Case Studies & Stories

Lowering input costs through regenerative farming

Homemade bio-inputs improve resilience and profitability.

In Dhamasiya Village, located in the Naswadi Block of Chhotaudepur District, India, cotton farmer Shaileshbhai Kashirambhai Bhil faced growing financial pressure caused by rising agricultural input costs and increasing dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Like many smallholder farmers, he relied heavily on recommendations from local agri-dealers, often resulting in excessive chemical use and escalating expenses.
Through the REEL Regenerative Programme implemented by CottonConnect, Shaileshbhai began adopting regenerative farming practices and producing homemade bio-inputs using locally available materials. By reducing dependence on purchased chemicals and strengthening natural resilience within his fields, he was able to lower production costs while improving soil health and farm resilience.

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reduction in input costs
Reduced dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilisers
Improved soil resilience during heavy rainfall and flooding

The challenge

For several years, Shaileshbhai found himself caught in a cycle of rising production costs and declining soil quality. To protect and maintain his cotton crop, he relied heavily on chemical pesticides, fertilisers, and cocktail sprays recommended by local dealers.

While these inputs promised higher productivity, they also created growing dependency and financial strain. Input costs continued to rise, while repeated chemical use weakened soil structure and reduced the natural resilience of his farm.

At the same time, Shaileshbhai lacked access to alternative approaches that could help him reduce costs without compromising crop performance. Like many farmers in the region, he wanted a more sustainable and affordable solution but was unsure how to transition away from conventional chemical-based farming practices.

The approach

Through participation in the REEL Regenerative Programme, Shaileshbhai received training on regenerative agriculture and learned how to prepare low-cost, homemade bio-inputs using simple, locally available ingredients.

The programme introduced him to:

Jivamrut preparation
Homemade bio-pesticides
Natural growth boosters
Neem-based pest management solutions
Agroecological farming practices

Alongside these practices, he also adopted: yellow sticky traps; pheromone traps; and bird perches for natural pest control.

Rather than relying entirely on purchased chemical inputs, Shaileshbhai began managing pests and crop nutrition through nature-based approaches that strengthened soil biology and reduced dependency on external suppliers.

This shift not only reduced costs but also increased his confidence and independence as a farmer.

Rising production costs and declining soil quality

Lower production costs

By preparing his own bio-inputs and reducing chemical applications, Shaileshbhai lowered overall input costs by 10-15%. This helped improve profitability while reducing dependence on expensive agricultural products.

Improved farm resilience

One of the most visible impacts came during a period of heavy rainfall and flooding that affected many farms across the village. While neighbouring fields experienced significant damage, Shaileshbhai observed that his own field performed considerably better. Improved soil structure and increased biological activity helped the soil absorb and retain water more effectively, strengthening the resilience of his cotton crop under extreme weather conditions.

Greater self-reliance

The transition to homemade bio-inputs also gave Shaileshbhai greater control over his farming decisions. Instead of depending entirely on external recommendations and purchased chemicals, he developed the knowledge and confidence to manage crop health more independently using locally available resources. This shift represented more than a technical change – it marked a move toward greater sustainability, resilience, and self-reliance within his farming system.

“Make bio-inputs at home and reduce input cost for better profit.”

Shaileshbhai Kashirambhai Bhil, Cotton Farmer, India

Looking ahead

Shaileshbhai’s experience demonstrates how regenerative farming practices can help smallholder farmers reduce costs, strengthen climate resilience, and improve long-term sustainability without increasing financial pressure.

By equipping farmers with practical knowledge and locally adaptable solutions, programmes such as REEL are helping farming communities transition toward lower-input, more resilient agricultural systems that are better prepared for both economic and environmental challenges.