Korav et al. Ind.Available J. Pure App. online Biosci. at www.ijpab.com(2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8091 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 Review Article

Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Open Access Journal

Review- Zero Budget Natural Farming a Key to Sustainable : Challenges, Opportunities and Policy Intervention

Santosh Korav1*, A. K. Dhaka2, Ankur Chaudhary3 and Mamatha Y. S.4 1Ph.D Scholar, Department of , CCSHAU Hisar, -125004 2Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, CCSHAU Hisar, Haryana-125004 3Asstt. Scientist (Agronomy), RRS Uchani Karnal, Haryana 4M.Sc Student, Department of Bioinformatics, College of Bassic Science and Humanities, CCSHAU Hisar, Haryana-125004 *Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected] Received: 7.04.2020 | Revised: 24.05.2020 | Accepted: 2.06.2020

ABSTRACT Sixty percent of the Indian population will experience severe food deficiencies by 2050. Increased food production is urgently needed, but the high cost of production, fluctuating prices in the market are driving into debt. Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is the best solution to reduce the input cost of farmers. The word zero budget means “no credit” and natural farming means “growing of crops without chemicals”. 1st time in the world, Japanese M Fukuoka developed natural farming and the same trend was made in by Mr. Subhash Palekar, he started the ZBNF concept and made successful in south India. 523,000 farmers have already converted to ZBNF in Andra Pradesh and 1 lakh farming houses in . This concept works on four concepts they are jeevamrith, bijamrith, mulching, and soil aeration. These four concepts help better soil health, increased microbial population, and enhanced crop yield. Different astras used to control pest infestation in natural farming. Here we discussed ZBNF is requires low input cost, good soil health management, and focused on major challenges and opportunities to adopt ZBNF and what are the policies need to improve this system.

Keywords: Soil health, Astras, Credit, Input, Jeevamrith, Chemical, Yield

INTRODUCTION 2011). Growing of commercial same crop year Modern chemical-based agriculture now a after years such as , wheat, cotton, and day’s increased the cost of production or sugarcane results in the depletion of soil reduced crop yield due to various reasons fertility, infertile, soil vitality, (Intawongse & Dean, 2006; Ayansina & Oso, groundwater, and mostly on soil beneficial 2006; Sreenivasa et al. 2010; Singh et al. microbes population.

Cite this article: Korav, S., Dhaka, A.K., Chaudhary, A., & Mamatha, Y. S. (2020). Review- Zero Budget

Natural Farming a Key to : Challenges, Opportunities and Policy intervention, Ind.

