International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Riya Parmar and Dr. Rachana Bansal

abstract
This study sheds light on the socio-economic characteristics of CBNF (Cow-based Natural Farming) vs. non-CBNF okra and tomato cultivators. This study was confined to the middle Gujarat region only. A total of 160 respondents were selected and interviewed from Anand and Vadodara districts, comprising 80 CBNF and 80 non-CBNF farmers. Of these, 40 were cultivating tomato and 40 were growing okra for each category. Tabular analysis was employed to analyze the results in the research site. The average age of farmers cultivating okra and tomato under CBNF was found to be less compared to non-CBNF farmers. While the majority of farmers in both categories were educated, the number of illiterate farmers was slightly higher among non-CBNF farmers than CBNF. The respondents had relatively fewer years of experience when it comes to natural farming than with conventional farming, possibly because of its novelty. Most of okra and tomato growers were from the general category, followed by others under both CBNF and non-CBNF systems. The societal engagement of CBNF adopters was greater, particularly with multi-organizations and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency), while non-CBNF adopters were more actively associated with milk-cooperative societies. Additionally, it was found that farmers growing okra and tomato under CBNF had smaller family size as compared to non-CBNF farmers cultivating the same crop. Moreover, the families of CBNF farmers had a higher number of earners, a greater earner-to-non-earner ratio and a relatively higher share of earners to total family members compared to non-CBNF. The cultivated land area under CBNF was comparatively smaller than that of non-CBNF. In both categories of respondents, majorly depend on tube wells for irrigation purposes, followed by wells in the research location.