invested (1.58) was observed in natural farming practice than organic farming practice (Rs. 30455/ha and 1.38, respectively), owing to the low cost of cultivation in natural farming practice. In order to achieve the same economic benefit of conventional farming when compared to return per rupee invested, premium price for paddy should be 17.6% higher (Rs. 35.3/kg) in natural farming and 34.3% higher (Rs. 40.4/kg) in organic farming practice.