J. Pure App. Biosci. 8(3), 285-295. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2582-2845.8091

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Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Continues use of chemical , crop over on the earth (Smith et al., 2020). To residue burning, and application can fulfilling of this population hungry, India cause environmental pollution worldwide. should increase crop production by different There continues usage, decreased the soil farming practices. Increased yields per unit micro and macrofauna which may directly area and cultivation of more land are the two affect on C-N ratio and nitrification activity principals followed in 1961-1999. Similarly, (Jenkinson, 1982; Doran et al. 1996; Shaikh & increased use of synthetic and Gachande, 2015). Heavy use of and irrigation water since the in chemical fertilizers can contaminate in the soil India has resulted in inefficient use of natural profile and leached down to enter into resources (Agoramoorthy, 2008) mainly in groundwater especially heavy metals like Cd, north India which showed low nutrient use Cu, Mn, and Zn. Uptake of this heavy metal by efficiency (Bruinsma, 2003). Around 16 % of plants holds in sink parts for a longer time. India’s land area having potential conservation Peoples who consume these plant products to agriculture and remaining unsuitable for suffer serious health problems (Byrnes, 1990; cultivation. Therefore to meet food scarcity in Barabasz et al. 2002). Among the heavy a populated area, crop production efficiency metals, cadmium and lead are high must be increased. According to NSSO data, accumulation potential and toxic Wolnik, agricultural households almost 70 % are spend (1983). Crops such as carrot, spinach, lettuce, more than they earn and more than half of all radish, and other leafy vegetables accumulate farmers are in debt. In States such as Andhra more heavy metals (Cobb et al. (2000; Mattina Pradesh and , levels of indebtedness et al. 2003; Hough et al. 2004). The soil root are around 90 %, where each household bears zone contains various microbial communities an average debt of ₹1 lakh. Considering these which are beneficial effects on crop issues, many alternatives and began looking at productivity. They are- plant growth- ancient farming practices for guidance but promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), mycorrhiza, obviously without scientific validation and and cyanobacteria are promoting plant growth understanding of both the strengths and and development also protect against weaknesses of traditional Indian farming. pathogens (Glick, 1995). Continues use of Meanwhile, particularly NITI Ayog like atrazine and metolachlor (Government of India), realizing the declining decreased the soil microbial population. Most productivity and profitability of the small and of the Indian farmers belong to marginal and marginal ’s has been looking for small landholding category. If they invest alternative farming systems so that could be more money to purchase inputs and not get more decreased inputs and cost with satisfactory yield due to enabling to manage profitable. Some of the alternative methods are the incidence of pests and diseases and also Agnihotra Farming, Amrutpani Farming, adverse climatic conditions lead to an increase Vedic Farming, Homoeo Farming, and Zero in the cost of production. It may be the reason Budget Natural (Spiritual) Farming claiming to suicide of most of the farmers in India. exciting but scientifically unproven these Increasing the global population and economic farming results. One of these farming standing growth are resulting in quickly increasing aggressively in the states of Karnataka, demand for food especially in developing , and is the Zero countries which means low to middle-income Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) even govt of countries such as India. The present population India also looking these farming technique. of India is 17.87 % (world meter UNDESA, Anyway, before conclusion regarding 2020) of the total world population. As per the promoting or depromoting of any of these UN Department of Economic and Social farming technology, need to undertake their Affairs, 2013 it is predicted to increase 1.2 scientific evaluation, challenges, and billion (2010) to 1.6 billion (2050) population opportunity and likely that impact on food of India which is equivalent to 10 % of people security of the country. Copyright © May-June, 2020; IJPAB 286

Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Zero budget natural farming environment and long-term fertility was The word zero budgets mean no credit or no devastating. So he concentrated on low input expenses, without any credit and without use technologies in agriculture that should be spending any money on purchased agricultural on- resources available within farmland inputs. Another term natural farming is a and that should not harmful to soil health. For method of chemical-free agriculture drawing the 1st time, he has started the natural farming from traditional Indian practices. In other concept in Karnataka which was a neighboring sense, natural farming shows the importance state to him. He has converted over 50 lakh of the synergistic effect of both plant and farmers into practicing what he prefers to call animal products on crop establishment, to ‘Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in build soil fertility and microorganisms (smith various states of India. This method promotes et al., 2020). Natural farming is working with soil aeration, minimal watering, , nature produced good food, and keeping bunds, and topsoil mulching with crop residue healthy over selves, it is also known as do- and strictly prohibited intensive irrigation like nothing farming because the farmer is flooding and deep plowing practices. considered as a facilitator and the real work Mr. Palekar is against vermicomposting, can be done by nature. No-tillage, no chemical because of its main component of organic fertilizer, no pesticides in this farming. 1st time farming and these composting worms like in Japan, M Fukuoka started work on natural Eisenia fetida commonly called as European farming, and his results showed that yields red wiggler introduced to India these worms from natural farming are similar to chemical absorb toxic metals and pollute groundwater farming but without also maintains and soil. Strict ZBNF differs traditional soil fertility for a longer time (Devarinti, , some points are listed in table 2016). There are no external inputs to his no.1. experiments and he used locally available on Karnataka where it was started 1st time farm products are used. That’s why he got zero in 2002 (Khadse et al., 2019), FAO suggests or negligible cost of cultivation. His results that one lakh farming households are already compiled in a book one revolution. following zero budget natural farming Natural farming minimizes the external inputs (Bruinsma, 2003). Initially, it was got more to farmland which degenerate the soil nature, popularity in southern states and more increases microbial population better soil practiced in Andra Pradesh, , aeration and good water retention capacity Uttarakhand, , Chattisgarh, (Fukuoka, 1978; Andow & Hidaka, 1998; and Telangana. As per the official website of Neera et al. 1992). Controlling of cabbage the ZBNF program, by August 2019, Andra worm and cabbage moth 1st time he extracted Pradesh was 204,000 ha of land over 3,015 natural insecticide like pyrethrum from villages of 523,000 farmers converted had to chrysanthemum roots and used in his ZBNF (RySS, 2018). Also, Andhra Pradesh experiment got success on it. planed to become 1st state to practice Padma Shri recipient Mr. Subhash 100 % natural farming by 2024. It aims to Palekar 1st time adapted this zero budget phase completely removal of chemical farming natural farming system in the Indian 1990s over 80 lakh hectares of land, converting the which is an alternative to the Green revolution. State’s 60 lakh farmers to ZBNF methods. He was agriculturist belongs to Maharashtra Millions of farmers converting nationwide to completed his bachelor’s degree in agriculture. this farming and Prime Minister Narendra He argued that the rising cost of these external Modi recently told the UN conference on inputs in farmland was a leading cause of desertification that, in the future, India will indebtedness and suicide among farmers in focus on ZBNF (The Hindu, 2019; GEF, India, and the impact of chemicals and 2019). This ZBNF worked on four basic pillars pesticides burning of residues are on the are explained below.

