Zero Budget Natural Farming: Exploring benefits, advantages and features

New Delhi: Zero Budget Natural Farming means growing crops without the use of fertilizers pesticides or any other material. The term zero refers to the zero cost of production of all crops. Zero Budget Natural Farming reduces the expenses of farming and supports the use of natural fertilizers and seeds.

How Zero Budget Natural Farming Started in India?

Senior Agriculturist Subhash Palekar started this technique in the ’90s. According to him the rising cost of agricultural tools is the main cause of farmer suicide. The impact of chemicals on long-term fertility is devastating. He met a Japanese Philosopher who introduced him to the technique of Natural Farming.

Why is Zero Budget Natural Farming important? 

According to the National Sample Survey Office Data, a farmer in India spends more in farming than what he actually earns. Most of the farmers are under huge debt especially in states like Andhra and Telangana where every farmer has a debt of over one lakh.

The prices of farming tools are increasing rapidly

Number of farmers suicide is also on the rise

Demand for organic food has increased

Unreliable Market Prices

Institutions which support Zero Budget Natural Farming

Isha Sadhguru Foundation

Art of living Foundation

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha

Sony India Private Limited

Government schemes for Zero Budget Natural Farming

Andhra Pradesh became the first state to launch the idea of Zero Budget Natural Farming in 2018. Their purpose is to carry natural farming in 80% of the land by converting over 60 lakh farmers of state into Zero Budget Natural Farming methods.

Unique Points of Zero Budget Natural Farming

• Sustainable growth.
• Cost-free Farming.
• Chemical-free food.
• It consumes the least electricity and the least water.
• No extra labor required.

Benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming

• Non-chemical farming leads to low production costs and higher profits.
• It improves soil health and fertility in the long run.
• Naturally grown crops are more nutritious and safe for human health.
• Reduces environmental pollution caused by chemicals in farming.
• Enables farmers to become economically independent.

Features of Zero Budget Natural Farming

Zero Cost of Production, farmers don’t have to buy any tools for farming

This type of Farming is ideal for all crops

Farmers are less likely to be in debt as they don’t need to apply for loans to buy agricultural tools.