Zero Budget Natural Farming : In terms of cultivating and developing, India ranks among the top countries. The Indian economy relies heavily on agriculture.
According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, zero budget farming should be emphasized in the first speech of the 17th Lok Sabha in July 2019. A lot of attention was paid to Zero Budget Farming at that time. This farming technique has been adopted by several states, including Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
Why is Zero Budget Natural Farming so important?
Natural yields are developed by zero budget farming without the use of substance composts. The method involves agro-ecology and is chemical-free. The term zero budget is used to describe manufacturing with zero-net expenditures. Natural fertilizers and seeds from local sources are promoted by ZBNF to reduce farming costs.
The pesticides used are biological. Plants, natural fertilizers, cow dung, urine, human excreta, earthworms, and cow dung are all used by farmers for crop protection. Investing less in the soil saves the farmer money. Based on conventional Indian farming methods, zero budget farming is the best method of chemical-free farming.
What Is Zero Budget Farming In India?
Farmers began researching alternatives to the Green Revolution after the Green Revolution destroyed livelihoods and lands. Developed in the mid-1990s by a Maharashtrian agriculturist, Padma Shri Subhash Palekar, it was a chemical-based alternative to intensive irrigation and pesticides that were driven by chemical resolution.
Farmers have been suffering from suicide and indebtedness due to the rising cost of external inputs, according to Subhash Palekar. It is devastating to the environment and fertility when chemicals are used long-term. A meeting with the Japanese philosopher Fukuoka took place. Using natural farming techniques, they both came to the table. The technique of natural farming was promoted widely in Karnataka as zero budget natural farming.
The 4 pillars of zero budget natural farming
The following are the top four pillars that support zero budget natural farming. Have a look.
1. Jeevamrutha
A zero budget farmer’s foundation is Jeevamrutha. Using aged cow urine and fresh cow dung from India’s indigenous jaggery, water, pulse flour, soil, and cow breeds, this product is a blend of aged cow urine and fresh cow dung. Farmland is fertilized with this mixture of natural fertilizers.
2. Bijamrita
A zero budget farming system is based on Bijamrita. Insects and pests are controlled with this blend of tobacco, green chilies, and neem leaf pulp. As a seed treatment, it protects seeds naturally.
3. Acchadana (Mulching)
Among zero budget farming’s three pillars, achchadana is the third. Moisture is maintained in the soil by it. Using this pillar helps protect soil cultivation cover and prevents tilling from ruining it.
4. Whapasa
The soil is in a state of whapasa when it contains water molecules and air molecules. As a result, irrigation requirements are reduced.
In order to achieve zero budget farming, these are the pillars that must be followed.
What is the purpose of ZBNF?
Approximately 70% of farmers spend more than they earn, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). There is an average debt of Rs 1 lakh per household in states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A zero budget natural farming method is being considered as a way to achieve the central government’s promise to double farmers’ income by 2022.
Why is ZBNF important?
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The farming industry relies on loans.
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Ecological benefits have been highlighted in the economic survey.
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Input costs are rising rapidly in agriculture.
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There is a continuous increase in the number of farmer suicides.
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There was an increase in customer demand for safe food.
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Unstable market price.
ZBNF Supporting Institutions
The following organizations supported zero budget natural farming in India.
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Foundation of Isha Sadhguru
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The art of living foundation
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Rajya Raitha Sangha of Karnataka
- Sony India private limited
ZBNF Government Schemes and Plans
- The National Agricultural Development Plan and traditional agricultural development plans of the Indian legislature are advancing natural farming in the country from 2015-16.
- The state of Andhra Pradesh started a plan to become India’s first state to practice 100% natural farming by 2024. 60 lakh farmers of the state are being converted to ZBNF farming in an effort to convert 80 lakh hectares of land to chemical farming.
Natural farming with a zero budget has the following features
Water, sunlight, and air provide 98% of a crop’s nutrients, according to zero budget natural farming principles. A good quality product with a lot of beneficial microorganisms can fulfill the remaining 2%.
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Soil microclimate: Organic mulch always forms humus on top of the soil, fostering microorganism growth.
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Cow : Only Indian breed cows are capable of producing cow urine and cow dung for this farming system.
The advantages of zero budget natural farming
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Farmers can reduce their initial costs by practicing zero budget natural farming.
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An increase in income is automatically realized by a farmer.
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Soil ecosystems improve.
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The value of cow dung is added to the soil. Locally available, it is full of nutrients.
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Cow dung bacteria break down organic matter in soil to make soil that plants can grow in.
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There was less water and electricity consumption.
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Soil productivity is improved by ZBNF.
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The crop is less likely to be attacked by disease.
- The Zero Budget Farming method uses less chemical fertilizer, resulting in improved farming production quality.Read more: India’s 10 most profitable livestock farming businesses in 2023
The disadvantages of zero budget natural farming
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Some parts of India use this method of farming.
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There is not much scientific research being evaluated regarding the type of farming that is being debated.
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The farming method is highly sustainable.
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In negligible areas, this farming technique is used.
Natural farming states with zero budgets
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Haryana : 80 acres in Gurukul, Kurukshetra
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Punjab: 1000 acres
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Karnataka :10 Agro climate zones
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Andhra Pradesh: 5.01 lakh acres
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Himachal Pradesh: Across the state
Organic vs. Natural Farming on a Zero Budget
| S/N | Zero Budget Natural Farming(ZBNF) | Organic Farming |
| 1. |
There is no external fertilizer used at ZBNF. |
In organic farming, compost, cow dung, and vermicompost are used as fertilizers. |
| 2. |
The soil is not tilled or mixed. Natural ecosystems are needed for this process.
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Tilling, plowing, mixing, and other basic agro methods are required.
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| 3. |
The local biodiversity makes it a low-cost farming method. |
Because bulk manures are required, it is expensive. |
The unique points of natural farming without a budget
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Growing sustainably.
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Farming for free.
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Food without chemicals.
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As a result, it consumes the least electricity and water.
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You do not need to do any extra work.
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Prevents suicides among farmers.
Success stories in natural farming with a zero budget
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The first ZBNF success story is Mr. Annadurai from Musiri Trichy, Tamilnadu who is a paddy farmer. The yield per acre he gets from ZBNF is good, and he practices it on 2 acres. After spreading it on 10 acres, he gained confidence.
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A success story of ZBNF can be found in Mr. Kudankavil, who lives in Idukki. ZBNF was his field of practice. The yield was high and the price was better. If you follow Mr. Palekar’s guidelines, you will get the best results, according to Mr. Kudankavil.
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The gentleman from the East Godavari district is Mr. T Suryanarayana. ZBNF includes both paddy and oil palm cultivation. His yields were good in both oil palm and paddy.
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Natural farming offers Indian farmers an opportunity to produce high yields at low costs through zero budget farming. You are invited to enjoy and delight in this blog.
Read More: India’s Sugarcane Harvester: Uses and Advantages
Natural farming and zero budgets (FAQ)
1. What is Zero budget natural farming?
Agriculturist Subhash Palekar’s zero budget presentation on natural farming.
2. What are the benefits of zero budget natural farming for farmers?
Pesticides, manure, seeds, as well as other external sources are reduced, thus reducing cultivation costs.
3. Indian natural farming aims to achieve zero budgets?
The goal of zero budget natural farming in India is to reduce farming costs.
4. Natural farming on a zero budget can save water?
Natural farming with zero budgets can also reduce water consumption.
5. What is the organic status of Zero budget natural farming?
Natural farming with zero budgets is carried out using organic materials.
