Sowing Sustainability: Cotton, culture and the quiet return of natural farming
In the sprawling cotton fields of Vidarbha and the Deccan plateau, where generations have battled erratic rains and relentless market prices, a quieter transformation is underway.
It doesn't involve high-yielding GM seeds or agri-drones. Instead, it begins with a cow, a clay pot, and a question: What if the land didn't need fixing, just listening to?
This is the promise of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)—a grassroots farming method that revives ancient Indian agricultural practices, rooted in low cost, chemical-free cultivation. Championed by Subhash Palekar, ZBNF leans on four pillars: Jeevamrutha, Beejamrutha, mulching, and soil aeration.
No synthetic fertilisers, no borrowed money, and no illusions about short-term yield miracles.
Cotton, traditionally a water-hungry, pesticide-heavy crop, has found an unlikely new rhythm under ZBNF. '
We don't spray death anymore,'
says a farmer.
'We brew life
." The shift is cautious, but real—input costs have fallen, soil health has improved, and farmers report a return of earthworms and birds, long lost to chemical warfare.
It's not just a farmers' movement.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah?
IC Markets
Mendaftar
Undo
Across the country, a broader alignment is quietly emerging—one where value-based businesses are now investing in value-driven farming. Patanjali, for instance, has extended its Ayurvedic and swadeshi ethos into agricultural sourcing. While best known for toothpaste and ghee, the company has, over the years, built procurement networks that prefer organically grown herbs and cotton.
It has encouraged clusters of farmers to transition to natural methods—not as a CSR checkbox, but as part of its supply chain philosophy.
A senior buyer associated with the Patanjali ecosystem put it simply: '
When your final product claims purity, the raw material cannot come from
poi
soned land
.'
Acharya Balkrishna, in Patanjali Organic Kranti,
highlights the transformative impact of Patanjali's holistic farming methods on a cotton farmer's three-acre land. He notes that the farmer experienced a 20–25% increase in cotton production while reducing input costs by nearly 50%, as the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides was eliminated. The return of earthworms and the reduction in insect attacks indicated improved soil health and ecological balance.
Moreover, the farmer's organic cotton attracted premium buyers, enhancing his income. Acharya emphasizes that beyond productivity gains, this approach restores the soil's loamy texture, improves moisture retention, reduces water usage, and fosters biodiversity, thereby creating a sustainable and rewarding farming system that benefits both the environment and the farmer's well-being."
The company's textile ambitions, too—slowly expanding under the radar—appear aligned with this thinking.
Cotton that's been grown without chemicals, processed without synthetic dyes, and woven by traditional units fits into a larger narrative of Bharatiya resurgence: not anti-modern, just differently modern. In fact the modern buyer is now consciously looking for wearable products that are 'clean' and eco-friendly.
According to fashion influencer
Piyusha Sharma
, "
With increasing awareness about how clothes are being produced using chemical cultivation methods, most buyers like me are making a conscious shift toward wearing only natural fabrics that are grown through traditional and organic methods. It's my way of supporting sustainable practices and choosing what's better for both the planet and my body."
For farmers too, it is a shift that is changing the way they are looking at agriculture, "
With Zero Budget Natural Farming, I no longer depend on expensive chemical inputs. The soil is alive again, my crops are healthier, and I've reduced my costs to almost nothing. It's farming the way nature intended"
says
Ramesh Kumar, farm owner from Kurnool.
Of course, ZBNF isn't a silver bullet. The transition is tough. Yields dip initially, the labour is intensive, and support systems are still catching up. But as soil fertility returns and dependency on credit diminishes, what grows is not just cotton—but dignity.
In a country where farm crisis headlines often drown hope, stories like these feel almost old-fashioned. And yet, they are quietly rewriting the future—one acre, one cow dung ferment, one ethically-sourced kurta at a time.
