Introduction
Subhash Palekar, Maharashtra based agriculturist and Padma Shri recipient, popularised zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF), which refers to the process of growing crops without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or any other external materials. Farmers instead use low-cost locally sourced natural concoctions, inoculums, and decoctions made from cow dung, urine, jaggery, lilac, green chilies, and a variety of other natural ingredients.
The term 'Zero Budget' refers to the production of all crops at no cost. ZBNF assists farmers in practising sustainable farming, which aids in soil fertility retention, chemical-free agriculture, and low production costs (zero-cost).
This climate-resilient agricultural method, which differs from organic farming, aims to promote agroecology and low-cost agriculture practises in which all critical inputs are gathered from the field and nothing from the outside is introduced. In contrast to traditional farming techniques, ZBNF does not use fertiliser or pesticides, and only 10% of water is to be used for irrigation.
Features
Jeevamrutha: On farmland, a mixture of cow dung and urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water, and soil is applied. Used for enhancing soil fertility.
Bijamrita: It is a mixture of neem leaves and pulp, tobacco, and green chillies that has been prepared for insect and pest control and can be used to treat seeds.
Acchadana (Mulching): It protects topsoil during cultivation rather than destroying it through tilling.
Whapasa: It is the condition in which the soil contains both air molecules and water molecules. As a result, water is provided to maintain the required moisture-air balance.
Conclusion
The rising cost of external inputs (fertilisers and pesticides) is the leading cause of farm indebtedness and suicide. According to data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), nearly 70% of agricultural households spend more than they earn, and more than half of all farmers are in debt. As there is no need to spend money or take lo