In India, where wheat cultivation is not just a tradition but a lifeline for many, new methods of wheat cultivation are making silent inroads. The Mau Aima block of Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh witnessed the introduction of new practices as farmers learned about wheat sowing with zero tillage. The project, Bolstering Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), supported by Walmart Foundation and implemented by S M Sehgal Foundation in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, spearheads the introduction of new agricultural practices in FPOs for increased profits and climate resilience for small and marginal farmers.
In the traditional method of wheat cultivation, the land preparation involves multiple tilling operations. The land is initially ploughed once using a rotavator which loosens the soil structure, then the wheat is broadcast manually; and finally, an additional plowing is done to ensure good seed to soil contact that is essential for germination. The drawbacks of this intensive ploughing or tilling method include negative effects on soil health, reduced ability of soil to hold moisture, increased cost of cultivation, and lower crop yields. Thus, this is not a sustainable practice.
Allahabad Bovine Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Uttar Pradesh, located in Phaphamau town, Prayagraj, and registered at Registrar of Companies, Kanpur, is one of the FPCs selected by the project for enhancement and further development. This FPC has 90 percent women shareholders. Allahabad Bovine FPC was formed in November 2021 and has a total of 304 shareholders. After the project’s association with the FPC, fifty-six new women farmers have joined the organization. Sameem Fatima, a woman member of the FPC, became the first farmer in Mau Aima block to sow wheat without ploughing.
The journey toward adoption of zero tillage was not without its challenges as the traditional farming practices were ingrained deeply in the community’s ethos. However, through systematic efforts by the project team such as farmer meetings and door-to-door outreach, awareness about the benefits of the zero tillage technique and the use of machines began to permeate the collective consciousness of the farming community.
In the zero tillage method of cultivation, seeds are directly sown into the unploughed soil, often with the crop residue from the previous harvest left on the surface. For this, zero tillage machines or their adapted versions are used.
Sameem Fatima in field where zero tillage method was used
To help small and marginal farmers in mechanization, the FPC was provided with select farm machines, including the zero tillage machine, at the Custom Hiring Center. Despite initial scepticism among farmers, Sameem Fatima took a leap of faith, and in no time her conviction and the results that followed paved the way for others.
The advantages of zero tillage are manifold, ensuring sustainability and profitability. By eliminating the need for ploughing, farmers reduce the cost of cultivation. Seed and fertilizer savings, coupled with water conservation, result in additional economic and environmental benefits. Zero tillage promotes the accumulation of dry and organic matter in the soil, increasing soil health and fertility and improving crop yield and the absorption of nutrients. The technique prevents loss of topsoil by reducing erosion. With timely sowing and multiple benefits, farmers are assured good yields.
Sameem used the zero tillage technique on 0.62 acres, and the reduced cost of ploughing, seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation led to a savings of INR 3,000 4,000. Studies establish that the use of zero tillage in wheat reduces the production cost by 20 percent and saves 15–20 percent of water for irrigation.
After implementing zero tillage, Sameem achieved a yield of 1,105 kg compared to the 875 kg harvested before its adoption, inspiring fellow farmers. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge-sharing initiatives, 60 percent of the members of Allahabad Bovine FPC have adopted the zero tillage method for wheat cultivation, a practice that will stay with the farmers. A total of 381.65 acres by 184 farmers have been covered under zero tillage.
Wheat crop in the field
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