ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING- ZBNF- SHIBU - BASIC ENGLISH NOTES - SEMESTER I - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING

Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

1) What is an age-old vocation practiced for livelihood?

Ans: Farming is an age old vocation practiced for livelihood.

2) When was the first farming invented?

Ans: The first farming invented around about 12000 years ago.

 

3) What kind of crops cultivated in the beginning of farming?

Ans: Emmer and einkorn wheat, then hulled barley, peas, lentils, bitter vetch, chick peas and flax.

 

4) What were domesticated by ancient farmers?

Ans: Goats, sheep and oxen were domesticated by ancient farmers.

 

5) When did two crops per year start?

Ans: During medieval period two crops per year started.

 

6) Why did Indian farmers face acute problems?

Ans: Farmers faced acute problems due to environmental and geographical disastrous conditions.

 

7) What did the Green Revolution promote?

Ans: Green Revolution promoted the methods of excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and intensive irrigation.

 

8) What is the impact of chemical intensive farming?

Ans: The cost of farming increased and farmers fell into the clutches of debts, so also increased the suicides of farmers.

 

9) What is ZBNF?

Ans: ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices.

10) Who is called the father of ZBNF?

Ans: Subash Palekar is called the father of ZBNF.

 

11) What kind of farming is included in ZBNF?

Ans: ZBNF included Vedic farming, Agnihotra farming, Amrutpani farming, and Homoeo farming.

 

12) What does ZBNF relies on?

Ans:  ZBNF is a unique model that relies on agro-ecology. It espouses that products made from natural ingredients be used as inputs on farmland.

 

13) What is not required for ZBNF?

Ans:  ZBNF neither required chemical nor organic fertilizers.

 

14) What are four wheels of ZBNF?

Ans: The four wheels of ZBNF are Bijamrita, Jiwamrita, Mulching, and Waaphasa.

 

15) What is bijamrita?

Ans: A mixture of cow dung, cow urine, a powerful natural fungicide, a strong anti-bacterial liquid, lime and soil is coated to the seeds.

 

16) What is mulching?

Ans: Dead matters of any living organism (plants, animals, etc) are used to cover the soil. It helps in water retention of the soil.

 

17) What is waaphasa?

Ans: Healthy microclimate for air and water vapour is created in the soil to reduce water usage.

 

18) What is jiwamrita?

Ans: A mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery & pulse flour is sprayed on soil. It provides nutrients to the soil.

 

19) What does ZBNF recommend?

Ans: ZBNF recommends three methods for insect and pest management, they are agniastra, bramhastra and neemastra.

 

20) What is the most important message ZBNF promotes?

Ans: The most important message ZBNF promotes is, that it saves the input costs of farmers and improves their margins.

 

Explain the following statements with reference to their context.

1) Farming is an age old vocation practiced for livelihood.

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: A Livelihood can be defined as the activities, the assets and the access that jointly determine the living gained by an individual or household. It witnessed significant development since its birth. It is interesting to know about the origin of farming and its evolution. Hunter- gatherer ancestors are the first farmers. When it comes to an individual, a livelihood is the ability of that individual to obtain the basic necessities in life, which are food, water, shelter and clothing. Therefore all activities involved in finding food, searching for water, shelter, clothing and all necessities required for human survival at individual and household level are referred to as a livelihood. Due to variations in ability to access the basic necessities, there are people who are rich, able to acquire all their basic necessities without difficulty and those that are poor, and lack one or more of the their basic necessities. The livelihood of the poor is grueling as they find themselves in a state of poverty and lack basic necessities. Therefore to address the issue of poverty and its eradication, a concept called sustainable livelihood.

 

2) Farming in Indian subcontinent holds a rich tradition.

Ans: Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: Farmers are backbone of India and Farming in Indian subcontinent holds a rich tradition. It began around 9000 BC with cultivation of plants and domestication of animals in places of northwest part of India and South Asia. Further, the Indus valley civilization contributed for the growth of farming during 6000 BC. Cotton, fruits, vegetables and rice were grown during 3000 BC. Animals drawn ploughs were used during 2500BC. Cereals and vegetables were popular fruits grown during 1000 to 500 BC. Varieties of mangoes and muskmelons were popular fruits grown during 300 BC. Innovative farming techniques used during the medieval period such as two crops per year, soil management, water management, irrigation channels, row plantation, and grain storage, papaya, pineapple, cashew nut, citrus fruit were grown. Sugarcane farming was evolved gradually.

 

3) Presently, forty three percent of land used for agriculture in India but it contributes only 18 percent to GDP.

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: A rich tradition and history of farming does not result into profit making sector in India today. Indian farmers face acute problems due to environmental and geographical disastrous conditions. Presently, forty three percent of land used for agriculture in India but it contributes only 18 percent to GDP. The reason for such poor performance is lack of adequate use of inputs, poor extension leading to large yield gaps, lack of assured and adequate irrigation, crop failure and so on. Above all climate effect on farming systems plays a vital role.

 

4) This is the latest and largest alternative farming method.

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: Subhash Palekar is the first man to promote Zero Budget Natural Farming and he has been called as the father of ZBNF. It emerged as an alternative to the Green Revolution methods. It is popularly known as ZBNF. It is a grass root peasant movement. This is the latest and largest alternative faming method, which includes other methods such as Vedic farming, Agnihotra farming, Amrutpani farming, and Homoeo farming. Subhash Palekar practiced ZBNF in his father’s traditional farm after six years of research, following a decline in agricultural production due to chemical farming.

 

5) ZBNF is a unique chemical free method of farming.

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: Zero budget farming is a cultivating method for the natural development of yields without using substance composts. It is a unique chemical-free method that involves agro-ecology. For the zero-net expenditure of manufacturing, yields are known as the term zero budget. ZBNF reduces farming expenses and promotes the use of natural fertilizers and local seeds. It uses biological pesticides. To crop protection, farmers can use cow dung, urine, human excreta, plants, natural fertilizers, and earthworms. It protects the soil from degradation and decreases the farmer’s investment. Zero budget farming is the best method of chemical-free farming drawing from conventional Indian methods. It is a cost effective method of farming. It assures farmers to come out of their vicious circle of debts. It requires only ten percent water and ten percent electricity. It is almost zero budget compared to chemical and organic farming.

 

6) Bijamrita is a microbial seed treatment formula made from neem leaves and pulp.

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: Bijamrita is the second pillar of zero budget farming. Bijamrita is used to treat seeds, while concoctions using neem leaves and pulp, tobacco and green chillies are prepared for insect and pest management. It’s used to treat seeds, and it provides natural protection to seeds. Bijamitra is a microbial seed treatment formula. Bijamrita Application: Add Bijamrita to the seeds of any crop as a seed treatment: coat them, mix them by hands; dry well and use for sowing. For leguminous seeds, just dip them quickly and let dry. Source: Zero Budget Farming by Mr. Subhash Palekar If you find this information useful, click on the yellow thumbs up sign under the photo and also share this with your farmer friends using the options given below. Bijamrita/beejamrutha is a treatment used for seeds, seedlings or any planting material. Bijamrita is effective in protecting young roots from fungus as well as from soil-borne and seedborne diseases that commonly affect plants after the monsoon period. 

 

7) “Only one cow of Indian breed is needed for 30 acres of land.”

Ans: Lesson: ZBNF

Author: Shibu

Context: the ZBNF promotes the application of jeevamrutha — a mixture of fresh desi cow dung and aged desi cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water and soil — on farmland. This is a fermented microbial culture that adds nutrients to the soil, and acts as a catalytic agent to promote the activity of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil. About 200 litres of jeevamrutha should be sprayed twice a month per acre of land; after three years, the system is supposed to become self-sustaining. Only one cow is needed for 30 acres of land, according to Mr. Palekar, with the caveat that it must be a local Indian breed — not an imported Jersey or Holstein.

 

III. Answer the following questions in 300 words.

1) Explain the theme of ZBNF.

Ans: ZBNF is a unique chemical-free method that relies on agro-ecology.  In the 2019’s Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Indian government will promote ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’, as a part of its efforts towards doubling the farmers’ income by 2022. ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming’ (ZBNF) or ‘Subhash Palekar Natural Farming‘ (SPNF) is a set of natural farming methods. These methods are put together by Padma Shri Awardee ‘Subhash Palekar’, who is a farmer and also an agricultural scientist.

This approach is based on 4 pillars.

Jeevamruta – A mixture of cow dung, cow urine, jaggery & pulse flour is sprayed on soil. It provides nutrients to the soil.

Beejamruta – A mixture of cow dung, cow urine, a powerful natural fungicide, a strong anti-bacterial liquid, lime and soil is coated to the seeds.

Mulching – Dead matters of any living organism (plants, animals, etc) are used to cover the soil. It helps in water retention of the soil.

Waaphasa – Healthy microclimate for air and water vapour is created in the soil to reduce water usage.