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Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 Table 1: Difference between organic farming and natural farming Sl. Organic farming Natural farming No. 1 Manures like FYM, oilcake, Organic Decomposition surface retained crop residues as fertilizers compost-vermicompost, dung organic matter by microbes and earthworms is manure, dung slurry, etc. are used and added encouraged, which gradually releases nutrition in to farmlands from external sources. the soil, over the period. 2 Still, it requires basic agricultural practices There is no plowing, no tilting of soil and no like plowing, tilting, mixing of manures, fertilizers, and no weeding is done just the way it physical management, etc. to be would be in natural . It replaced by performed. growing of intercrop, mixed crop mulching, etc. 3 It is still expensive due to the requirement of There is no external source and one of the bulky organic manures as an external source, extremely low-cost farming methods, completely and it has an ecological impact on surrounding molding with local biodiversity. environments 4 It affects the surrounding environment It does not & well adopt with local biodiversity, eco-friendly. 5 Certification is mandatory when selling No need for certificates to grow and sell natural organic products farming products 6 Conversion of land from chemical farming to There is no period to converting chemical farming organic requires more 3 to 6 years depends on to natural farming but yield stability or gaining soil health benefit starts after the 3-year cycle.

Pillars of ZBNF growth (Lazarovits, 1997). Four main pillars Concerning soil fertility, soil microbes play an run the ZBNF cycle that is listed in fig.1 important role, they involve in a nutrient cycle (Palekar, 2014). like C & N cycle which are required for plant

Jeevamr utha

Whapas a – Bijamrit moistur ZBNF a e

Acchad ana- Mulchin g

Fig. 1: four pillars of ZBNF system

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Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 1. Jivamrita/Jeevamrutha: increases the microbial degradation process Microorganisms play an important role in the and liberation of N from nitrification. It also conversion of unavailable forms of nutrients to supplies organic matter to the soil which available form in the plant root zone. The contains many micro and macronutrients. microbes present in jeevamrutha helps non- Improves without soil available form to dissolved form when it is plowing, reduce soil temperature in extreme inoculated into the soil. It also helps as condition, and increase soil temperature during antagonism to (biological control) pathogens winter. It conserves soil moisture by reducing (Glick & Bashan, 1997). PGPR, evaporation loss of water from the soil layer cyanobacteria, and Solubilizing and retains water for a longer time. (PSB), mycorrhizal fungi, Nitrogen-fixing 4. Whapasa –aeration: bacteria are some important microbes present The main concern here is conserving water in the product (Chen et al.,1995). it requires 20 and the precise application of water-based on kg cow dung, 5-10 l urine, 2 kg dicot flour are crop water requirement. Application of water well mixed and this add-in irrigation tank at in alternative furrows because of all roots of regular intervals of 15 days until the soil is plants not absorb efficiently, younger enriched or spray 200 l of jeevamruth twice in horizontal and vertical roots absorb more a month. It provides nutrients, microbial amount of water than older one and nutrients population, and helps to prevent fungal and by older roots. In soil, out of soil mineral and bacterial plant diseases. It requires only 1st organic matter, there is an equal proportion of three years cycle after that system that self- water and air present. If a higher amount of sustaining. According to Mr. Palekar, only one water application leads to hold air space in the cow is needed for 30 acres of land that should soil and plant suffers oxygen deficiency it may be a local desi cow not imported Jersey or lead to cause death of plants except water- Holstein because of imported cow dung and loving plants like rice. The soil aeration also urine contains more pathogens and desi cow an important parameter to plant growth so dung contains 300 to 500 crores of effective application interval should be longer. beneficial microbes. Benefits of ZBNF 2. Bijamrita:  The cost of production in ZBNF is zero as It is composed of 20 l water, 5 kg cow dung, 5l farmers don’t require buying any inputs. urine 50 g lime, and a hand full of soil are  It consumes only 10 percent of the water thoroughly and store in a tank. It is used as a that crops consume in conventional seed treatment, contains naturally occurring methods. beneficial microorganisms. Research studies  One cow can produce 10-12 kg fresh showed that inoculating with bijamrith to dung and it is sufficient to 30 acres of protect the crop from harmful soil-borne land in one month. pathogens and young seedlings roots from  Higher significant yield found under and soil-borne and seed-borne diseases ZBNF in different cash as well as food also help to produce IAA and GA3 crops E.g. 11 % and 40 % high yields of (Sreenivasa et al., 2010). cotton and gulli ragi in ZBNF plots than 3. Acchadana/Mulching: in non-ZBNF plots. Mulching is of three types followed, they are  Farm input costs are nearly zero or straw , soil mulch, and live mulch. The negligible as no fertilizers and pesticides growth of cover crops like helps to are used. reduce the weed population and increases  ZBNF were able to withstand a water infiltration capacity. By their root long time under drought and flood nodules fixes atmospheric N into the soil situations. which helps N supply to crops. From these residues retention on the surface of soil Copyright © May-June, 2020; IJPAB 289

Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845  Planting more crops and border crops It consists of local cow urine (10 l), tobacco on the same piece of land provide extra leaves (1 kg), green chili (500 g), local garlic dividend and as nutrient sources. (500 g), and neem leaves pulp crushed in cow Overall concerning about ZBNF, there is urine (5 l) store it in a cool place. Take 2 l per reduced use of water and electricity bill, 100 l of water and spray on crops. It improved farmers health, maintaining local effectively controls the pests like Leaf Roller, ecosystems and biodiversity, not leave any Stem Borer, Fruit borer, Pod borer toxic residue in the environment, 2. Brahmastra: improvements in soil, biodiversity, It is 2nd way to control the pest population in livelihoods, water, climate resilience, women’s natural farming, it can be made by collecting empowerment and nutrition different plant leaves like neem leaves, custard Pest management apple leaves, lantern camellia leaves, guava Crops are damaged by pests and diseases leaves, pomegranate leaves, papaya leaves, about most of the yield loss by followed and white datura leaves are crushed and boiled by pests and diseases (represented in fig.2). with urine finally make filtration. After Controlling of this loss is also a big challenge filtration, the extractant can store for longer in natural farming. Plant extractions are used use. It is most effective against all of the to make a compound that kills or controls the sucking pests, pod borer, fruit borer, etc. pest population in the crop field. Some of plant 3. Neemastra: protections are made by using a mixture of By using 5 l of local cow urine, 5 kg cow butter milk, cow milk, pepper powder, neem dung, 5 kg neem leaves 5 kg of neem pulp seed and green chilli (Palekar, 2016). Some mixed well, and keep to airtight for 24 hours research papers found some naturally extracted for fermentation. After the fermentation chemical-free compounds are explained process is ready to use. Mainly controls below. They are, sucking pests & Mealy Bug. 1. Agriastra:

Fig. 2: crop yield losses due to pest infestation

Challenges to adopt ZBNF: supplies to consumers (man and animals). But Natural farming is eco-friendly sustainable to still, farmers are not going to adapt this the environment maintains good health of soil, technology due to some lacunas so the govt, plant as well as human beings by increasing researchers, scientist and extension workers beneficial microbial population, chemical-free should think about major challenges to success nutrients supply to plants and toxic-free food this zero budget natural farming technology in

