A study published in the International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability reveals the significant economic benefits of adopting zero tillage practices among smallholder farmers in Kyrgyzstan. The research, conducted by UzFarmBarotmer project researchers, employs data from 878 rural households in Kyrgyzstan to investigate the impact of zero tillage on production costs using an endogenous switching regression model.
The study identifies key factors influencing the adoption of zero tillage, including employment in agriculture, the remoteness of plots, and limited access to machinery services, which all encourage its adoption. Conversely, higher household wealth, a greater number of plots, and the use of chemical fertilizers decrease the likelihood of farmers adopting zero tillage methods.
Economically, the findings are striking: zero tillage reduces land preparation costs by 23%, despite increasing hired labor and herbicide costs by 13% and 15%, respectively. Overall, the total production costs are reduced by 15%, making zero tillage a highly viable option for resource-scarce smallholders, especially those in remote areas. The study underscores the importance of government support in providing access to specialized machinery and implements to fully realize the benefits of zero tillage. This research provides valuable insights and policy recommendations to enhance the sustainability and economic viability of smallholder farming in Central Asia.
The paper can be accessed here:
Tadjiev, A., Djanibekov, N., Herzfeld, T. (2023): Does zero tillage save or increase production costs? Evidence from smallholders in Kyrgyzstan. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability 21 (1), 2270191. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2023.2270191
