Description
Economic analysis of production costs, yields and returns for rice and wheat under ZBNF and conventional management over 2 years (2017-19). Calculation of benefit-cost ratios.
Findings
ZBNF showed higher net returns and benefit-cost ratios compared to conventional farming, due to reduced input costs and comparable yields.
Lower input costs in ZBNF contributed to improved economics, as it eliminates expenses on chemical fertilizers & pesticides, relying instead on low-cost natural inputs like Jeevamrit.
ZBNF can be economically viable while providing ecological benefits, as it maintains yields similar to conventional farming while reducing production costs.
Premium pricing for ZBNF produce, especially for certain varieties like scented rice and traditional wheat, further improved profitability.
The quick transition to profitable yields in ZBNF (unlike typical organic farming) is attributed to the use of microbial inoculants like Jeevamrit, which rapidly improve soil biology.
Stats
Benefit-cost ratio for non-scented rice: 4.33 (ZBNF) vs 2.59 (conventional)
Benefit-cost ratio for scented rice: 4.25 (ZBNF) vs 2.10 (conventional)
Benefit-cost ratio for wheat: 4.82 (ZBNF) vs 2.39 (conventional)
Net returns 1.45 to 2.71 times higher in ZBNF compared to conventional
ZBNF rice yield: 74.45 q/ha vs conventional: 66.75 q/haNet returns 1.45 to 2.71 times higher in ZBNF compared to conventional
Production costs 23-30% lower in ZBN.