Principles and Practices of Zero Budget Natural Farming

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a way of farming, which is based on minimum use of external inputs, no use of chemicals, minimum disturbance to soil, use of local bio-resources for production various commodities in the farm, etc. ZBNF is based on four major pillars: Jeevarutha; Bijamruita; Acchadana (mulching) and Whapasa (moisture management). Advantages of ZBNF are improvement of yield, ensurance of better health, environment conservation, increased farmers’ income, employment generation, reduced water consumption, minimized cost of production, reduced water consumption, elimination of application of synthetic chemical inputs, rejuvenation of soil health, etc. ZBNF has been getting popularity in different states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Government support is needed for extending the same to other states. In this chapter, effort has been made to compile the information available in different sources.