• JITENDRA KUMAR RAY

Addressing the recent United Nations Conference on Desertification, COP-14, the Prime Minister told the global community that India is focusing on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF). This year's Economic Survey also highlighted the ecological benefits of ZBNF and the benefits of soil fertility and water conservation. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences- NAAS has suggested not to promote this method of farming in the country only after the scientific certification of ZBNF. NAAS held a meeting of scientists last month to examine and discuss the draft ZBNF and its claims. According to NAAS, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (NITI Aayog) and NITI Aayog are encouraging ZBNF without input from NAAS. Although NAAS supports the avoidance of 100% chemical based agriculture, it has suggested scientific testing and certification in view of the long term effects of ZBNF. According to NAAS, these scientific tests being conducted on ZBNF will be helpful in analyzing the productivity, yield quality and effects on soil.

COP-14, Natural farming, Sustainable agricultural, Economical development, Nutrition security, Green revolution, Vermicomposting.

"Zero Budget Natural Farming for sustainable agricultural Development its Problems, Planning and Prospects in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no.1291-1299, May 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905S93.pdf

"Zero Budget Natural Farming for sustainable agricultural Development its Problems, Planning and Prospects in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 5, page no. pp1291-1299, May 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1905S93.pdf