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Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 a large area, and according to authors view 13. As ZBNF adapted in India by Mr. Subash some of the major challenges are listed below. Palekar is not adopted in his own state 1. the labor requirement is increased Maharashtra compared to conventional farming, and 14. Appropriate policy framework 2. The demand for animal manure is high. 15. Setting specific standards On a national scale, the number of in 16. Non-availability of commercial India could not support this level of formulations- naturally formed growth manure application. stimulants, pest control astras are not 3. With the demand and consumption available on large scale, and its storage life pattern constantly changing when it is less no longer keep this product and not comes to high-value products. available in local markets. 4. Better technology and high investment 17. Development of a package of practices of are required on farmland. Well developed all crops- there is no specific package of heavy machinery, implements are not used practices to crops grown under natural in natural farming due to it creates soil farming the state universities, govt. compaction even there is no use of tractors institutions and extension workers should in it. concern about this. 5. Weakened agricultural market infrastructure- there is no value of natural Opportunities to adopt ZBNF products in large scale areas even the price As concerning green revolution use of high also similar to chemically produced yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, and products. pesticides are reduces soil health by 6. No scientific validation- microbial withdrawing high levels of nutrients from the composition, efficiency, and impact of soil, reducing the population of beneficial jivamrith, bijamrith, bramhastra, microbes and accumulation of toxic substances dashaparni kashaya not yet tested and in the soil profile as well as pollutes there is no scientific data on it. groundwater. These all create a negative 7. Hybrid varieties, not permitted- impact on the environment and human health. continuously increasing global population The main source of plant nutrients is organic food is scarce to all populations. Even by matter due to the burning of crop residues, using chemicals, we are not reaching our which reduces soil organic matter content food production target, without hybrids, it creates more air pollution. Concerning this is impossible to reach the target. increasing globalization, there is a need for 8. Promotion of ZBNF on a large scale environmental , maintaining the without scientific validation and under the environment to the future generation. Even political influence- no scientific data on farmers are facing high input costs in crop yield. commercial farming even though they are not 9. Pest management is difficult- different getting much profit in it. Natural farming gives crop-specific weeds, diseases, are better opportunities to solve these problems in damaging to crop drastically, by using a better manner. natural products its control is not 1. Conserving nature- this practices improves satisfactory to farmer's level. microbial content and water retention 10. Quality planting material and other proven capacity in soils which enables drought- techniques like GMO’s are not considered prone areas to provide consistent yields. in ZBNF Less application of chemical fertilizers 11. Criticizes other agroecological and organic reduces runoff water into rivers and farming techniques wetlands enhansing water quality and 12. Non-availability of indigenous cow, it increase availability during extreme contains Millions of beneficial microbes weather events. and pathogen-free dung Copyright © May-June, 2020; IJPAB 291

Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 2. Reduces health risks from chemicals- the scale-out to 6 million farmers and as mentains ecosystems on the farms and partners, some organization like e Azim reduces the drudgery of women who have Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), easier access to clean water and feed for TEEB Agriculture Food study, FAO and as well as reducing illnesses Council on Energy, Environment and caused by chemicals in food, especially Water are participating. About ` 324 crores among children. Most of the pesticides are spent to popularise ZBNF among the consumed by fruits and vegetables and farmers and proposed to extend from 6 to retained longer time in it, so natural 9 mha area by 2022-24. And Andhra farming avoids this problem. Pradesh moves to turn world 1st natural 3. Reduction in carbon emissions and carbon farming state was estimated cost 17,000 capture- one tonne of residues burning can crores. produce 400 kg of carbon to the Public policies need towards zero budget environment (Gupta, 2019) if the residues natural farming are surfaces retained or incorporated into  The shift in public policy framework- As soil that will supply carbon to the soil per Ramanjaneyulu scientist at the centre which helps to produce more yield. So the for sustainable agriculture, a shift to 5 lakh farmers having 202,500 hectares of diversified, biological resource integrated land moving towards natural farming. models of agriculture is required to correct 4. Social impact- due to low input, inappropriate resource use. Shift to cultivation cost reduced and stable yields intercropping, multiple cropping systems, enable farmers to have consistent appropriate crop rotations, and integration quantities of crops to sell in the market so of crops and animals. Land use along with their livelihoods are more secure. farming systems need to be planned 5. Net economic impact- some papers consciously by paying attention to the noticed that every 1 USD invested on a challenges of ecological intensification. farmer to adopt ZBNF results in direct The shift in the support systems (prices, benefits equalling 13 USD. The direct subsidies, research, institutions) should be benefits are- reduced costs of cultivation, reconfigured from current subsidies on higher yield, lower costs of borrowing, external inputs to support gain income from intercrops, and a slightly services. Maintaining ecosystem specific higher selling price. In addition to this, the agronomic diversity is essential. For social and environmental benefits are- example, the wetlands, rainfed areas, hill food, nutrition, and health security, regions, etc need support to practice employment, soil health, and water appropriate farming systems. Centralized, security, coastal ecosystem regeneration, based current unsustainable climate resilience, biodiversity protection, models of agriculture have to be stopped. and less risk. Instead of same cropping system, go with 6. Government allowing farmers to convert safe food like millets, pulses, oilseeds, and natural farming, the finance minister various locally grown fruits and vegetables Nirmala Sitaram announced 687.5 crores cultivation. Strictly follow the regulations to organic farming and natural farming and control the use of inappropriate development in the 2020-21 budget. both technologies like agrochemicals, GMOs, The United Nations Environment and other technologies that have biosafety Programme, BNP Paribas and the World implications. The emerging crisis Center (ICRAF) are work impacting pollinators and the consequent through the Sustainable India Finance deleterious impact on the productivity and Facility (SIFF) to work with the yields of several crops has to be recognized government of Andhra Pradesh to support and dealt with utmost urgency. Appropriate Copyright © May-June, 2020; IJPAB 292

