ocally available resources, native seeds, livestock integration and farm-made biological preparations form the basis of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), an approach developed in India by Subhash Palekar in the 1990s. This review examines ZBNF as both a set of agricultural practices and a social movement seeking to reduce farmers’ dependence on purchased fertilizers, pesticides and credit. Its agronomic principles include minimal soil disturbance, mixed cropping, nutrient recycling, biological stimulation of soils and the use of livestock to support soil fertility, alongside an emphasis on farmer autonomy and reduced production costs.

The resource situates ZBNF within wider agroecological and organic farming initiatives in India, including the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and schemes such as Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. Reported potential benefits include reduced use of synthetic inputs, improved soil fertility, lower water requirements and greater ecological resilience. The review also links ZBNF to efforts to address farmer indebtedness associated with rising input costs and volatile agricultural incomes.

At the same time, the authors note unresolved questions about long-term productivity and agronomic performance. Some farmers have reported declining yields after initial improvements, and the evidence base remains uneven across agro-climatic contexts. The review therefore emphasizes the need for stronger scientific validation before large-scale promotion, particularly to assess yields, soil health, water use and economic outcomes over time.