Published Apr 13, 2023
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a set of farming methods that use natural and locally available resources to reduce costs and increase profits. It is also a grassroots peasant movement that has spread to various states in India.
ZBNF was born out of collaboration between Mr Subhash Palekar, who put together the ZBNF practices, and the state farmers association Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), a member of La Via Campesina (LVC).
ZBNF promises to end a reliance on loans and chemicals, and drastically cut production costs, ending the debt cycle for desperate farmers.
ZBNF faces challenges such as lack of scientific evidence, policy support, institutional recognition, market linkages, and extension services. It also requires a paradigm shift in farmers’ mindset, knowledge, and skills.
ZBNF has been supported by various state governments, civil society organizations, and farmers’ groups. The central government has also recognized ZBNF as an innovative model for doubling farmers’ income by 2022.
ZBNF has the potential to transform Indian agriculture into a sustainable and viable sector. It can also contribute to the global goals of climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation.