Against the grain: Corporate to sustainable farming

In 2014, Naveen Kumar jumped from the corporate treadmill to farming. He was inspired by a friend’s successful pomegranate farm and decided to buy his own piece of land. He started with bananas, but the reality of pesticide use hit him hard. What followed was a deeper reflection on the food system: if growing food required so much chemical interference, what does that say about what we’re consuming?

Curious to learn more, Naveen started attending seminars and talking to farmers who practiced natural farming. He visited farms, learned about sustainable methods, and studied Subhash Palekar’s zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) techniques. These experiences convinced him to change the way he farmed.

Farming isn’t just about growing crops–adding value to produce is key to increasing profits.

By 2018, Naveen had completely switched to natural farming. He chose crops like bananas, areca, pepper, and coffee that suited the local climate and soil. He stopped using chemical fertilisers and changed how he irrigated his fields, focusing on sustainable and natural methods.

Today, Naveen’s two-acre farm in Adaganahalli, Mysore district, isn’t just growing crops–it’s proving a point. When you stop forcing nature and start working with it, you get healthier soil, cleaner crops, and a farm that practically runs itself.

‍ZBNF decoded

Q: Can you explain the main techniques of ZBNF?

Zero-budget natural farming is built on four key techniques that form the foundation of sustainable agriculture:

Beejamrutha is a natural method to treat seeds before planting. Seeds or saplings are dipped in this solution for 2–3 minutes to strengthen their resistance to pests and diseases. After dipping, the saplings are dribbled gently to enhance their vitality, dried in the shade for half a day, and then planted. This simple process promotes healthier crop growth from the start.

Jeevamrutha is a microbial-rich fertilizer that boosts soil health and crop growth. It’s made using:

• 10 kg cow dung
• 10 litres cow urine
• 2 kg jaggery
• 2 kg dicot flour
• A handful of fertile soil

These ingredients are mixed in water, stirred clockwise initially, then anticlockwise after two days. After seven days, the solution is ready to use. A small amount of cow dung (just 10 grams) contains millions of microorganisms, making this fertilizer a natural powerhouse for enriching the soil.

Mulching protects the soil, just like a mother wraps her child to shield it from the elements. It helps retain moisture, regulates temperature, and nurtures soil microorganisms.

• Live mulching: Using cover crops or plants.
• Soil mulching: Applying organic materials like compost.
• Dry mulching: Using dry plant matter like straw or leaves.

Humus is essential for soil fertility and water retention. By ensuring the right Carbon to Nitrogen ratio (90% carbon, 10% nitrogen), farmers can promote natural humus formation. One gram of humus can retain up to six litres of water from the atmosphere, creating a water-efficient and fertile soil ecosystem.

ZBNF techniques significantly reduce water usage compared to conventional farming. While traditional methods might need 100 litres of water, ZBNF achieves similar results with just 10 litres, thanks to improved soil health and water retention. By following these techniques, farmers can cultivate resilient, sustainable, and water-efficient crops.

Environmentally, ZBNF promotes biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and protects soil structure and microorganisms.

Q: How does ZBNF reduce costs and support sustainability for farmers?

ZBNF helps farmers save money and farm sustainably by using natural inputs like Beejamrutha, Jeevamrutha, and mulching. These are inexpensive, easy to make, and replace costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides, reducing production costs.

The techniques also improve soil fertility, boost water retention, and lower irrigation needs, saving more money. With no need for tilling or ploughing, farmers spend less on labour and machinery, cutting fuel costs and reducing wear and tear.

Environmentally, ZBNF promotes biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, and protects soil structure and microorganisms. By combining low costs with eco-friendly practices, it offers a sustainable and profitable farming method.

Q: What challenges did you face when starting ZBNF?

When I started Zero Budget Natural Farming, one major challenge was sourcing cow dung and urine, which are essential for making fertilizers like Jeevamrutha and Gokupamrutha. Since I didn’t have cows, I had to rely on a childhood friend who owned over 15 indigenous cows for these supplies.

Another challenge was convincing my colleagues to spray Jeevamrutha and sour buttermilk on crops. They were sceptical at first, but their doubts disappeared when they saw the amazing results in the fields. Despite these initial hurdles, I stayed committed to the principles of natural farming.

Q: How can a farmer achieve sustainability with the ZBNF model?

Farming isn’t just about growing crops–adding value to produce is key to increasing profits. For example, I turned surplus betel leaves, which were often wasted, into pan powder. By processing about a quintal of leaves, I earned ten times more than selling them as raw leaves. I also added other farm-grown ingredients like areca and nutmeg to boost the product’s value.

Farmers should focus on selling their value-added products directly to consumers instead of depending on wholesale markets. This approach improves profits and builds a more sustainable farming business. By combining crop cultivation with value addition, farmers can maximise earnings and make farming more rewarding.

Q: How can consumers support farmers?

Consumers can help farmers by building a direct connection with villages. For example, urban households can "adopt" a village and place regular orders–weekly or monthly–for fresh produce. These orders can be delivered straight from the farm to their homes, cutting out middlemen and ensuring farmers are fairly paid.

By paying upfront, consumers provide farmers with financial stability while enjoying fresh, chemical-free produce. Farmers can also charge 10-15% more for organic products, boosting their income while keeping control of their goods. This direct farm-to-consumer model promotes trust, fairness, and sustainability.

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Q: What path should farmers take for a sustainable future?

Farmers can start small by dedicating a portion of their land to chemical-free farming for their family’s use. As they gain experience and refine their methods, they can gradually expand to their entire farm. This step-by-step approach ensures a smooth transition to sustainable farming while minimising mistakes.

Farmers should also think about the legacy they’re leaving for future generations. Healthy, fertile soil is the greatest gift we can pass on. Imagine if our ancestors had left us barren land–what could we have grown? It’s our duty to protect and nurture the fertile soil we’ve inherited for those who come after us.

On a personal note, eating naturally grown fruits and vegetables has improved my health and cut down medical expenses. While natural farming might feel unfamiliar at first, its long-term benefits–better soil, improved health, and a sustainable future–make it worth the effort.