It was called as Zero Budget because the small investment it requires is compensated by intercropping, which means growing two or more crops next to each other at the same time.

 

2) Trace the development of farming.

Ans: The third agricultural revolution, which is also called as ‘Green revolution’ resulted in heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Chemical-based farming results in soil health deterioration, heavy water usage for crops and high input costs. Organic farming was started as a solution to this. But it requires large amounts of manure & vermi-compost. So, organic farming is quite expensive. But Zero-Budget Natural Farming approach will require very less input costs and restores soil health and produces high nutritious food. We are witnessing farmer suicides from the past few years in several parts of the country. This is mainly because of high input costs involved in farming. To raise capital, they are forced to take loans and if the crop fails due to various reasons, they are opting for suicides. Zero Budget Natural Farming will prevent farmers from getting trapped in a vicious cycle of debts.

At present, most of the farmers in India are following chemical-based farming. But the food produced by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can cause serious health problems when consumed. So, there is a need to address this, and Natural farming can be a solution for this. Even though organic farming produces healthy and nutritious food, it produces greenhouse gases and thereby contributes to climate change. So, the best alternative is ZBNF. With ZBNF, government does not have to spend crores of rupees on loan waiver schemes.

 

3) How is ZBNF useful for farmers?

Ans: Zero budget farming is a cultivating method for the natural development of yields without using substance composts. It is a unique chemical-free method that involves agro-ecology. For the zero-net expenditure of manufacturing, yields are known as the term zero budget. ZBNF reduces farming expenses and promotes the use of natural fertilizers and local seeds. It uses biological pesticides. To crop protection, farmers can use cow dung, urine, human excreta, plants, natural fertilizers, and earthworms. It protects the soil from degradation and decreases the farmer’s investment. Zero budget farming is the best method of chemical-free farming drawing from conventional Indian methods. The Green Revolution started to ruin livelihoods and lands, few farmers started their research to return to alternative systems. A green resolution’s methods alternative, which was driven by chemical, intensive irrigation, and pesticides. One factor being considered is natural farming methods zero budget natural farming. Farmers depend on loans.

The economic survey has highlighted the ecological benefits.  Cost of farming inputs is rapidly increasing. The number of farmer’s suicide cases is growing continuously. The demand for safe food increased among customers. Unstable market price. Zero budget natural farming is an excellent farming technique for Indian farmers for farming with high productivity at a low cost. 

 

4) Explain the development ZBNF.

Ans: Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is a method of chemical-free agriculture drawing from traditional Indian practices. It was originally promoted by Maharashtrian agriculturist and Padma Shri recipient Subhash Palekar, who developed it in the mid-1990s as an alternative to the Green Revolution’s methods driven by chemical fertilizers and pesticides and intensive irrigation. He argued that the rising cost of these external inputs was a leading cause of indebtedness and suicide among farmers, while the impact of chemicals on the environment and on long-term fertility was devastating. Without the need to spend money on these inputs or take loans to buy them the cost of production could be reduced and farming made into a “zero budget” exercise, breaking the debt cycle for many small farmers. Instead of commercially produced chemical inputs, the ZBNF promotes the application of jeevamrutha a mixture of fresh desi cow dung and aged desi cow urine, jaggery, pulse flour, water and soil on farmland. This is a fermented microbial culture that adds nutrients to the soil, and acts as a catalytic agent to promote the activity of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil. A similar mixture, called bijamrita, is used to treat seeds, while concoctions using neem leaves and pulp, tobacco and green chillis are prepared for insect and pest management.

 

5) How is ZBNF different from other modern farming systems?

Ans: Key differences between natural farming and organic farming: In organic farming, organic fertilizers and manures like compost,  vermicompost, cow dung manure, etc. are used and added to farmlands from external sources. In natural farming, neither chemical nor organic fertilizers are added to the soil. In fact, no external fertilizers are added to soil or give to plants whatsoever. In natural farming, decomposition of organic matter by microbes and earthworms is encouraged right on the soil surface itself, which gradually adds nutrition in the soil, over the period. Organic farming still requires basic agro practices like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, weeding, etc. to be performed.

In natural farming there no plowing, no tilting of soil and no fertilizers, and no weeding is done just the way it would be in natural ecosystems. Organic farming is still expensive due to the requirement of bulk manures, and it has an ecological impact on surrounding environments; whereas, natural agriculture is an extremely low-cost farming method, completely molding with local biodiversity. There are many working models of natural farming all over the world, the zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is the most popular model in India. This comprehensive, natural, and spiritual farming system is developed by Padma Shri Subhash Palekar.