Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) has led to significantly higher crop yield compared to organic or conventional farming in Andhra Pradesh, according to a new study The southern state has been pushing for 100% chemical-free agriculture under the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme since 2016. APCNF has worked with 6.3 Lakh farmers of the state for the last 6 years. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Reading and Rythu Sadikara Samstha, a non-profit set up by the government in 2014.  Conventional farming involves the use of synthetic pesticides/fertilisers and is the mainstream method of farming in India. Organic treatment does not use any synthetic fertilisers but uses purchased organic inputs, such as farmyard manure and vermicompost. ZBNF on the other hand,  involves not using any synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and uses homemade inputs comprising desi cow dung and urine with mulch. 

Source : Down to Earth