Resource intensive chemical farming has resulted in losses, high debts, soil degradation, pollution of waterways, encroachment of forest land, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity in due course of time.
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a holistic alternative agriculture method that combines the twin goals of global food security and conservation of the environment. ZBNF principles are in sync with the principles of Agro-ecology and are aiming to achieve welfare of farmers` and consumers while striving for a larger social good.
ZBNF is pioneered by a Padma Sree Awardee called Mr. Subhash Palekar who believes in the cultivation of crops naturally without using Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), chemical fertilizers, and synthetic pesticides. This grassroots level peasant movement emphasizes on climate resilient farming methods that help farmers to reduce the cost of cultivation to zero. Hence, farmers have a better capacity to gain increased income. Locally available inputs like cow dung, cow urine, a number of plants-based extracts play a key role in ZBNF methodology.
Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), a not-for-profit company owned by Government of Andhra Pradesh, and Government of India are supporting the programme under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). Grameen Vikas Kendram is mandated to implement this prestigious program with 10,000 farmers and Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI) is providing technical grants support.
We focus on small and marginal farmers in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh state.
Chintakomma Dinne, Khazipet, Vallur and Muddanur mandals of Kadapa district.