Question : Introduction of Zero Budget Farming

(a) whether the Ministry is contemplating the introduction of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) to enhance the financial position of Indian farmers, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the budgetary allocation for ZBNF;

(c) whether sections of Agricultural scientists, as per newspaper reports, are opposed to ZBNF as it is not cost effective, if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether there is any scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of ZBNF, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government is positive that ZBNF will aid in doubling the income of farmers by 2022, if so, the details of all such schemes that will help achieve the target set?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)
(a) to (e): Government has been promoting organic farming under the dedicated scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) which encourages all kinds of chemical free farming systems including Zero budget Natural Farming. The budget allocation for PKVY for 2019-20 is Rs. 325 crores. Indian Council of Agriculture Research through ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research has initiated a study on Evaluation of Zero Budget Natural Farming practices in Basmati/ coarse rice-wheat system from Rabi Season 2017 at 4 locations namely Modipuram, Pantnagar, Ludhiyana, Kurukshetra .

National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) has also organized a brainstorming season on Zero Budget Natural Farming in August, 2019.
Contd….2/-


- 2 -

Government has been implementing several schemes aiming at meeting the target of doubling of farmer’s income by 2022. The major schemes include:

• National Food Security Mission – for improved production and productivity of food grains and oilseeds.

• Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture(MIDH)- to enhance production and productivity of horticultural crops

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Mission organic Value Chain Development for North East Region –to reduce cost of cultivation and ensure chemical free quality products that can fetch premium prices to farmers

• Soil health Cards- Aims at promotion of judicious use of fertilisers through soil test based recommendations there by reducing excess use of fertilisers

• PMKSY-PDMC (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Per Drop More Crop)- to promote water conservation and reduction in use of inputs through drip and sprinkler irrigation

• Bamboo Mission and Agro forestry

• e-NAM – for transparent competitive markets for improved remuneration to the farmers.

• Crop loans-Interest Subvention Scheme (ISS) , Kisan Credit Card(K CC)

• Assured Prices-Minimum Support Price (MSP)

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKISAN)

*****