Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an agricultural philosophy that revitalizes traditional farming by eliminating external inputs. This approach emphasizes cultivating crops in harmony with natural processes, aiming for self-sustaining farm ecosystems. It offers an alternative to conventional farming, which often relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. ZBNF is gaining attention as a method that helps farmers reduce costs while promoting environmental well-being.
The Philosophy of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) aims for cultivation where the cost of growing crops approaches zero. Farmers do not need to purchase expensive fertilizers, pesticides, or other external inputs. Instead, the farming system relies entirely on on-farm resources and natural biological processes. The “zero budget” aspect stems from the belief that all necessary nutrients for plant growth are already present in the soil, air, and water, similar to a forest ecosystem.
Plants obtain approximately 98-98.5% of their nutrition from air, water, and sunlight, with only the remaining 1.5% coming from the soil. This principle asserts that soil contains sufficient nutrients to support plant life without supplementation. By minimizing external interference and leveraging natural cycles, ZBNF aims to reduce the financial burden on farmers, fostering a more independent and resilient agricultural system.
Core Practices and Components
ZBNF employs several core practices, often called its four pillars: Jeevamrutha, Bijamrutha, Mulching (Acchadana), and Waaphasa (moisture management). Each component enhances soil health, promotes plant growth, and reduces the need for external inputs.
Jeevamrutha is a fermented microbial inoculum prepared from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and soil from the farm. This mixture is rich in beneficial microorganisms that decompose organic matter, making nutrients available to plants and improving soil fertility. Regular application introduces a diverse microbial population to the soil, mimicking natural processes.
Bijamrutha serves as a seed treatment, protecting young seedlings from soil-borne and seed-borne diseases. It is prepared using cow dung, cow urine, lime, and soil. Treating seeds with Bijamrutha before sowing ensures better germination and early plant vigor without synthetic chemicals.
Mulching, known as Acchadana, involves covering the soil with organic materials like crop residues, leaves, or straw. This practice conserves soil moisture by reducing evaporation, suppresses weed growth, and regulates soil temperature. Over time, the mulching material decomposes, adding organic matter to the soil and enhancing its fertility and structure.
Waaphasa, or moisture management, focuses on maintaining optimal soil aeration and moisture levels. This involves creating a favorable environment for soil microorganisms and plant roots by avoiding excessive irrigation and ensuring proper drainage. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, allowing for efficient nutrient uptake and microbial activity.
Ecological and Economic Outcomes
Implementing Zero Budget Natural Farming yields a range of positive ecological and economic outcomes. Environmentally, ZBNF contributes to improved soil health by fostering microbial diversity and increasing organic carbon content. The continuous addition of organic matter through mulching and Jeevamrutha applications enhances soil structure, porosity, and water retention capacity. This leads to better water conservation; ZBNF fields may use significantly less water than conventional methods, potentially as little as 10% of the water used in traditional farming.
ZBNF also promotes biodiversity by eliminating synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, creating a healthier habitat for beneficial insects, earthworms, and other soil organisms. This reduction in chemical use lessens environmental pollution and protects surrounding ecosystems. Economically, farmers benefit from reduced cultivation costs by eliminating purchased inputs like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. While some studies suggest potential initial yield reductions, ZBNF aims for stable crop yields and increased income stability over time by removing the burden of input expenses.
Broader Relevance and Considerations
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) holds relevance in sustainable agriculture, addressing challenges like climate change and food security. By promoting practices that enhance soil carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with synthetic fertilizer production, ZBNF contributes to climate change mitigation efforts. Its emphasis on localized resources and reduced reliance on external supply chains also builds resilience within agricultural systems.
The adoption of ZBNF has seen growth in various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka, with some regions aiming to bring all agricultural land under natural farming by 2027. While promising, its widespread scalability and consistent yield outcomes across diverse agro-climatic zones are part of ongoing discussions. ZBNF, also known as Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP), offers a vision for farming that aligns with ecological principles while supporting farmer livelihoods.