Zero Budget Natural Farming: Benefits and Process

In agriculture, the perception often prevails that crop cultivation comes with significant costs. However, have you heard of Zero Budget Natural Farming? It is a method of agriculture that requires minimal or even zero expense. As the focus shifts towards natural and indigenous foods for a healthier lifestyle, zero-budget natural farming emerges as a compelling alternative. In this post, we will go through various benefits and processes of zero-budget natural farming, shedding light on its potential to revolutionize sustainable farming practices.

What is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)? 

Zero Budget Natural Farming is a farming method in which the farmer carries out cultivation using only natural elements, without using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. In this method, natural fertilizers are used instead of chemical fertilizers. Farmers can prepare the natural fertilizers used in zero-budget natural farming themselves.

Benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming

• Cost Reduction: Zero-budget natural farming does not use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other synthetic inputs. In such a situation, the expenses incurred on these are reduced. Farmers can use local and natural materials to nourish their fields, which ultimately reduces financial dependency.
• Water Conservation: Natural farming increases the water-holding capacity of the soil. According to a report by the Center for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy, the requirement for water and electricity in natural farming is reduced by 50 to 60%. By adopting this method various problems of groundwater can be minimized.
• Fertilizer Capacity: Fertilizer capacity of soil increases by the natural method of farming. Manure prepared from cow dung, cow urine, etc. is helpful in making the soil more fertile.
• Health Benefits: The use of prepared natural fertilizers and pesticides reduces the use of harmful chemicals. Harvests produced from natural ingredients are more nutritious and are free from chemicals.
• Supporting Bio-Diversity: Zero-budget natural farming method is quite eco-friendly as it involves natural processes and inputs. This helps avoid negative impacts and maintains a safe and healthy environment for all living beings.

Process of Zero-Budget Natural Farming

• Seed Selection and Treatment: Selecting the right seeds is important in zero-budget natural farming. Select disease-tolerant seeds for sowing. Do not treat the seeds with any kind of chemical pesticide or fungicide. Use Beejamrit for seed treatment.
• Fertilizer: In natural farming, naturally-made fertilizers from cow urine, cow dung, or food items can be used as fertilizers. These are capable of increasing the productivity and nutritional value of the crop.
• Disease and Pest Management: In natural farming, diseases, and pests have to be managed through natural methods instead of pesticides. Use Jeevamrit to protect crops from diseases and pests.
• Mulching: Mulching should be done to maintain the moisture content of the soil. It also reduces the problem of weeds in the field. Due to this the upper surface of the soil also remains protected.
• Crop Care: The farmer should monitor the fields regularly for proper care and growth of the crop. This makes it easier to protect against diseases and pests that can harm the crop.

Principles of Zero Budget Natural Farming

• Beejamrit: It is prepared from cow dung and urine. This should be done initially in case of zero-budget natural farming as the seeds should be treated with this at the beginning.
• Jeevamrit: It is also prepared from cow dung and urine. Putting it in the soil increases its fertility and activates the microorganisms and earthworms found in the soil. Besides this, it is also a good pesticide.
• Mulching: The field is covered with crop residue or other organic waste. Over time these residues decompose and form a layer covering the upper layer of the field. This increases the fertility of the land and also reduces the growth of weeds.
• Whapasa (Steam): In zero-budget natural farming, crops can be grown with less water. Whapasa i.e. steam, can be administered for their proper growth. Hence, it is possible to grow healthy crops and obtain quality harvests even in case of poor rainfall.

Have you ever tried the 'Zero Budget Natural Farming' method? Tell us about your answer and experience in the comments. For more information like this, follow the 'Krishi Tech' channel now. Also, remember to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who started Zero Budget Natural Farming?

A: Zero Budget Natural Farming has been developed by Subhash Palekar Ji, an agricultural expert and farmer from Maharashtra. He has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri. He has written books on Zero Budget Natural Farming in over 60 languages.

Q: In which states of India is the Zero Budget Natural Farming method adopted?

A: In India, this method is being followed in many states. Zero Budget Natural Farming is adopted on a large scale in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

Q: Why is Zero Budget Natural Farming better than modern farming in which chemicals are used?

A: Zero Budget Natural Farming increases the fertilizer capacity of the soil, requires less water, and fetches good and quality harvest. The produce obtained is nutritious, high-quality, and free from chemicals. This helps the farmers get more profits while investing very little in farming. Apart from this, the Zero Budget Natural Farming method is eco-friendly and aids in maintaining soil health for a long period.