Agriculture is the backbone of India, but over the years, rising input costs and dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides have burdened our farmers, pushing many into debt. The need for a sustainable, cost-effective farming method has never been more urgent. Enter Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) – a farming revolution that aims to change the way crops are grown and bring prosperity to millions of Indian farmers.
What is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a method of farming that eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and other external materials, focusing on a natural approach to soil and crop management. As the name suggests, “Zero Budget” refers to the cost-free nature of this farming practice, where the production of crops comes with minimal external expenditure.
Promoted by agricultural expert and Padma Shri awardee, Subhash Palekar, ZBNF advocates for farming that works in harmony with nature, avoiding the high costs of chemicals and intensive irrigation. The practice is now receiving strong backing from the Government of India, who see it as a way to reduce farmer debt and improve income levels through sustainable methods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the National Conclave on Natural Farming in December 2021, emphasized the importance of re-learning ancient agricultural knowledge and adapting it for modern times. He also pointed out that ZBNF would benefit about 80% of India’s farmers, especially small-scale ones who own less than two hectares of land.
The Need for Zero-Budget Natural Farming
A growing concern in Indian agriculture is the financial stress on farmers, with more than 50% of them in debt, primarily due to the escalating costs of chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Moreover, the goal to double farmers’ incomes by 2022 cannot be achieved unless farming practices become more cost-effective and sustainable.
ZBNF can help solve these challenges by drastically reducing farm expenditure, ending dependency on external loans, and promoting the use of indigenous seeds and locally available fertilizers. With its focus on natural farming techniques, ZBNF promotes a self-reliant and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
Principles of ZBNF
ZBNF is rooted in several key principles that enhance soil health and ensure eco-friendly farming:
No External Inputs: Farmers do not rely on chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Living Root System: The soil is kept covered with crops all year round to retain moisture and nutrients.
Minimal Soil Disturbance: No plowing, preserving soil structure and fertility.
Use of Indigenous Seeds: Emphasis on using local, drought-resistant varieties.
Mixed Cropping: Growing multiple crops together to optimize land usage and reduce risks.
Integration of Trees: Trees are planted alongside crops to boost biodiversity and soil health.
Moisture Conservation: Methods like mulching and water conservation techniques.
Botanical Pest Management: Pests are managed through natural botanical extracts.
Animal Integration: Animals such as cows play a crucial role in fertilizing soil naturally.
The Four Main Elements of ZBNF
The following practices form the foundation of ZBNF:
Bijamrita (Seed Treatment): Seeds are treated with a mixture of cow dung, cow urine, and local ingredients. This protects seeds from diseases and boosts their growth.
Jeevamrita (Soil Treatment): A fermented microbial culture made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil. It enhances microbial activity, improves soil fertility, and boosts carbon content.
Mulching (Acchadana): Covering the soil with organic waste or crop residues helps conserve moisture, enhance soil fertility, and suppress weed growth.
Waaphasa (Moisture Conservation): Proper aeration and moisture conservation improve soil structure and provide an ideal environment for plant growth.
The Benefits of ZBNF
Research conducted in states like Andhra Pradesh has shown that ZBNF reduces water usage by 50–60% compared to conventional farming. It also minimizes the use of electricity, cuts down on methane emissions, and helps prevent residue burning, a major environmental concern.
Additionally, the cost of cultivation under ZBNF is considerably lower than conventional farming methods, allowing farmers to save money on chemical inputs. The sustainable practices in ZBNF help improve soil health and productivity, ensuring long-term benefits.
ZBNF Cropping Model
One of the defining features of ZBNF is the poly cropping model, where farmers grow short-duration crops alongside long-duration crops. This practice helps generate income from the shorter crops, which can cover the costs of the long-duration ones, achieving a “zero cost” of production for the main crop.
State Initiatives and Pilot Projects
Several states across India have taken the lead in adopting ZBNF:
Andhra Pradesh: The state launched ZBNF in 2015, and since then, the government has supported thousands of farmers in adopting this practice.
Himachal Pradesh: The state’s “Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan” scheme has successfully integrated ZBNF into over 1,000 hectares of farmland.
Karnataka: Pilot projects are being implemented in various agro-climatic zones, demonstrating the viability of ZBNF.
Government Support and Schemes
To promote ZBNF, the Indian government has launched several initiatives such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). These schemes provide financial support to farmers adopting organic and natural farming techniques.
The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) are also helping farmers access funds for organic inputs, infrastructure and capacity-building.
Mission Organic Value Chain Development: Promotes organic farming, with a focus on supporting farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and export opportunities.
The Future of Zero-Budget Natural Farming
The future of Zero Budget Natural Farming looks promising, with more states adopting the method and research being conducted to measure its impact on productivity and soil health. NITI Aayog and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) are closely monitoring ZBNF trials in several states to expand its implementation across the country.
If successful, ZBNF could become the backbone of sustainable agriculture in India, empowering millions of farmers while improving the health of the land.
Zero Budget Natural Farming – A Game-Changer for Indian Agriculture
Zero Budget Natural Farming is more than just a farming method; it’s a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable agricultural system in India. With reduced costs, better soil health, and increased farmer incomes, ZBNF promises to provide a solution to the challenges faced by small-scale farmers. The future of farming in India can be brighter with natural, eco-friendly practices that help farmers thrive, ensure soil fertility, and protect the environment.
By adopting ZBNF, India’s farmers can break free from the vicious cycle of debt and dependence on external inputs. The natural farming revolution has already begun – it’s time to embrace it for a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
Conclusion
Zero Budget Natural Farming is not just a method; it’s a movement towards a more sustainable, cost-effective and eco-friendly agricultural future. With the Government of India’s support and the collective effort of farmers, scientists and policymakers, ZBNF can bring about the change that Indian agriculture desperately needs. By embracing ZBNF, we can pave the way for a healthier environment and more prosperous farmers.
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