Who among the following personalities promoted the concept Zero Budget Natural Farming in India?

The correct answer is Subhash Palekar.

Key Points

• Subhash Palekar, an Indian agriculturist, is credited with promoting the concept of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India.
• ZBNF is a farming method that focuses on using natural inputs, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and significantly reducing farming costs.
• Palekar developed this model as an alternative to the Green Revolution, which relied heavily on chemical farming practices.
• He advocates using locally available resources like cow dung, cow urine, and other natural materials to maintain soil fertility and crop health.
• Subhash Palekar received the Padma Shri award in 2016 for his contributions to agriculture.

Additional Information

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
  • ZBNF is a holistic agricultural approach that aims to reduce farmer dependency on loans by eliminating external input costs.
  • It emphasizes the use of practices like mulching, intercropping, and the application of microbial solutions such as Jeevamrutha, which is a fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery, pulses flour, and water.
  • The method encourages the revival of traditional farming techniques and promotes biodiversity on farms.
  • ZBNF is gaining traction in India, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where it is supported by government initiatives.
• Impact of Chemical Farming
  • The Green Revolution introduced chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to increased crop yields but also caused soil degradation and environmental pollution.
  • Excessive use of chemicals has led to health issues and the contamination of water resources in many agricultural regions.
• Natural Farming Practices
  • Natural farming practices aim to restore soil health and improve water retention without the use of synthetic inputs.
  • They promote eco-friendly farming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Padma Shri Award
  • Padma Shri is one of the highest civilian honors in India, awarded for distinguished contributions in various fields.
  • Subhash Palekar received this award in recognition of his work in promoting natural farming methods.