Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a chemical-free agricultural method rooted in traditional Indian practices, conceptualized by Subhash Palekar. It aims to reduce the cost of production to near zero by eliminating chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides and aligns with the principles of agroecology.
Core Components of ZBNF:
- Jeevamrutha: A bio-fertilizer made from cow dung, urine, and other natural ingredients that boosts microbial activity in the soil, enriching its fertility. Farmers in states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka use Jeevamrutha to restore soil health.
- Bijamrita: A seed treatment prepared with natural ingredients like neem and cow urine to protect seeds from fungal infections and pests.
- Acchadana (Mulching): Cover the soil with organic matter like crop residues to prevent moisture loss, reduce soil temperature, and limit weed growth. This is widely used in Tamil Nadu to conserve water in arid regions.
- Whapasa: A moisture retention technique that reduces water usage by maintaining an optimal balance of air and water in the soil. Farmers in Gujarat have reported a reduction in irrigation needs by applying Whapasa.
Government Promotion: ZBNF is supported by the Government of India under the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP), a sub-scheme of the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). This scheme encourages traditional agricultural practices by focusing on the exclusion of chemical inputs and promoting biomass mulching and cow dung-based formulations. Under BPKP, financial assistance of ₹12,200/ha is provided for three years for capacity building, certification, and residue analysis. Over 4.09 lakh hectares have been covered under this scheme across multiple states like Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala
ZBNF is seen as a sustainable agricultural practice that lowers production costs, enhances soil health, and supports organic farming efforts like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). However, challenges such as widespread adoption and scalability remain.