ZBNF

Zero Budget Natural Farming

5.8/10

The Rajasthan State government started a scheme "Zero Budget Natual Farming" in 2020-21 to promote natural farming.

State In Kind

States / UT: Rajasthan

Nodal department: Agriculture Department

Scheme for: Individual

Scheme profile

Scheme open date: 2020-01-01

Categories: Agriculture,Rural & Environment

Sub-categories: Financial assistance, Agricultural Inputs- seeds, fertilizer etc.

Target beneficiaries: Individual

Tags: Low Cost Fartming, Agriculture, Farmer, Training

Details

Zero Budget Natural Farming is natural farming based on cow-products (cow urine, dung) produced by indigenous cows. All agricultural inputs are prepared by the farmer from his own farm, no inputs are purchased from the market. Therefore, he does not have to spend anything directly. Due to which it is called zero budget based farming. At present, reducing the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation. To reduce the cost of agriculture, improve the quality of agricultural products and increase production per acre. Use of Beejamrit for treatment of seeds and Dravjeevamrit and Ghanjeevamrit etc. for nutrition. Use of Neemastra, Brahrastra and Aagnestra for the prevention of insects.

Objective:-

  1. To promote environment-protected and climate-tolerant natural farming practices so that the fertility power of the land can be increased.
  2. To reduce the cost of cultivation by less irrigation, sustainable and integrated organic methods so that farmers can get more income per unit area.
  3. Production of chemical free and nutritious food for human health and wellness.
  4. Protecting biodiversity and environment.
  5. Empowering farmers for production, processing and progress by developing them in the form of clusters / groups.
  6. To make farmers entrepreneurs for marketing and by connecting directly with the national market.

Benefits

  • 1. A subsidy of 50% provides to farmers to buy the farming items. 1. A large drum of 200 litres a small drum of 50 litres capacity a bucket of 20 litres capacity a Jug filter water spray sprayer
  • Trichoderma cow-urine dung etc. Material and organic mulch material like leaves of trees weed bedding leaves of millet-sorghum etc groundnut peels and in the field for moisture conservation between the rows 50% of the total cost of available other waste material or a maximum of Rs.600/- per farmer will be given as subsidy by DBT. 1. Training and Farmers Tours. 1. Gram Panchayat level Training
  1. A subsidy of 50% provides to farmers to buy the farming items.
  2. A large drum of 200 litres, a small drum of 50 litres capacity, a bucket of 20 litres capacity, a Jug, filter, water spray, sprayer, Trichoderma, cow-urine, dung, etc. Material and organic mulch material like leaves of trees, weed bedding, leaves of millet-sorghum, etc., groundnut peels, and in the field for moisture conservation between the rows, 50% of the total cost of available other waste material or a maximum of Rs.600/- per farmer will be given as subsidy by DBT.
  3. Training and Farmers Tours.
  4. Gram Panchayat level Training.

Eligibility

  • Interested farmers should be selected for the scheme who have a special interest in natural farming. Every farmer must have a minimum of one-acre land ownership or family account holder.
  • Interested farmers may be from the same village, neighboring villages, or different villages as far as possible.
  • Interested farmers will be selected by the Regional Assistant Agriculture Officer / Agriculture Supervisor.
  • Horticulture crops and animal husbandry should also be included in natural farming.
  • For the selection of farmers, priority should be given to SC, ST, BPL, small and marginal farmers as much as possible. Youths up to 35 years should be included for natural farming so that their capacity can increase.
  • Necessary material like drum, bucket, jug etc. will be given on grant to the concerned farmer for setting up the input unit for natural farming.
  • Farmers selected under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana should not be included in this scheme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

5.8
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 7.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 7.0/10 Good
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 4.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 4.5/10 Moderate
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility7.0
  • Financial impact4.0
  • Rural utility7.0
  • Awareness4.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The scheme promotes sustainable farming practices, benefiting farmers by reducing costs and improving crop quality.

Key challenges addressed

  • High cost of chemical fertilizers
  • Need for sustainable farming practices
  • Improving soil fertility

Most beneficial for

  • Small and marginal farmers
  • SC/ST farmers
  • Younger farmers

Likely challenges

  • Limited awareness among farmers
  • Dependency on local agricultural offices
  • Potential resistance to change from traditional farming methods

Practical insights for citizens

Farmers may find it challenging to shift from traditional methods to natural farming.

