In a world grappling with climate change and food insecurity, finding sustainable crop growth methods is more critical than ever. For smallholder farmers in Asia, potatoes have long been a staple source of food and income. However, traditional farming practices, particularly potato cultivation, are labor-intensive and often unsustainable. Now, with the introduction of zero tillage and mulching, there is hope for a method that increases crop yields and empowers women farmers.
“Conservation agriculture is essential for sustainable farming,” says David Ramirez of the International Potato Center (CIP). “We need to stop physically damaging the soil.”
One innovative practice leading this change is zero tillage, where farmers plant crops without disturbing the soil. Instead, potatoes are placed on the ground beneath a layer of straw mulch, a byproduct of the rice harvest. This simple yet transformative approach has far-reaching benefits for the land and farmers.
“At first, they couldn’t believe that you could grow potatoes on the ground without burying them,” recalls Jan Kreuze of CIP. Traditionally, potatoes are planted deep in the soil, but zero tillage changes that perception. Farmers now see that the mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds and stabilizes soil temperatures, making it easier to grow potatoes even in hotter, less predictable climates.
The results have been remarkable. Marcel Gatto from CIP explains, “Farmers can increase their profitability by using zero tillage and mulching.”
The method also reduces the need for expensive inputs like chemical fertilizers, which, for many smallholder farmers, is a significant financial burden. According to one farmer, Sangeeta Dewi, “With zero tillage, I use less than half the fertilizer I used to. I used to harvest seven or eight sacks of potatoes, but now I get 11 sacks. It makes a real difference.”
A Lifeline for Women Farmers
Zero tillage has both transformed potato farming and provided a lifeline for women like Sangeeta, who began managing the farm after her husband migrated to the city for work.
- “It’s hard work, but all the profits from the potato harvest are mine to use,” she says. This newfound independence allows her to support her children’s education and invest in the next farming season.
The time saved from reduced labor in the fields, thanks to zero tillage, also frees up more time for other responsibilities, like livestock care. But beyond economic benefits, the technique has fostered a sense of community and empowerment. Women in Sangeeta’s village meet weekly to share their experiences and learn about the practice, supported by the local social welfare organization Jeweeca and CIP’s partner, Digital Green.
The success of zero tillage has caught the attention of other farmers and organizations across South Asia. “We are seeing a growing interest in zero tillage,” says Asmah Virk of GIZ, a vital initiative funder. “What started with one lead farmer has expanded to over 2,000 women farmers in India and Bangladesh. The enthusiasm is palpable.”
Despite its promise, challenges remain. Not all farmers have access to enough straw mulch or compost to fully adopt the practice, and many still face opposition from their husbands, who are often the decision-makers in their households. However, as Sangeeta notes, attitudes are slowly changing. “At first, the men were skeptical, but once they saw the results, they started asking us to teach them.”
A Global Vision for Zero Tillage
The potential for zero tillage extends far beyond South Asia. Marcel Gatto sees opportunities for scaling the practice to other regions, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
“We are testing if zero tillage can work with different types of mulch,” says Gatto. “I’m looking forward to changing how people think about potato production.”
Interestingly, zero tillage is not entirely new. In India, the practice existed for centuries before falling into disuse. Today, as farmers reembrace this ancient method, they are reviving a forgotten practice and safeguarding their future.
“We must protect nature because we need to keep carbon dioxide in the earth,” says Sangeeta. “Our way to do this is by growing plants, caring for them, and praying for them.”
With its potential to boost food security, reduce labor, and empower women, zero tillage is more than just a farming technique; it is a pathway to a more sustainable and equitable future for millions of smallholder farmers.