Zero Budget Natural Farming(ZBNF)

By subhash Palekar

4 pillars

  1. Jeevamrutha
    -fermented microbial culture
    -acts a catalytic agent that improves activity of micro-organisms and earthworm
    -Prevents fungal and bacterial diseases
    -
  1. Bijamritha
    -its a treatment for seeds, seedlings, plan
    -protects plants from plant borne diseases
  1. Mulching
    -No tilling, topsoil protection
    -promotes aeration and water retention in soil
    -straw material, dried biomass forms humus
    -aids in crop rotation

4.Whapsa/Moisture
-Roots need water vapour
-Hence irrigation in alternate furrows, reducing water requirement

Additional aspects

Intercropping: Zero budget doesnt mean farmer will have no costs, instead he will be compensated from other crop

Contour and bunds: water conservation

Cow dung from Indian cows most beneficial

I/p cost are zero as no fertiliser are used
profits: high yields and lower inputs

Drought and flood resistant

Reduced water& electricity usage, improved farmers health, flourishing of local eco system,

Challenges

Advantages

Form of regerative agriculture

Will aid in times of variability in monsoon and declining groundwater conditions

In accordance with SDGs: climate resilience, health , nutrition, environ protection

Organic farming: how different?

Involves manure, vermicompost, for purchase--> again expensive for the farmer

difficult to change farmer's mindset

Training on these lines needed