Question

Q53. Recently which of the following state Government supported Zero Budget Natural Farming?

• A. (a) Andhra Pradesh
• B. (b) Tamil Nadu
• C. (c) Maharashtra
• D. (d) Assam

Answer 1

The correct option is A

(a) Andhra Pradesh

In a first of its kind move, Andhra Pradesh government is supporting Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) through self-help groups to improve livelihood of farmers and fight climate change in drought-prone regions.

Zero Budget Natural Farming

• It is a natural farming technique developed by Subhash Palekar in which farming is done without use of chemicals and without using any credits or spending any money on purchased inputs
• ZBNF reduces the cost of production down to zero due to utilization of all the natural resources available in and around the crops. Farmers use earthworms, cow dung, urine, plants, human excreta and other biological fertilizers for crop protection.
• Under this inter-cropping is practiced where, combination of various crops is grown simultaneously to produce greater yield on given piece of land by making use of resources that may be utilized by single crop.
• Contours and bunds to preserve rain water as it promotes maximum efficacy for different crops.
• ZBNF also includes replenishing water bodies such as farm ponds to ensure water availability during dry spells.