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
Robotaxi launch: Event date, place, time and all news about Tesla's new autonomous vehicle
Elon Musk 's dream of a robotaxi is coming true, but it hasn't been easy. Tesla 's robotaxi service is finally going to launch in Austin, Texas, after months of delays and problems. Here's when it will happen, why it's important, and what you can expect. Why is this launch so significant for Tesla and its future? Tesla's robotaxi service wants to change the way people get around, starting with a small rollout and possibly spreading across the country. If it works, it could change the self-driving car market and Tesla's future in a big way. Following three consecutive sessions of gains, Tesla (TSLA) shares are up Wednesday as a result of new social media posts from CEO Elon Musk. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dhoni's Exclusive Home Interior Choice? HomeLane Get Quote Undo What is the confirmed launch date and where will it happen? When a user inquired about the start date of Tesla's robotaxi program on Tuesday night, Musk replied that it would happen "tentatively, June 22,' as per a report by Investopedia. 'We are being super paranoid about safety, so the date could shift," Musk wrote in a tweet. He added that the first Tesla that will drive itself from the factory directly to a customer's door should be delivered about a week later, on June 28, as per a report. Live Events ALSO READ: Jennifer Garner may soon join Hollywood's billionaire club — here's how she's doing it While Musk had previously stated that the program was on track to launch sometime this month, Bloomberg reported last month that Tesla was aiming for a June 12 launch for the autonomous ridesharing service. The Tesla X account responded to another user who shared a video of what looked to be a Tesla being tested on Austin, Texas, roads without a driver in the driver's seat and posted a robot and car emoji in its own post, which was made hours before Musk's. The vehicle test confirms that "a key component of our TSLA thesis has officially begun playing out," according to a Tuesday report by Piper Sandler analysts, who have a $400 price target. Although specifics regarding the possible launch have not yet been made public, Elon Musk has stated that Tesla's plans for a more reasonably priced Tesla model are also on track to launch this month. What challenges is Tesla facing? Elon Musk has provided explanations for why it might not launch this week. While Waymo is formally in the "deployment" phase of autonomous driving operations in the city, the company is listed as being in the "testing" phase. Garrett Nelson, a CFRA analyst, predicts that Tesla's unsupervised robotaxi service launch will be largely unimpressive and will not have the same fanfare as last October's Robotaxi Day. What will the first robotaxi service in Austin be like? Initially, the company will observe about a dozen driverless Model Y cars using Full Self-Driving technology in a geofenced area of Austin, Texas, under remote performance supervision. The most crucial metrics will be how many incidents and interventions the cars record over the next few months, as well as how fast TSLA can turn off remote supervision and enter new markets outside of the geofenced area. Are there any delays or hurdles holding the robotaxi back? Elon Musk's announcement of the Austin trial last month sparked a stir among Tesla bulls who have been eager for robotaxis to go on the road. Even though the dream is still alive, investors are likely to face more obstacles in the future due to the recent detours. There will be more turbulence for the robotaxi rollout due to the unsettling developments of late. Elon Musk chose Texas because it is his home state and has far more lenient laws governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) than California. But lawmakers in Texas have sent a dismal message just days before the start of the process. An Austin-based organization advised Tesla to wait until September 1, when the new AV regulations go into effect. Safety checks and more precise compliance guidelines are part of the new regulations. According to reports, seven Texas lawmakers have signed the hold-off on the rollout. FAQs When and where will the Tesla robotaxi be launched? The launch date is tentatively scheduled for June 22 in Austin, Texas. Will robotaxis be available anywhere? Not yet, it will begin with a small area in Austin, with plans to expand later.
