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Vol. 9, Special Issue 4 (2020)

A review on zero budget natural farming: a path towards sustainable agriculture

Author(s):
Ankush Kumar and Sonia Kumari
Abstract:
Agriculture is an important sector in India. It is indispensible for the sustenance and growth of the Indian economy. Most of the farmers heavily depend on inorganic external chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides that contaminate groundwater and other water-dependent ecosystems, reduce soil fertility over time. The continuous use of pesticides and chemicals is a serious problem for the health of farmers across India. Central government’s promise to double farmer’s income by 2022, with the same one aspect being considered is natural farming methods such as the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) given by Shri Subhash Palekar, for which he was honoured with Padma Shri. Zero Budget’ means without using any credit, and without spending any money on purchased inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Zero budget farming promises to drastically cut production costs. Zero budget farmers use mulching, soil protection techniques, natural pesticides and fertilizers. The principal methods of Zero budget natural farming has basically four pillars Jivamrita, Bijamrita, Acchadana (Mulching) and Whapasa. Palekar also gave formulae for Fungicides i.e. Sour buttermilk (Khatti Lassi), Sonthastra for pest management i.e. Agniastra, Brahmastra, Neemastra, Dashparni ark. Saptdhanyankur ark also been used for shining in fruits, vegetables and seeds. By using ZBNF farmer will be able to grow chemical free food.
Pages: 236-239  |  1367 Views  551 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Ankush Kumar and Sonia Kumari. A review on zero budget natural farming: a path towards sustainable agriculture. The Pharma Innovation Journal. 2020; 9(4S): 236-239.

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