Context: Recently, Researchers at Bengaluru-based technology-policy think-tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy conducted an exploratory study in Andhra Pradesh to compare ZBNF and non-ZBNF techniques in paddy, groundnut, chilli, cotton and maize farming.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)

• Zero budget natural farming is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.
• It is a method of farming where the cost of growing and harvesting plants is zero.
• This means that farmers need not purchase fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the healthy growth of crops.
• It uses biological pesticides instead of chemical-based fertilizers.
• Intensive irrigation and deep ploughing is not promoted in Zero Budget Farming.
• ZBNF principles are in harmony with the principles of Agro ecology.
• It requires only 10 % of water and electricity used in the former method.

NOTE: Subash Palekar is considered as the father of Zero Budget Natural Farming.
ZBNF is based on 4 pillars

• Jeevamrutha is applied in farming.
• Jeevamrutha is the mixture of, Fresh desi cow dung, aged desi cow urine, jiggery, pulse flour, water and soil.
• Jeevamrutha helps in the addition of nutrients in the soil and also in catalysing the microbial activities in the soil.
• Bijamrita: Bija stands for seed is used for the treatment of seeds while another mixture of neem leaves and pulp, tobacco and green chillies is used as an insecticide.
• Acchadana is Mulching: It protects topsoil during cultivation and does not destroy it by tilling.
• Whapasa: It is a condition where there is a presence of both air molecules and water molecules in the soil. Whapasa helps in reducing irrigation requirements.

What are the uses of Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Apart from the least cost incurred in this type of farming, the Zero Budget Natural Farming also promotes:

• Soil aeration
• Minimal watering
• Intercropping
• Bunds
• Topsoil mulching