Zero-budget natural farming as a regenerative pathway for sustainable agriculture a systematic review

Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to conventional input-intensive farming, particularly in India. By minimizing dependence on external inputs and emphasizing natural processes, ZBNF seeks to reduce production costs while improving soil health, biodiversity, and farmer resilience. This study presents a systematic review that examines the social, economic, and environmental impacts of ZBNF. Research articles were collected from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Bibliometric and thematic analyses were carried out using RStudio to highlight the trends in the existing literature, moreover, PICO framework was used to conduct the content analysis and identify the future research orientation. The findings indicate that ZBNF has the potential to lower input costs, enhance soil fertility, and support rural livelihoods, with several studies pointing to its role in climate adaptation and resource conservation. However, evidence on yield stability, scalability across diverse agro-climatic zones, and long-term economic viability remains inconclusive. By synthesizing current knowledge, this review highlights both the promise and limitations of ZBNF, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking pathways to sustainable agriculture.