From the 21st to 24th of March 2008, Codissia Grounds in Coimbatore was abuzz with nearly 2500 farmers from different parts of Tamil Nadu. They came to participate in the workshop on Zero Budget Farming (ZBF) conceived and propagated by Mr. Subash Palekar. Hailing from Maharashtra, Mr. Palekar’s farming techniques are being followed by thousands of farmers in his home state, in Andhra Pradesh and in Karnataka. Mr. Palekar shared his considerable knowledge and expertise on the concept of zero budget natural farming.
Interaction with farmers is the main concern of Siruthuli. All our water shed management projects namely, the Chithirai Chavadi dam desilting, check dam construction at Nandangarai etc have met with support and interest from the farming communities of the area. This four day program was to empower them with better and original techniques.
Through intense and systematic study, Mr Palekar showed the harmful effects of chemical farming methods that are being followed by our farmers. Caught in a vicious cycle of high costs and debts, farmer suicides have reached alarming proportions. Organic farming methods that are in vogue such as vermin-composting and other organic fertilizers too is shunned in the ZBF technique. In this breakthrough technology, the farmers are given methods of farming where no external implements and materials are needed. In fact it has a zero budget and hence is available to all.
The four wheels that are needed to turn the chakra of ZBF practices are
- Bijamrita (seed treatment)
- Jiwamrita (microbial culture)
- Achchadana (mulching)
- Waaphasa (soil aeration)
To get poison-less food, pollution free water, and environment is the birth right of all. ZBF movement is a non political, non religious, non violent and constructive group. It is not against any manufactures of pesticides or fertilizers, policy makers or politicians, scientist or agricultural universities. All are end consumers and have the fundamental right to clean and safe environment.