Natural farming is a chemical-free farming method that encourages the use of natural inputs like cow dung, urine, jaggery, and pulse flour. It avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to agriculture.
What is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?
ZBNF is a subset of natural farming that aims to reduce the cost of cultivation to near zero by using locally available resources. Coined by Subhash Palekar, the approach relies on traditional Indian practices and promotes soil fertility, microbial activity, and overall crop health.
Core Components of ZBNF:
- Jeevamrut: A microbial culture made from cow dung and urine.
- Bijamrit: Seed treatment solution to protect from pests and diseases.
- Mulching: Retains soil moisture and adds organic content.
- Waaphasa: Encourages proper soil aeration.
Benefits of Natural Farming & ZBNF
- Reduces input costs for farmers.
- Improves soil fertility and biodiversity.
- Produces chemical-free, healthier crops.
- Eco-friendly and supports long-term sustainability.
Haryana Government Initiatives
The Government of Haryana has introduced several schemes to promote natural farming. These include training programs, subsidies for bio-inputs, and demonstration farms to educate farmers about the benefits and practices of ZBNF.