What is Natural Farming? Meaning, ZBNF, Types, Methods, Advantages, and Differences from Organic Farming

Natural Farming 

🎴What is Natural Farming?

Natural farming is a way of growing crops where farmers do not use any chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds.

Instead, they rely completely on natural processes, like using cow dung, cow urine, compost, and local seeds, to grow healthy food while keeping the soil, air, and water clean.

It works with nature’s cycles—such as rainfall, sunlight, soil microbes, and natural pest control—to maintain a balanced ecosystem.

Definition:
"Natural farming is a farming system where crops are cultivated without using synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, by relying solely on natural inputs and ecological balance to maintain soil fertility and plant health."

The Father of Natural Farming is Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and thinker.

Masanobu Fukuoka believed that modern farming practices were harming the Earth. He showed that farming could be done successfully without plowing, without fertilizers, and without pesticides.
He called it “Do-Nothing Farming”, meaning farming with the least human disturbance.

His famous book, "The One-Straw Revolution" (published in 1975), inspired people all around the world to rethink farming in a more natural and sustainable way.

🌄What is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a special type of natural farming developed in India by Subhash Palekar.

Instead, they can use resources that are already available on their farm — like cow dung, cow urine (gomutra), jaggery, and pulses — to create natural fertilizers and pest repellents.

"Zero Budget" means zero investment — farmers don’t have to take loans or spend on costly farm inputs.
This reduces the financial burden on farmers and protects them from falling into debt traps.

Key components of ZBNF:

• Jeevamrit (a natural liquid fertilizer)

• Beejamrit (natural seed treatment)

• Mulching (covering the soil with crop residue)

•  Waaphasa (maintaining proper air and moisture balance in the soil)
  

  
  

👤 🔍Difference Between Natural and Organic Farming

Aspect	Natural Farming	Organic Farming
Approach	Work with nature, minimal interference	Manage the farm organically, but still planned
Inputs	No external inputs – only farm-made	External organic-certified inputs like vermicompost, organic sprays
Cost	Very low or zero input cost	Moderate costs for buying organic products
Certification	No formal certification needed	Formal certification required (e.g., India Organic, USDA Organic)
Soil Management	Nature takes care of the soil	Farmer manages soil health actively
Example	Fukuoka method, ZBNF	Organic farms with government certifications

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🎓Types of Natural Farming

There are different types or styles of natural farming practiced across the world, each based on local conditions:

1. Fukuoka Natural Farming (Japan):

   • "Do nothing" farming: no tilling, no fertilizers, no pesticides.

2. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) (India):

   • Farming without loans and chemical inputs, using local resources.

3. Rishi Kheti (India):

   • Ancient Indian technique based on cow products and traditional wisdom.

4. Biodynamic Farming (Germany):

   • Developed by Rudolf Steiner, it links farming with cosmic rhythms like moon phases.

5. Permaculture (Australia):

   • Designing farms that mimic natural ecosystems and require minimal maintenance.

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🌈Advantages of Natural Farming

There are many benefits of adopting natural farming:

• Cost-effective:

  • No need to buy expensive chemical fertilizers, seeds, or pesticides.

  • Saves money and protects farmers from debt.

• Healthy Soil and Water:

  • Natural practices improve soil structure, keep it rich in nutrients, and save groundwater.

• Safe and Nutritious Food:

  • Crops grown without chemicals are healthier and safer for human consumption.

• Environmental Benefits:

  • Helps protect biodiversity like earthworms, bees, and beneficial insects.

  • Reduces air, water, and soil pollution.

• Climate Resilience:

  • Natural farming methods make crops more resistant to droughts, floods, and temperature changes.

• Empowers Small Farmers:

  • Especially beneficial for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford expensive farming.

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🔍Disadvantages of Natural Farming

While natural farming has many positives, it also faces some challenges:

• Initial Low Yields:

  • During the first few years, farmers may see a drop in yield as soil regenerates.

• Knowledge-Intensive:

  • Farmers must understand local ecosystems, weather, soil biology, and natural cycles.

• Labour-Intensive:

  • Techniques like mulching and making natural fertilizers need more manual effort.

• Market Challenges:

  • Without proper organic certification, it can be hard to get higher prices in the market.

• Limited Scientific Research:

  • Compared to chemical farming, less organized scientific support exists for natural farming.

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✍Methods of Natural Farming

Some commonly used methods in natural farming are:

1. Mulching:

   • Covering the soil with dry grass, leaves, or crop residue to protect moisture and add nutrients.

2. Seed Balls:

   • Wrapping seeds in clay and compost and scattering them. No need to plow the land.

3. Beejamrit:

   • Treating seeds with a mixture made from cow dung, cow urine, and lime to protect from diseases.

4. Jeevamrit:

   • A fermented liquid made from cow dung, urine, jaggery, and gram flour, which acts as a powerful natural fertilizer.

5. Mixed Cropping and Crop Rotation:

   • Growing different crops together and rotating crops seasonally to maintain soil fertility naturally.

6. Waaphasa:

   • Creating proper moisture and air balance in the soil without over-irrigation.

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💮Key Initiatives of Natural Farming in India

The Indian government and several states have launched programs to promote natural farming:

• Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati Programme (BPKP):

  • Launched under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture to encourage natural farming across India.

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY):

  • Supports traditional farming practices and organic farming clusters.

• Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF):

  • A major state-led program that aims to convert 100% of farming in Andhra Pradesh to natural farming.

• Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF):

  • Many Indian states like Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra promote ZBNF practices under this model.

• NITI Aayog support:

  • India's policy think tank, NITI Aayog, strongly backs natural farming to achieve sustainable development goals.

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🌎Some Initiatives of Natural Farming in the World

Natural farming is not limited to India. Many countries have their own movements:

• Japan:

  • Fukuoka’s "One-Straw Revolution" inspired natural farming globally.

• South Korea:

  • JADAM Organic Farming teaches farmers to make ultra-low-cost natural farming solutions at home.

• USA:

  • "Permaculture" and "Regenerative Farming" movements focus on restoring soil health and biodiversity.

• Africa:

  • Many organizations promote agroecology and sustainable farming practices to fight desertification.

• Europe:

• The agroecology movement is growing across Europe, where farmers are reducing chemical use to protect biodiversity and soil fertility.

➤ Conclusion

Natural farming is not just a farming method — it’s a way of respecting the earth.
It reminds us that nature has its own intelligence, and when we cooperate with it, we create abundance, not scarcity.

While it takes patience and learning, the rewards of natural farming are worth it: healthy soil, healthy food, happy farmers, and a greener planet.

As the world faces climate change and food security issues, natural farming offers a ray of hope toward a better, sustainable future.

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