Dr. Banarsi Lal
The chemical intensive farming has severely affected the ecosystem, climate and health. Moreover, it has increased the cost of cultivation and thus making agriculture unviable for the small and marginal farmers. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawn from the traditional Indian practices. It is a unique method of farming which relies on agro-ecology and reduces the cost of cultivation nearly zero. The word zero budget means no credit and natural farming means growing crops without chemicals. There is no need of expensive agro-inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers and intensive irrigation for Zero Budget Natural Farming. It has attained a wide success in many states of India especially in the Southern states. Government is stressing on this farming calling for a back to the basics of the Indian agriculture. Presently many farmers have started the Zero Budget Natural Farming because of its benefits. This has been achieved without any formal movement organization, paid staff or even a bank account. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) inspires a spirit of volunteerism among its peasant farmer members. This model of farming can be replicated in various other states of India. This type of farming can really help to enhance the income of the farmers as there are almost no expenses in this farming as the farmer can manage his crop without any assistance from the outside. Many states are striving to shift towards this innovative farming. It was originally promoted by Maharashtrian agriculturist and Padma Shri award recipient Subash Palekar who developed this model of farming in mid 90s as an alternative to green revolution which is driven by the agro-chemicals and intensive irrigation. Although the increase in the food production is essential but increasing cost of cultivation is leading cause of indebtedness which is the major cause of suicide among the farmers. Also chemical pesticides and fertilizers cause the ill effects to the environment, soil and human beings. In order to break the debt cycle, reduce the cost of cultivation and produce the healthy food, Palekar introduced Zero Budget Natural Farming for many small and marginal farmers. According to him one cow is needed for 30 acres of land provided it should be the local Indian breed. His method promotes soil aeration, minimum watering, top soil mulching and discourages intensive irrigation and deep ploughing. He is against vermicomposting as it introduces common composting worm called as Eisenia fetida. He claims that these worms absorb toxic metals and poison groundwater and soil. This farming is very effective in addressing the uncertainties of climate change. Farming without chemicals is possible under this method. The method of this farming is very simple and easy to adopt. Under this method of farming plants consume only 10 per cent of water that crops consume in conventional methods.
Four Pillars of Zero Budget Natural Farming
Jivamrita/jeevamrutha is a mixture of fresh cow dung and aged cow urine of an indigenous breed of cow. It provides nutrients and also acts as a catalytic agent that promotes the activity of microorganisms in the soil, as well as increases earthworm activity. Both the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are present in the cow dung and urine multiply as they eat up organic ingredients such as pulse flour. A handful of undisturbed soil is also added to the preparation, as inoculate of native species of microbes and organisms. Jeevamrutha also helps to prevent fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Jeevamrutha is only needed for the first 3 years of the transition after which the system becomes self-sustaining. 200 liters of jeevamruta is sufficient for one acre of land.
Bijamrita/beejamrutha is a treatment used for seeds, seedlings or any planting material. It is effective in protecting young roots from soil and seed-borne diseases. Add Bijamrita to the seeds of any crop: coat them, dry them well and use them for sowing. For leguminous seeds, just dip them quickly and let them dry.
Acchadana – Mulching. It protects top soil during cultivation and does not destroy it by tilling. It promotes aeration and water retention in the soil. Palekar suggests avoiding deep ploughing. There is need to provide dry organic material which will decompose and form humus through the activity of the soil biota which is activated by microbial cultures.
Whapasa – moisture: It is a condition where water molecules and air molecules are present in the soil. In Zero Budget Natural Farming irrigation level is reduced and irrigation is done only in noon and that too in alternate rows. Higher amount of water application leads to hold air space in the soil and plants suffer oxygen deficiency. It may cause death of plants except for some water-loving plants such as rice.
Intercropping, contours and bunds, local species of earthworms and cow dung are other principles of Zero Budget Natural Farming. Under this farming, revival of local deep soil earthworms through increased organic matter is most recommended. Dung from the Bos indicus (humped cow) is beneficial and has the highest concentrations of micro-organisms as compared to European cow breeds such as Holstein. Due to rising cost of cultivation farming is becoming difficult for the small and marginal farmers. High quality seeds, other costly inputs and markets are inaccessible and expensive for small scale farmers. Many farmers find themselves in a vicious cycle of debt, because of the high cost of cultivation, high interest rates for credit, the changing market prices of crops etc. In the last two decades more than a quarter of a million farmers have committed suicide in India. Many studies have co-related farmer’s suicides to debt. Debt is a problem for farmers of all sizes in India. Zero Budget Natural Farming promises to end a reliance on loans and drastically cuts production costs.
In some states such as Andra Pradesh and Telangana, indebtedness levels are around 90 per cent. Zero Budget Natural Farming reduces the farmers’ dependence on loans. Moreover, intercropping also increases the income of the farmers. This farming also has many ecological advantages. It sharply reduces the input costs of cultivation and the small and marginal farmers can reap the maximum benefits through this farming. However, some experts oppose this farming. Some governments have supported the capacity building on Zero Budget Natural Farming. Sikkim is the only state in India which has been categorized as the organic state in the country.
This state exemplified the success of organic farming. Experts say that multi-location studies are needed to scientifically validate the long-term impact of Zero Budget Natural Farming before its promotion across the nation. Many studies are going on ZBNF and evaluations on crops yields including the soil health. Zero Budget Natural Farming can play a significant role in enhancing the income of farmers. Proper marketing mechanism needs to be strategized to sale the chemical free farm produce. Institutional mechanism is also needed to promote the Zero Budget Natural Farming. Appropriate policy framework and package of practices are needed to increase the adoption of zero budget natural farming. This type of farming is environmentally friendly and helpful to conserve the nature by improving the microbial content and water retention capacity in soils.
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