Turning Soil into Gold with Natural Farming
In today’s fast-changing agricultural landscape, one man’s philosophy has redefined the way farmers grow food - Subash Palekar’s Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).
By using locally available natural resources like cow dung, cow urine, and crop residues, ZBNF helps farmers cultivate healthy, chemical-free vegetables at minimal cost while maintaining soil fertility and sustainability.
The video “ZBNF – Subash Palekar’s Method of Vegetable Bed” demonstrates exactly how this approach can transform small vegetable beds into high-income sources, even in rural setups.
“You don’t need chemicals or big investments to succeed - just nature’s wisdom and a farmer’s patience.”
1. What Is ZBNF and Why It Works
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a holistic method developed by Subash Palekar, designed to eliminate the cost of external fertilizers and pesticides.
Instead, it relies on the natural ecosystem - using desi cow-based inputs such as Jeevamrutha, Beejamrutha, and Ghanajeevamrutha to enrich soil fertility.
Key Principles of ZBNF:
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No Chemicals, No Cost: Uses natural inputs like cow dung and cow urine instead of chemical fertilizers.
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Local Resources: Everything required for farming is available within the village.
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Living Soil Concept: Healthy soil filled with microorganisms nourishes plants naturally.
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Sustainability: Increases soil fertility and yield without damaging biodiversity.
This approach ensures that farmers earn more while spending less, making agriculture both sustainable and profitable.
2. Setting Up the Vegetable Bed: The Foundation of ZBNF
Krishnappa-style vegetable beds, as shown in the video, follow a scientific and natural approach inspired by Subash Palekar’s method.
Bed Dimensions:
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Width: 3 feet
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Height: 1.5 feet
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Length: 50 feet (recommended for efficient yield and management)
The bed is filled with loose, nutrient-rich soil mixed with cow dung manure, ensuring excellent root growth and aeration.
This structure supports a variety of crops like methi (fenugreek), sabsige (dill), tomato, onion, and garlic - all intercropped for maximum productivity.
3. High-Yield Crops and Income Potential
Example 1: Methi and Sabsige (Dill)
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A single 50-foot bed of methi yields around 12.5 kg of fresh leaves.
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Selling at ₹160 per kg, farmers earn approximately ₹2,000 per bed.
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Growing dill leaves alongside ensures continuous income and soil health.
Example 2: Tomato with Onion and Garlic
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Tomatoes are intercropped with onions and garlic, which act as natural pest repellents.
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Proper spacing of 2 feet between tomato plants and 1 foot between greens allows optimal sunlight and airflow.
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A single bed can generate up to ₹3,000 every 3 months.
“Even with one acre of land, you can earn ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh monthly through vegetable diversification and direct selling.”
4. Natural Inputs: Cow-Based Nutrients for Soil Health
Subash Palekar’s system revolves around the idea that one desi cow can sustain 30 acres of farmland if its byproducts are properly used.
Natural Formulations Used:
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Cow Dung Manure: Provides microbial life that enhances soil structure.
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Gau Mutra (Cow Urine): Used to prepare Jeevamrutha, promoting plant growth.
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Cow Dung + Gau Mutra Solution: Mixed with water and sprayed on crops to increase nutrient absorption.
These natural formulations replace expensive synthetic fertilizers while improving yield, taste, and shelf life of vegetables.
5. Companion Planting and Intercropping Benefits
Companion planting is a key ZBNF practice that enhances biodiversity and reduces pest attacks.
Effective Crop Combinations:
|
Main Crop |
Companion Plants |
Benefits |
|
Tomato |
Onion, Garlic |
Natural pest repellents; repel red mites |
|
Methi |
Sabsige (Dill) |
Enhances soil nitrogen, improves yield |
|
Drumstick |
Spinach |
Provides shade and natural pest deterrence |
This method mimics natural ecosystems where each plant supports the other, ensuring balanced growth and high productivity.
6. Watering Techniques for Optimal Growth
In ZBNF, water management plays a crucial role. Instead of flooding fields, the focus is on mimicking natural rainfall through efficient watering methods.
Recommended Methods:
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Use sprinklers or rose cans to distribute water evenly.
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Maintain consistent moisture but avoid overwatering.
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Water once every 2–3 days, depending on soil condition and weather.
This approach prevents root rot and ensures better nutrient absorption, particularly for leafy greens.
7. Income Potential and Market Strategies
With smart planning, ZBNF vegetable beds can generate steady income year-round.
Estimated Returns:
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Per Bed (50 ft): ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 every 3 months
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10 Beds: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 quarterly
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1 Acre (approx. 40 beds): ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 monthly
Tips for Maximizing Profit:
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Sell Locally: Direct sales in villages eliminate middlemen and ensure fair pricing.
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Diversify Crops: Grow a mix of leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruits.
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Couple Farming Model: Encourages family participation to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency.
“In natural farming, your real investment is not money - it’s time, care, and understanding of the soil.”
8. Why ZBNF Is the Future of Farming
Subash Palekar’s ZBNF method is more than a technique - it’s a philosophy of harmony with nature.
By avoiding chemicals, improving soil health, and focusing on diverse cropping, it allows farmers to:
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Earn better profits from smaller landholdings
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Grow nutritious, poison-free food
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Protect biodiversity and water resources
At Organic Mandya, these principles are the foundation of every farm and product. The success stories of local farmers like Krishnappa and others show that sustainable farming is both profitable and purposeful.
Conclusion: Grow Naturally, Earn Sustainably
The ZBNF vegetable bed method proves that profitable farming doesn’t need chemicals - just commitment to nature’s rhythm.
With proper planning, intercropping, and the use of cow-based nutrients, even a small patch of land can yield a significant income.
Organic Mandya continues to support and guide farmers in adopting these eco-friendly, income-generating practices that nourish both the land and the farmer’s future.
“Nature provides everything we need - when we learn to farm with respect, not resistance.”
FAQs
1. What is Subash Palekar’s ZBNF method?
It’s a farming technique that eliminates the cost of fertilizers and pesticides by using natural inputs like cow dung, cow urine, and local resources.
2. How much can I earn from a 50-foot vegetable bed?
A single bed can yield ₹2,000–₹3,000 every 3 months through mixed cropping like methi, dill, and tomatoes.
3. What are the benefits of intercropping?
Intercropping increases yield, prevents pest attacks, and maintains soil fertility by mimicking natural ecosystems.
4. How is watering managed in ZBNF?
ZBNF uses sprinklers or rose cans to simulate rainfall, preventing overwatering and improving nutrient uptake.
5. Can small farmers adopt this method easily?
Yes, ZBNF is ideal for small and marginal farmers as it requires minimal investment and uses local resources.
