Subhash Palekar’s Agroforestry: The Future of Zero Budget Natural Farming in India
India’s agriculture is undergoing a quiet revolution driven by a return to nature’s roots rather than costly technologies or chemical fertilisers. Subhash Palekar, a farmer, scientist, and the creator of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), is at the centre of this movement. Millions of people have been motivated by his techniques to rediscover organic farming practices that restore the soil and shield farmers from debt. One of the most powerful components of his approach is agroforestry, a system that integrates trees, crops, and animals in perfect ecological balance. ZBNF and agroforestry together have the potential to completely transform sustainable agriculture in India.
Who is Subhash Palekar?
Maharashtra-born agricultural scientist and Padma Shri recipient Subhash Palekar is renowned for creating and advocating Zero Budget Natural Farming, a method that reduces reliance on chemical inputs and outside expenses. His idea is straightforward but revolutionary: farming should cooperate with nature rather than conflict with it. Palekar advocates natural formulations like Jeevamrutha, Beejamrutha, and Ghanjeevamrutha, which use cow dung, urine, and local resources to nourish the soil, as an alternative to expensive fertilisers.
He has taught thousands of farmers in India how to transition from chemical-intensive to natural, self-sustaining farming over the years. Growing crops is only one aspect of Palekar’s methods; other goals include boosting biodiversity, restoring the soil’s living ecosystem, and assisting farmers in becoming financially independent without the need for loans.
Understanding Agroforestry in Palekar’s Vision
Agroforestry, as defined by Subhash Palekar, is more than just growing trees next to crops. Trees, shrubs, and crops coexist in this holistic ecosystem model in a manner that mimics the natural cycle of the forest. Every farm should be viewed as a living forest that can survive without the use of artificial fertilisers or chemicals, according to Palekar.
In addition to food and fodder crops, his model promotes the planting of multi-layered vegetation, such as tall trees, medium-sized fruit trees, and smaller shrubs. The goal is to establish a self-sufficient microclimate with organic circulation of nutrients, moisture, and sunlight. In addition to boosting biodiversity, this tree-crop combination also improves soil fertility, holds onto groundwater, and prevents erosion. To put it simply, Palekar’s agroforestry is regenerative, diverse, and interdependent, much like nature.
The Link Between Agroforestry and Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)
The foundation of Subhash Palekar’s Zero Budget Natural Farming theory is agroforestry. Traditional monocropping depletes the soil and makes it reliant on chemical inputs, which forces farmers to purchase seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides, frequently resulting in debt. By using trees and organic matter to create natural nutrient cycles, agroforestry disrupts this cycle.
The trees help the soil’s microbial life, fix nitrogen, produce shade, and drop organic leaves that break down into manure. The soil becomes rich and self-renewing when ZBNF techniques like Jeevamrutha (a microbial inoculant made from cow dung, cow urine, and jaggery) are used. The entire system works without the need for expensive irrigation or synthetic fertilisers, demonstrating that farming can be profitable with no external input costs.
The Five-Layer Palekar Model of Agroforestry
The Five-Layer Farming Model, a useful implementation of agroforestry concepts, is among Palekar’s most ground-breaking concepts. According to their height, canopy, and root structure, various trees and crops are layered together in this system. For instance, the top layer is made up of tall fruit trees like coconut or mango; the second layer is made up of medium-height crops like bananas and guava; the third layer is made up of shrubs like papaya, ginger, or turmeric; the fourth layer is made up of short crops like vegetables and pulses; and the fifth layer is made up of underground crops like sweet potatoes or yam.
Higher yields, better soil structure, and increased biodiversity are reported by farmers using Palekar’s five-layer system.
Benefits of Palekar’s Agroforestry for Farmers
According to Subhash Palekar’s model, agroforestry offers many advantages beyond sustainability. Because tree crops and perennials yield consistent revenue even during years with insufficient rainfall or crop failure, farmers benefit from economic stability. Because everything is produced naturally on the farm, including pest control and fertilisers, the system also lessens reliance on inputs that must be purchased from the market.
Agroforestry improves groundwater replenishment, fights desertification, and increases carbon sequestration. Deep-rooted trees raise nutrients from lower soil layers, and fallen leaves and organic matter act as natural compost. Palekar’s agroforestry provides farmers who are dealing with degraded lands with a workable solution to replenish soil and boost productivity without requiring significant financial outlays.
Government Recognition and Promotion of ZBNF Agroforestry
The nation has taken notice of Subhash Palekar’s natural farming success. The Indian government and NITI Aayog have recognized ZBNF as a key approach to achieving sustainable agriculture goals. Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra are among the states that have started initiatives to teach farmers Palekar’s techniques.
The Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program, which incorporates agroforestry and tree planting as essential elements, has already reached thousands of farmers in Andhra Pradesh. These programs seek to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems, enhance soil health, and lower cultivation costs. Palekar’s theories are further supported by the National Agroforestry Policy 2014, which promotes tree-based farming practices throughout rural India.
Agroforestry, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience
India’s need for climate-resilient agriculture is perfectly met by Subhash Palekar’s agroforestry models. As extreme weather events become more frequent, natural farming systems offer stability and protection. The tree canopy protects delicate crops from drought or heavy rains, lowers evaporation, and moderates temperature.
Agroforestry farms are also ecologically vibrant and self-sustaining because they provide habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and pollinators. By improving carbon sequestration, the incorporation of trees transforms farms into climate change-fighting carbon sinks. Palekar’s strategy provides both ecological security and economic independence for a nation like India, where millions of small farmers rely on rainfed agriculture.
Challenges in Expanding Agroforestry and Natural Farming
Large-scale agroforestry adoption in India is fraught with difficulties, despite its many benefits. Due to a lack of training and concerns about lower short-term yields, many farmers are reluctant to switch from traditional monocropping to multi-layer systems. Additionally, smallholders looking for quick profits might be deterred by the initial setup time for tree growth.
Nonetheless, community-based models, demonstration farms, and awareness campaigns are assisting in closing this gap. Through workshops and technical assistance, NGOs, agricultural universities, and startups are helping farmers embrace ZBNF agroforestry more and more. As awareness grows, more farmers are coming to understand that natural systems, albeit initially slower, result in improved resilience, water savings, and long-term soil health.
Youth and Startups Reviving Agroforestry the Natural Way
In an effort to modernise natural farming, more and more young eco-startups and agribusiness owners in India are implementing Subhash Palekar’s techniques. Startups are fusing digital tools with traditional knowledge by providing agroforestry-compatible mobile-based advisory services, soil testing, and AI-driven crop recommendations. These young-led businesses are turning agroforestry into a scalable and lucrative green industry.
In an effort to link natural farmers with ethical consumers, some groups are also attempting to market agroforestry products under eco-labels. Agroforestry is being given new life by this contemporary take on Palekar’s ancient philosophy, which combines innovation, tradition, and environmental responsibility.
The Future of Agroforestry and ZBNF in India
Agroforestry and Zero Budget Natural Farming have the potential to be the cornerstones of a new agricultural revolution as India works towards its 2070 net-zero emission target. Millions of hectares of degraded farmland could be restored, farmers’ incomes could rise, and India’s climate resilience could be strengthened. Subhash Palekar’s idea of self-sufficient, nature-based farming has the potential to significantly change rural India with the right kind of policy support, youth involvement, and digital awareness.
Under ZBNF, agroforestry is a movement rather than merely a technique. It reinterprets how people, land, and nature interact. It could result in a future where India uses the power of natural farming and trees to feed its people, heal its soil, and enrich its farmers if it is widely adopted.
