Economic assessment of no-till farming systems

Abstract

This chapter considers the nature of the economic benefits of no-till (NT) based farming systems. The focus is on capturing the full costs of resource inputs asso-ciated with NT in achieving desired changes in productivity and resource use effi-ciency. We attempt to place available evidence within a broader framework of economic assessment. We draw on experience in advanced agricultural econo-mies and present insights from India and Sub Saharan Africa, and highlight the nature of externalities that may contribute to the deviation of likely private and social benefits in the technology change associated with NT adoption. Implica-tions for policy and planning for guiding the process of NT adoption and en-hancement are mooted.