Emergence of Zero Budget Natural Farming in Himachal Pradesh: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract— Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is an agricultural method that does not require external inputs. This study, based on secondary data, analyses the number of farmers practicing natural farming and the land area under cultivation, as well as the prospects and challenges of ZBNF in Himachal Pradesh. The study reveals that Kangra district had the highest farmer adoption rate (22.33 per cent) under ZBNF, while Lahaul-Spiti had the lowest (0.46 per cent). Mandi had the largest area under ZBNF (24.61 per cent), and Lahaul-Spiti the smallest (0.71 per cent) from 2018-19 to 2022-23. The percentage growth rate of area under ZBNF was observed to be 156.20 per cent, and for the number of farmers, it was 1069.58 per cent from 2018-19 to 2022-23, indicating overall increases in both farmers’ adoption and area expansion for ZBNF practices. A high positive correlation of 0.9681 has been found between the number of farmers and the area under ZBNF. The study underscores the need to target more farmers and expand the cultivation area under ZBNF, as it is crucial for protecting soil fertility, providing healthy and chemical-free food. Therefore, the government and stakeholders should promote ZBNF and offer technical knowledge on best practices.