Determinants of adoption of organic conservation agriculture in rainfed Nimar region of Central India

In India, Conservation Agriculture (CA) is predominantly practiced in the irrigated Indo-Gangetic Plains and typically involves the use of agrochemicals. This study explores the unique context of the Nimar region in Central India, comprising rainfed, diverse, and organic farms. Utilizing primary data and a PROBIT model, we identify factors that influence the adoption of CA. Variables including farmers’ age, household size (a proxy for labour), extension frequency, farmer’s initiative-taking ability, farming experience, and market accessibility, were found to be significant. The study finds widespread recognition of the ecological and economic benefits and challenges as perceived by the sampled farmers. Over 90% of adopter farmers perceive improvements in soil health, reduction in water consumption, and increase in yield quality and quantity. More than 80% express that CA practices lead to cost savings and higher incomes. Despite its benefits, the biomass shortage hinders mulching a fundamental principle of CA. Farmers reported that biomass scarcity stems from declining cattle feed resources, which has heightened competition for available feed. To scale CA and produce food sustainably in rainfed areas, it is necessary to initiate supporting policy and institutional interventions that would improve extension, biomass production, and availability within the farming system.