Zero-budget natural farming is a form of agricultural system redesign being practiced at scale in India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is an emerging set of agricultural practices designed  to dramatically reduce farmers’ direct costs (hence “zero-budget”) while boosting yields and farm health through the use of non-synthetic inputs sourced locally ("natural farming”).

This video produced by UN Environment Programme (UNEP) showcases the transition from conventional to ecological agriculture through the experience of family farmers in Araku Valley - the region of Andhra Pradesh (India). Anthiparthi Satyavathi, a young farmer, explains the benefits for soil fertility when natural farming practices are applied. According to her, natural farming requires hard work, but it leads to better results. Her next step is to keep adopting these practices and  to spread them along the whole valley. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP indicates how natural farming practices are mitigating climate change effects and increasing yields. 

For more information about the ZBNF please click here.