Mains Practice Questions

Approach:

• Introduce with Zero Budget Natural Farming
• Mention key principles of ZBNF
• Delve into its potential benefits in ecological as well as economical context.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction:

Zero Budget Natural Farming is an agricultural practice that promotes sustainable farming methods with minimal external inputs and costs.

• The toolkit of ZBNF was developed by Subhash Palekar in the 1990's.
• It has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential benefits for both ecological and economic sustainability.

Body:

Principles of Zero Budget Natural Farming:

• No Chemicals: Avoidance of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maintain soil and environmental health.
• Natural Inputs:
  • Jeevamrit: Utilization of microbial culture to enrich the soil with beneficial microorganisms.
  • Beejamrit: Seed treatment with natural solutions to enhance seed germination and resistance to pests.
  • Acchadana(Mulching): Application of organic matter to cover soil, retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance fertility.
  • Whapasa: This condition refers to the presence of both air and water molecules in the soil, which in turn helps decrease the need for irrigation.
• Promoting Biodiversity:
  • Intercropping: Growing multiple crops together to create a diverse ecosystem, promoting natural pest control, and improving soil health.
• Focus on Soil Health:
  • Composting: Recycling organic waste into nutrient-rich compost to improve soil structure and fertility.
  • Crop Residue Management: Incorporating crop residues into the soil to enhance organic matter content and soil health.

Potential Benefits of Zero Budget Natural Farming:

• Ecological Benefits:
  • Improved Soil Health: ZBNF's focus on organic inputs and microbial activity can improve soil structure, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability, leading to healthier and more productive soils.
  • Reduced Environmental Pollution: By eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals, ZBNF can reduce water, air, and soil pollution, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: The promotion of diverse crop varieties and the integration of livestock in ZBNF systems can help preserve biodiversity and support ecosystem services, such as pollination and pest control.
  • Climate Resilience: ZBNF practices, such as mulching and water conservation, can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and extreme weather events.
• Economic Benefits:
  • Reduced Input Costs: By relying on locally available materials and eliminating the need for expensive chemical inputs, ZBNF can significantly reduce the production costs for farmers, increasing their net income.
  • Reduced Dependency on External Inputs: ZBNF's emphasis on self-reliance and the use of on-farm resources reduces the dependence on external inputs, which can be subject to price fluctuations and supply disruptions.
  • Market Opportunities: The growing demand for organic and sustainable agricultural products can provide ZBNF farmers with access to premium markets and higher prices for their produce.
  • Long-term Sustainability: ZBNF's focus on maintaining soil fertility and promoting biodiversity can contribute to the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems, ensuring food security and economic stability for farmers.

Conclusion:

ZBNF has shown promising results in some regions like Himachal Pradesh (Prakritik Kheti Khushhal Kisan Yojana). By embracing ZBNF as a sustainable agricultural approach, India can pave the way for a more environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable food production system, ensuring the well-being of both people and the planet.