Agroecology is recognised worldwide as system that enhances fertile landscapes, increases yields, restore soil health and biodiversity, promotes climate resilience and improves farmers well being. Some Industry representatives and scientists are opposing Zero Budget Natural Farming which is developed and publicised by agro-scientist Subhash Palekar has been adopted by Andhra Pardesh state government.
What is Zero Budget Natural Farming?
It is a method of chemical free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian Practices. It was developed in mid 1990s as alternative to Green Revolution methods driven by Chemical fertilisers, Pesticides and Intensive Irrigation. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an alternative method of agriculture, shifting away from big irrigation projects, farm loan waivers and fertiliser subsidy. Rising cost of external inputs for agriculture produce is leading cause of indebtedness and suicide among farmers while the impact of chemicals on environment and on long term fertility of soil is devastating.
Instead of commercially produced chemical inputs, The ZBNF promotes a mixture of fresh desi cow dung and aged desi cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water and soil on farmland. This fermented microbial culture which adds nutrients to the soil. ZBNF is also against the vermicomposting which is a mainstay of typical organic farming. The European Red Wiggler a type of worm is used in this which absorbs toxic metal and which poisons groundwater and soil.
Even the Central Government revised norms for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) a flagship Green Revolution Scheme with an allocation of ₹3745 Cr. this year , and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana which has an allocation of ₹325 Cr. which is meant to promote organic farming and soil health. Under the revised guidelines, both Centrally Sponsored Scheme now allows States to use their funds in ZBNF promotion, Vedic Farming, Natural Farming and host of other traditional methods.
However, the multi location studies are needed to scientifically validate the long term impact and viability of model before ZBNF can be scaled up and promoted countrywide. Farming in India, as in most other countries is largely under control of powerful lobbies with vested interests and connections to deep pockets. This include Fossil Fuels, Fertilisers and Seed Companies as well as Scientists with funding connections to agribusiness. These lobbies perceive large scale transitions to agroecology as substantial threat to their Influence on Farming Systems.
Reluctant Economist 