The fact that smallholders which includes marginal and small farmers who have been effective are also the ones carrying the heavier load raises concerns about the sustainability of their means of subsistence, especially given the poor absolute return levels. It is time for policy actions to demonstrate the importance of smallholders' lives. In order to address the agrarian and agricultural aspects of the Indian agricultural crisis, it is imperative to lower costs, lower risks, and boost profits. Through its application by farmers' efforts in Karnataka and the engagement of the state in Andhra Pradesh, Zero Based Natural Farming, which is in sync with the concepts of agroecology as well as other knowledge systems, seems to suggest a way out. This need not interfere with other activities needed to make the lives of smallholder's matter, nor should it interfere with other similar approaches.