Zero Budget Natural Farming: A way Forward towards Sustainable Agriculture
Mohammad Rafiq Khan
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Waseem Raja
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Tauseef A Bhat
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Mohd Salim Mir *
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Nasir Bashir Naikoo
Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Zakir Amin
Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Aijaz Nazir
Agromet Field Unit, SKUAST, Kashmir-190025, India.
Suhail Ahmad Mir
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Idrees Mohammad
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Aadil Akbar Wani
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
Dhamni Patyal
Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST, Kashmir-193201, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chemical fertilisers and insecticides have increased at an alarming rate in India since the green revolution. Excessive chemical use has a negative influence on the ecosystem, soil, human health, and Consumption of groundwater purity. To limit the usage of artificial fertilisers and pesticides in this situation, the Zero Budget Natural Farming technique was implemented. Agriculture is a significant industry in India. It is essential for the Indian economy's survival and expansion. The majority of farmers rely extensively on inorganic external chemical inputs like as fertilisers and pesticides, which pollute groundwater and other water-dependent ecosystems while also reducing soil fertility over time. The continued use of pesticides and chemicals poses a major threat to the health of Indian farmers.Zero-budget farming has the potential to significantly reduce production expenses. Mulching, soil protection measures, natural insecticides, and fertilisers are used by low-budget farmers. Jivamrita, Bijamrita, Acchadana (Mulching), and Whapasa are the four main pillars of natural farming on a low budget. Mulching, soil conservation measures, natural insecticides, and fertilisers are used by farmers on a low budget. The continual retention of crop wastes replenishes soil fertility and aids in soil health maintenance. Pest and disease management is an important part of zero-budget natural farming crop production methods. Under the conditions of climate change, achieving food security would necessitate a holistic system approach that incorporates natural agricultural principles for a sustainable agriculture.In this paper, we have discussed about the concept, need, benefits, major pillars, principles of ZBNF, opportunities and challenges of adopting ZBNF and the factors to scale up zero budget natural farming.
Keywords: Ecosystem, food security, mulching, sustainable agriculture, zero budget natural farming