Hey everyone! as promised, I am back with a brand new blog post-let’s dive right in!
So hey guys today we are learning about most revolutionary ways to farming-zero budget natural farming. As the prices are rising and use of the chemical products harming soil and health both many farmers are shifting towards the chemical free and cost free techniques. if you are a beginner or a farmer looking for the better alternatives, this blog is for you.
What is Zero-Budget Natural Farming?
Zero budget natural farming is a method where farmers grow crops without spending money on buying chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or even buying seeds. The term Zero-Budget means that we don’t need to invest money because most of the inputs come from our farms (like cow dung, urine, etc.).
The approach was promoted by Padma Shri Subhash Palekar and this thing helps us to reduce dependency on loans while improving soil fertility, crop quality and health.
Core Principles of Zero-Budget Natural Farming:
- Jeevamrut (जीवामृत): A liquid fertilizer made from cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, gram flour, and soil. we can use it instead of using chemical fertilizers to avoid money investment and to improve soil and crop quality.
- Beejamrut (बीजामृत): it is a way in which we follow some procedures to get a Seed Treatment solution to protect our seeds from various harmful diseases.
- Mulching (मल्चिंग): It is a technique in which we cover the soils using organic waste to retain moisture and it also helps to reduce weeds. if you want to know more about the mulching you can take a look at our previous blog having information about the organic farming techniques and also Mulching.
- Waaphasa (वाफसा): Waphasa refers to Ensuring soil aeration to maintain microbial life. with this technique we ensure balanced moisture and air for better root development and plant vitality. A concept of natural harmony in agriculture and life.
How to start zero budget natural farming?
1. Prepare Jeevamrut and Beejamrut: At first we will start making Jeevamrut on short scale by using 10kg of cow dung, 10 litters of urine and a handfull of jaggery, bessan(gram flour) and soil. let it ferment for 4-6 days in a shaded area.
Use Beejamrut to treat Seeds before shwing from soil-borne diseases.
2.Choose Local, Indigenous Seeds: In this wee will avoid avoid hybrid seeds and use native varieties that adapt well to our region’s climate and require less care. it is most crucial step in this type of farming because we have to take care of budget.
3.Use Mulching to Conserve Soil: Cover soil with dry leaves, crop waste or straw. It protects roots from harsh sunlight and keeps the moisture intact — especially crucial in summers and also helps to reduce weeds.as i told you you can take a look at our previous blog post for better and deep understanding of mulching.
4.Ensure Waaphasa (Aeration): In this step wee have to ensure waaphasa by keeping the soil lightly moist but not soggy, so roots get both water and air. This balance helps plants breathe and grow better. we have to avoid overwatering or compacting the soil to maintain healthy aeration.
5.Cow-Based Inputs are Key: If we own a cow, we’re already halfway there. If not, consider collaborating with a nearby farmer who does. Desi cow dung and urine are the backbone of zero budget natural farming.
Conclusion: Zero-Budget Natural Farming is more than just a technique — it’s a movement toward self-reliant, healthy, and sustainable agriculture. It gives power back to farmers, promotes eco-friendliness, and ensures that even small landholders can grow successfully without taking loans.
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to share it with your fellow farmers, students, or anyone passionate about sustainable agriculture.
I’ll see you in the next blog with more tips, knowledge, and ideas to help you grow naturally and successfully.
Till then, take care and happy farming!
Milte hain agle blog mein!