Natural farming - particularly the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) model popularised by Subhash Palekar - has moved from fringe practice to government policy in India over the past five years.
But what does natural farming actually involve? Where does it work? Where does it struggle? And what support is available for farmers who want to try it?
Natural Farming and ZBNF in India: A Practical Assessment
Natural farming - particularly the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) model popularised by Subhash Palekar - has moved from fringe practice to government policy in India over the past five years.
But what does natural farming actually involve? Where does it work? Where does it struggle? And what support is available for farmers who want to try it?
What Natural Farming and ZBNF Actually Are
Natural farming minimises or eliminates synthetic chemical inputs and relies on biological processes and locally available materials.
ZBNF's four pillars:
1. Jiwamrita: microbial inoculant from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, and local soil.
2. Bijamrita: seed treatment for disease protection and better germination.
3. Acchadana (mulching): soil coverage for moisture retention, erosion control, and weed suppression.
4. Waaphasa: moisture and aeration balance through careful irrigation management.
Where Natural Farming Delivers Results
Best conditions:
- Dryland and rainfed contexts with high input costs
- Crops with organic premium markets
- Intercropping systems where biodiversity is already practiced
Andhra Pradesh's RySS program has enrolled hundreds of thousands of farmers and is one of the largest natural farming programs globally.
Key Challenges
- Transition period yield dips (often 2-3 years)
- Higher labour intensity for preparation and manual field management
- Irrigation dependency for consistent Waaphasa conditions
- Certification gap: natural farming alone does not equal market-recognised organic certification
Government Support in 2025
- PKVY: Rs 50,000/hectare over three years for organic farming support and certification
- BPKP: Rs 12,200/hectare over three years for ZBNF promotion
- State-level programs in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka
Decision Framework for Farmers
Assess:
- Input costs as a percentage of crop revenue
- Access to indigenous cattle inputs
- Access to premium natural/organic market channels
- Financial buffer for transition years
Natural farming can be transformative under the right conditions. Successful adoption depends on context, planning, and support - not ideology alone.
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