Korav et al. Ind. J. Pure App. Biosci. (2020) 8(3), 285-295 ISSN: 2582 – 2845 space for no formal knowledge systems has fertilizers, and plant protection chemicals have to be provided. been substantial. Because of continuous  Increase the right investments in retention of crop residues replenishment the agriculture- 10-15 % of union budgetary soil fertility, it helps to maintain the soil allocations to ZBNF. Increase more health. Other thing is that management of pest informed choices to farmers than driven by and diseases is a key component in zero captive institutions. Support for farmers budget natural farming crop production owns labor, resources, and knowledge. systems. Successfully control pests in ZBNF, Support for Ecosystem Services. it is essential to understand the interactions of  Ensuring income security- Farmers Income different components in a specific ecosystem. Commission should ensure statutory The new system of farming has free debt trap commission of balancing decisions of farmers and it has instilled in them a affecting costs of Production, subsidies and renewed sense of confidence to make farming support costs of living, and prices of an economically viable venture. The produced products. challenges and opportunities are two  Agricultural Research- Agricultural parameters that show the systems lacunas to research needs to adopt an agroecological researchers, scientists, and extension workers perspective while setting the research and and benefits to adopters, and policy training agenda. Researchers should shift intervention is necessary to make success. towards participatory approaches involving practicing farmers and farm workers and REFERENCES develop appropriate technologies to suit Agoramoorthy, G. Can India meet the their needs. Collective, location-specific increasing food demand by 2020? approaches to extension have to be Futures 40, 503-506 (2008). followed to restore the health of agro- Andow, D.A., & Hidaka, K. (1998). Yield loss ecosystems. Increased investments in in conventional and natural rice agroecological research need to be made. farming systems. Agri Eco and Envi., Agricultural research performance should 74, 137–155. be redefined to include the criteria of Ayansina, A.D.V., & Oso, B.A. (2006). Effect sustainability and ecosystem health. Low of two commonly used herbicides on volume and long shelf life of the soil microflora at two different bioproducts should be made. concentrations. African J Biotech 5,  Work from the agricultural extension- 129-132. Ideally block-level down should be Barabasz, W., Albińska, D., Jaśkowska, M., & converted into community managed Lipiec, J. (2002). Biological Effects of extension, the shift from information-based Mineral Nitrogen Fertilization on Soil to the knowledge-based system and use of Microorganisms. Pol Jour of Envi experienced farmers as resource persons. Stu., 11, 193-198.  Marketing support to farmers- develop Bruinsma, J. (ed.) World Agriculture: Towards state-level commodity board that can help 2015/2030. An FAO Perspective to FPOs (farmers participatory (Earthscan, 2003). organizations) with technical support, Byrnes, B.H. (1990). Environmental effects of quality management, access to finances, N fertilizer use- An overview. Fert and markets. The infrastructure supports in Res., 26, 209. terms of storage/processing units. Chen, C., Bauske, E.M., Musson, G., & Rodríguez, K.R. (1995). Biological CONCLUSION control of Fusarium wilt on cotton by Zero budget farming is environmentally use of endophytic bacteria Biological friendly. Savings on the cost of , Control, 5, 83-91. Copyright © May-June, 2020; IJPAB 293

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