1Department of Agronomy, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi-642 103, Tamil Nadu, India
2Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi-642 103, Tamil Nadu, India
3Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Coimbatore-642 109, Tamil Nadu, India
4Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Agriculture College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai-625 104, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author: R. Ajaykumar, Department of Agronomy, Vanavarayar Institute of Agriculture, Pollachi-642 103, Tamil Nadu, India, Email: ajaykumar.tnau@gmail.com
Online published on 6 June, 2025.
Agriculture is extremely important in a developing country like India. Apart from fulfilling the food requirement of the growing Indian population, it also helps to improve the country’s economy. By 2050, 60% of India’s population would have severe food insecurity. Increased food production is critically needed, but high production costs and market price fluctuations are forcing farmers into debt. The usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has expanded in India since the green revolution. Excessive chemical use has a negative influence on the ecosystem, soil, human health and groundwater purity. Spiritual farming or Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is the most effective way to lower farmers’ input costs. Subhash Palekar practised and advocated Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in India. Building elements of ZBNF are jeevamrith, bijamrith, mulching and soil aeration. These four approaches contribute to improved soil health, microbial population and crop output. Intercropping, contour bunds, crop rotation, green manures, compost, and biological pest management is some of the other fundamental elements. Spiritual farming as the potential to reduce pollution while also preserving productivity in our agroecosystem and has the ability to improve agricultural viability and food security.
Benefits, Impacts, Principles, Spiritual farming, Zero budget