News
Zero Budget Natural Farming model to be implemented in other States on lines of Himachal, Andhra Pradesh
New Delhi: Niti Aayog has urged all the states to work towards giving practical shape to the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) on the lines of Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh, for which the Aayog will provide all assistance.
According to the NITI Aayog, ZBNF will be considered as a recognized component to double farmer’s income by 2022 and also by adopting this farm practice it would bring down the cost of farming, thereby significantly enhancing the profit margin for farmers.
The NITI Aayog on Monday late evening organized National Conference on Zero Budget Natural Farming in New Delhi. Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog presided over the conference and Governor Acharya Devvrat attended it as a special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Acharya Devvrat said,
The challenge before us today is to double the income of farmers in such a way that fertility of the soil improves along with an increase in production of the crops. It is not possible with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The only alternative with the farmers is to adopt ZBNF which is successfully tested in the field.
He presented a detailed document and shared the vast experience of Gurukul Kurukshetra, where he had adopted natural farming in near about 200 acres of land.
Agricultural scientists, Central & State Ministers, MPs, officials and policymakers, all have visited Gurukul and they have closely seen its succes
s, said Acharya Devvrat. He said this method has been successful on a large scale and was a perfect example for the farm community.
The Governor said that Himachal Pradesh has also adopted this model and the state government has made a budget provision of Rs. 25 crores to give it a practical shape. Training Camps were organized in the State and farmers were shifting to natural agriculture.
ZBNF would not only benefit small and marginal farmers, but also the medium and large farmers could successfully adopt it at no cost. It also protects soil from degradation, helps in retaining soil fertility and is climate-change resilient, he added.
Acharya Devvrat said ZBNF system was the only alternative for chemical and organic farming as it was safe and had the capacity to double the income of farmers. Under this system, the cost of production becomes zero and the products were non-poisonous.
It also increases the productivity of land, requires less consumption of water, protects friendly pests and the products were of the best quality.
He said that under it, a set of natural farming methods was used where the cost of growing and harvesting crops was almost zero, which means farmers need not purchase fertilizers and pesticides. He added that the inputs used were locally available in form of cow dung and cow urine and this would lower the cost of inputs for farmers.
He said the as per the available data based on scientific research, by adopting this farming method, the cost of production of farmers could be reduced and enhances the farmers’ income. He also detailed all important aspects of ZBNF and urged the policymakers to adopt this model for the benefit of the farm community.
The Governor thanked the NITI Aayog for considering ZBNF as a component of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and hoped that it would be helpful in promoting natural farming in a right direction.
Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog Dr. Rajiv Kumar said that States can promote ZBNF under the two farm sector schemes- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
About 50 lakh farmers are working on ZBNF in different States, he said, adding that not only it has the potential for India it also has global potential.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said,
We are seeing side-effects of use of chemicals and fertilizers in crops and natural farming is the traditional method of farming and totally safe.
Member, NITI Aayog Ramesh Chand, CEO, NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant, Senior officers from Ministry of Agriculture and various States, representatives from agriculture universities, institutes, farmers & practitioners were also present on the occasion.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
Home Decor Ideas 2020