First harvest under Zero budget natural farming shows encouraging signs

The scientists involved with the Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) trials at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni reaped the first harvest of the crop planted under this model.
The first picking of peas was undertaken at the ZBNF farm falling under the Directorate of Research of the University this week and the results have been quite encouraging.
Based on the first harvest, the production was calculated to be around 5 quintals per acre and the team is expecting up to three pickings from the crop, a spokesperson of the university said.
The research team had planted two varieties of peas at the farm. The first variety was P-89 while the second variety, Azad-P1 was planted 15 days later. Both varieties have coriander as a border crop, which will also be ready for sale by the end of the week.

The seeds were treated with Bijamrit and irrigated, and Jivamrit was spayed after every 15 days of germination. The scientists are now evaluating the performance of the two varieties under this model. The harvested crop will be sold to the locals and their feedback will be taken on the quality of the crop.
Apart from peas, the university has also planted cauliflower, onion and fenugreek under the ZBNF model and these will be ready for harvest by the end of the month. Various department of the university are also undertaking studies under this natural farming model in their research.