Zero Budget Natural Farming ( ZBNF ) - Challenges  :

ZBNF is a unique model that relies on agroecology. It espouses that products made from natural ingredients be used as inputs on farmland. The aim is to bring down the cost of production to nearly zero and return to a “pre-green revolution” style of farming. This would ostensibly pull farmers out of debt by putting a stop to unsustainable agricultural practices.

ZBNF chiefly relies on the use of products such as Jivamrita, Bijamrita and Acchadana (natural mulch) which help promote microbial activity, seed health and protection of soil respectively.

Challenges :

1. While ZBNF seems to hit the right chords when it comes to environmental sustainability, its commercial scalability is not yet proven.

2. There has not been an independent evaluation of the income growth it can result in or its impact on productivity. Moreover, most case studies are self-reported.

3. The question arises as to whether ZBNF should be nudged into an income stressed farmer’s choice architecture.

4. With the demand and consumption pattern constantly changing when it comes to high-value commodities, better technology and investment are required on farmland, this option is not feasible.

5. Experts cast doubts over the efficacy of ZBNF in resolving agrarian distress  as it is not tested on a wider scale and on all soil types.

6. The government does not first address issues that resulted in agrarian crisis like rising input costs, better MSP to farmers and falling or stagnant prices, and how the ZBNF will increase their income.

7. ZBNF would not be workable across all soil conditions and the yields are much lower when compared to modern scientific agriculture.

8. Farmers would opt for the technique that gives them good yields to pay back their debt.

9. It is difficult to implement in hillly terrain of states where land is in fragmented form and soil is not so fertile.

With erratic performances in agriculture exports, agriculture products also face tough scrutiny when it comes to the standards set by global markets and are often seen to be falling short of meeting the criteria. Small, fragmented landholdings do not support the economies of this scale required for remunerative exports.

While ZBNF is an appreciable thought, need a focused approach towards bringing in private and public investment and solving market-led challenges for creating a rural virtuous cycle for growth. The government should first address issues that resulted in agrarian crisis like rising input costs, better MSP (minimum support price) to farmers and falling or stagnant prices.

Other measures to be taken :

• More investment in irrigation is needed. 50% of net sown area is rain-fed.
• Farmers cannot remain dependent on rain.
• The government expenditure is more on the operation and maintenance of operational dams and less towards capital intensity.
• The government should encourage private investment through provision of subsidised credit and subsidy on capital.
• Farmers are unaware of tech interventions and new farming practices. The NSSO 70thround (2012-13) noted that government extension programmes have not been able to reach most farmers.
• Marketing of agricultural commodities has hardly progressed. Farmers receive a small share of the consumer rupee due to a long chain of intermediaries in marketing.

Sale of produce in APMC-run regulated markets hardly provides solace.
A survey says that a majority of farmers prefer to sell their produce to village traders and they receive prices below MSP for wheat and rice in most states.