Bayer Crop Science: Better Life Farming India Impact Report

Bayer Crop Science's Better Life Farming programme is improving yields, incomes, and livelihoods for tomato farmers in India. But farmer feedback also points to where more support is needed — from field visits to soil testing. Here's what 275 farmers had to say.

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60 Decibels partnered with Bayer Crop Science to independently measure the experience and outcomes of farmers participating in the Better Life Farming (BLF) programme in India. Better Life Farming is a Bayer-led initiative that supports smallholder farmers through access to quality inputs, training, and agricultural advisory services. We conducted phone surveys with 275 tomato farmers in Jharkhand to understand what’s working, where challenges remain, and what farmers say they need next.

38%

reported quality of life ‘very much improved’

43%

reported crop production ‘very much increased’

44

Net Promoter Score

Top Actionable Insights

Besides BLF’s inputs, advisory services are moving the needle for farmers

Nearly all farmers (99%) receive inputs from BLF, and 72% receive training. Of those trained, 81% receive informal advisory support from Agri-Entrepreneurs, while 58% attend field day trainings. More than half of the farmers report applying all of their training. The main reasons cited by farmers who did not apply all of the training include insufficient funds, unavailability of equipment, and lack of understanding.

BLF is enabling better tomato production, which is driving income improvements for farmers

88% of farmers say that their tomato production has increased because of BLF, with 70% reporting increased yields from the same land, indicating higher productivity. Similarly, 86% report higher earnings from tomato. Farmers primarily attribute these gains to higher volumes sold (95%) and increased prices driven by greater quality yields. 87% of farmers also say that BLF has reduced the severity of pest infestations.

Farmers are satisfied with BLF’s offering but seek greater support and guidance from their agents

BLF has an NPS of 44, which very good. The primary drivers of satisfaction include effective pesticides and high-quality seeds. However, 46% of farmers are Passives, indicating that while they are satisfied with the offering, there is room for improvement. These farmers did not have the same experience as Promoters when it comes to effective inputs. Furthermore, they seek better staff support.

“After using Bayer’s pesticides, my crops are free of spots or stains, leading to better income. With the money earned, I built a house, my children are studying well, and our living conditions have improved.”
Male, 35

“Since using Bayer’s products, there has been significant improvement. My children are attending good private schools, our diet has improved, and we now have two motorcycles and a four-wheeler, something we didn’t have before.”
Female, 42

“Thanks to Bayer, we’ve started cultivating more, and our financial situation has improved. Previously, it was hard to afford seeds and pesticides, but now we have no worries.”
Male, 50

“Bayer should test my soil and give me clear, practical advice on what to use in the fields and how to use it. That would be very helpful. Getting a drip irrigation system would make it even better.”
Male, 24

“My tomato farming has improved, boosting my income. With better water facilities, Bayer’s products have made a huge difference. I used to rely on laborers and animals, but now I’ve bought machines.”
Male, 30

Farmers who were supported by BLF’s market access channels are largely satisfied with it

Only 15% of farmers receive market support from BLF. Among these farmers, 76% say the amount of time they spend selling their tomato – including transportation, storage, and weighing – has decreased because of BLF’s services. Additionally, 73% find the price and timeliness of payment offered by BLF to be better compared to alternate buyers. This suggests that farmers are satisfied with these offerings and there is scope to expand this in the future.

Most farmers do not test their soil. However, many would like for BLF to provide these services in the future

Most farmers report using inputs such as DAP, MOP, micronutrients, and NPK blends on their farms. 28% of them have tested their soil – either through an expert or on their own. Farmers who had their soil tested were more likely to report significant improvements in their farming practices compared to those who did not test their soil (49% vs. 38%).

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