Rural challenges

  • Limited access to information
  • Dependence on local agricultural officers

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy
  • Limited access to online resources

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Slow processing at local offices
  • Potential delays in subsidy disbursement

Awareness challenges

  • Low awareness of the scheme among farmers
  • Need for outreach programs

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline office
Documents burden
Aadhar Card, Bank Passbook, Land Proof
Verification complexity
Moderate
Office dependency
High
DBT dependency
No
CSC support
Limited
Estimated citizen effort
Moderate effort required to apply

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach High
  • Gender reach Moderate
  • Target income group Low-income farmers
  • Occupation reach Agricultural workers

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
In Kind
Benefit frequency
One-time subsidy
Benefit practicality
Practical for farmers interested in natural farming
Financial meaningfulness
Moderately meaningful due to subsidy support
Long-term impact
Potentially significant if adopted widely

Plain-language guidance

This scheme helps farmers practice natural farming without spending money on chemical inputs. It provides training and materials to support sustainable agriculture.

Who should apply
Farmers interested in natural farming with at least one acre of land.
Who may struggle
Farmers unfamiliar with natural farming methods or those lacking access to local agricultural offices.
Best application route
Apply at the local Agriculture Department office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

  1. Applicant farmers have to go to the Agriculture Department office or Krishi Vigyan Kendra of your district to get the benefit of Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana.
  2. Get the application form to apply under this scheme.
  3. Enter all the necessary information asked in the form carefully.
  4. Attach the required documents with the application form.
  5. Submit the application form to the same agriculture department.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What is this scheme ?

The Rajasthan State government started a scheme "Zero Budget Natual Farming" in 2020-21 to promote natural farming.

What Are The Benefits Under The Scheme ?

The Subsidy To Buy Farming Equipment & Training.

Who Can Get The Benefits Of The Scheme ?

Interested Farmers Should Be Selected For The Scheme Who Have A Special Interest In Natural Farming.

What Is The Land Holding Eligibility ?

Every Farmer Must Have A Minimum Of One-Acre Land Ownership.

Is There Any Provision For The SC/ST Category Farmers ?

For The Selection Of Farmers, Priority Should Be Given To SC, ST, BPL, Small And Marginal Farmers As Much As Possible.

Farmers Up To Which Age Are Given Priority ?

Youths Farmers Up To 35 Years.

What Is The Financial Eligibility For Applicant ?

There Are No Financial Eligibility Criteria.

How To Apply For The Scheme ?
  1. Applicant Farmers Have To Go To The Agriculture Department Office Or Krishi Vigyan Kendra Of Your District To Get The Benefit Of Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojana. 2. Get The Application Form To Apply Under This Scheme. 3. Enter All The Necessary Information Asked In The Form Carefully. 4. Attach The Required Documents With The Application Form. 5. Submit The Application Form To The Same Agriculture Department.
What Documents Are Needed ?
  1. Aadhar Card. 2. Bank Passbook. 3. Land Proof.

References

Guidelines
https://jankalyan.rajasthan.gov.in/#/scheme/detail/440

Apply

Apply now

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Zero Budget Natural Farming is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Agriculture,Rural & Environment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Eligibility for Zero Budget Natural Farming may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Benefits under Zero Budget Natural Farming may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Zero Budget Natural Farming is managed by Agriculture Department and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Zero Budget Natural Farming through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Applications for Zero Budget Natural Farming may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is income certificate required for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Zero Budget Natural Farming.
Is Zero Budget Natural Farming available in all states?
No, Zero Budget Natural Farming is primarily available for eligible residents of Rajasthan and may be implemented through state government departments and local administrative offices.
Can residents outside Rajasthan apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Eligibility for Zero Budget Natural Farming is generally limited to residents of Rajasthan unless otherwise specified in the official scheme guidelines.
Can small and marginal farmers apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Eligible small and marginal farmers may apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming subject to land ownership records, income eligibility, and agricultural beneficiary criteria.
Does Zero Budget Natural Farming provide subsidy support for farmers?
Zero Budget Natural Farming may provide agricultural subsidies, financial assistance, crop support, irrigation benefits, insurance coverage, or farming-related welfare assistance depending on the scheme structure.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Are there deadlines for applying to Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Zero Budget Natural Farming?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Zero Budget Natural Farming in Rajasthan?
Users in Rajasthan may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Zero Budget Natural Farming applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.