UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) explains in this story that Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a form of agricultural system redesign that is being practiced at scale in India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is an emerging set of agricultural practices designed dramatically to reduce farmers’ direct costs (hence “zero budget”) while boosting yields and farm health through the use of non-synthetic inputs sourced locally ("natural farming”).

The story highlights UNEP´s work regarding ZBNF, more specifically the Initiative ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ (TEEB) for Agriculture and Food. This evaluation framework examines the true costs of agriculture and food systems. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity has not as yet conducted a full assessment of ZBNF (although one is planned for later this year), but there is evidence that it has positive ecological effects on soil quality, fertility and water retention capacity as well as on socio-economic benefits such as decreases in yield variability, and increased and diversified farmer incomes through intercrops. There is also evidence of positive impacts on food security and climate change resilience.

ZBNF and agroecology offer similar solutions at the local level and have the potential to improve farm outputs, protect the environment and enhance societal well-being.

More information about ZBNF you can find here and here.