Zero-budget natural agriculture is a holistic agroecological alternative based on modern and traditional science that mitigates the consequences of climate change, reduces input costs and creates sustainable agricultural livelihoods.

The initiative is situated in rural Andhra Pradesh, in southeastern India. Climate change has exacerbated the climatic threats in the region, which is affected by drought and extreme cyclonic rain events.

RySS, the corporation for farmers’ empowerment, is a non-profit organization established by the government of Andra Pradesh in 2015 to promote ‘Zero-Budget’ Natural Farming.

Farmers use four treatments to enhance productivity at low cost: Bijamrita (Seed treatments using local cow dung and urine); Jiwamrita (soil inoculant made of cow dung and urine); Mulching (ensure favourable microclimate soil); and Waaphasa (soil aeration). These treatments are chemical-free agriculture at the lowest/zero-cost and enhance the incomes of farmers. ZBNF utilizes the existing institutional platform of Women’s Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), for scaling, sustaining, and deepening the program.

Soil health has been enhanced, which is essential for plant health. Soil fertility has also been enhanced in tandem with a gradual reduction of chemical fertilizers by using green manure, azolla, the application of silt from tanks (earth dams), mulching, natural earthworm castings, cattle manure, Neem cake, and compost.

This fact sheet is produced as part of the Avaclim project, which aims to create the necessary conditions for the deployment of agroecology in dryland areas. The international solidarity association CARI coordinates the Avaclim project while the Gosavi Bahuudeshiya Sanstha (GBS) is in charge of its implementation in India.