Business Standard
15 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Rajiv Sharma Named India's Top Sales Trainer, Transforming Corporate Sales Teams by Global Gurus
VMPL New Delhi [India], June 20: In a landmark recognition for India's sales training landscape, Rajiv Sharma, Founder and Program Director of NLP Limited, has been named among the Top 5 Global Sales Trainers, solidifying his position as India's leading authority on sales transformation. Sharma, a veteran leadership coach, corporate trainer, and creator of the acclaimed MARK Model, has helped over 850,000 professionals across 52 countries reinvent their approach to sales, customer influence, and business growth. His methodologies are now being adopted by Fortune 500 companies, high-growth start-ups, and public sector enterprises across India. As organizations across Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore navigate a more competitive post-pandemic economy, Sharma's result-oriented frameworks are being credited with turning around underperforming teams, lifting conversion rates, and boosting revenue by up to 40% in just six months. A New Standard in Sales Training "Sales training in India has traditionally been skills-based," Sharma commented in a recent leadership forum. "But what drives lasting impact is when we train identity, not just ability. That's when confidence takes root. That's when revenue follows." What sets Sharma apart, according to industry insiders, is his fusion of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) with high-performance sales strategies. His training programs incorporate subconscious alignment techniques, behavioral simulations, and consultative selling principles--reshaping how Indian sales professionals think, feel, and close deals. From Struggling Sales to Strategic Selling Across sectors--from banking and insurance to real estate, FMCG, and IT--companies are reporting measurable outcomes. These include increased client retention, improved Net Promoter Scores (NPS), and significant growth in high-ticket sales. "Rajiv's programs don't just teach selling," says Priya Iyer, CHRO of a leading technology firm in Bangalore. "They transform how our teams show up--confident, prepared, and aligned with the customer. We've seen a 50% spike in performance across three regions." Sharma's flagship corporate training engagements focus on aligning sales behaviors with organizational KPIs, guiding participants through the sales process with tools drawn from authoritative selling, negotiation psychology, and key account management. National Impact Through NLP Limited As the driving force behind NLP Limited, Sharma has positioned the company as India's leading training firm for sales professionals, salespeople, and emerging sales consultants. The firm works with companies all over the country, including major accounts in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Chennai, delivering programs tailored to local and global business dynamics. In recognition of its high impact, NLP Limited has expanded its partnerships with top training companies in India, and now delivers programs across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Changing the Sales Career Narrative For young professionals entering the sales industry, Sharma's influence goes beyond performance. His mentorship and leadership coaching have helped hundreds of individuals rise from entry-level sales roles to senior business development and key account positions. His programs include structured certifications, leadership accelerators, and personalized coaching modules designed to foster high-value conversations, overcome objections, and create enduring client relationships. Recognitions and Rankings -Ranked among the Top 5 Sales Trainers Worldwide -Creator of the MARK Model, used by hundreds of global organizations -Recognized Top Sales Influencer and Motivational Keynote Speaker -Trusted by CEOs, CHROs, and L & D leaders across 15+ industries - India's foremost expert in sales psychology, NLP, and consultative selling The Future of Sales in India: Installed from Within Rajiv Sharma's work reflects a deeper shift in the Indian business landscape--where sales is no longer seen as a transaction, but as a trusted dialogue between value creators and solution seekers. His programs install this mindset from the inside out. As more companies seek sustainable growth in a volatile global economy, Sharma's message resonates clearly: when you build the right sales culture, the numbers take care of themselves. "You don't need more salespeople," Sharma says. "You need more people who believe in what they're selling, feel congruent doing it, and are trained to lead clients to decisions that create success--for everyone." About Rajiv Sharma Rajiv Sharma is a globally ranked sales trainer, leadership coach, and motivational speaker based in India. As the founder of NLP Limited, he has trained professionals in over 45 countries and developed the MARK Model--used by thousands of teams to achieve high-impact sales results. Sharma is a regular keynote speaker at global leadership summits and consults with CXOs on building scalable, emotionally intelligent, sales-driven cultures. Contact for Media Inquiries
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
IIT-K improves in QS World Univ rankings
Kanpur: IIT Kanpur achieved the highest-ever position at 222 in QS World University ranking, advancing 41 places from its previous rank of 263. This unprecedented achievement delighted IIT-K director Prof. Manindra Agrawal attributed this unprecedented achievement to the institute's dedication towards academic excellence, research, and global innovation. IIT Delhi emerged as the country's leading institution at rank 123, while IIT Bombay secured the second position at 129. IIT Madras and IIT Kharagpur followed at ranks 180 and 215, respectively. The rankings, announced on Thursday in London, showed IIT Kanpur's remarkable improvement with an overall score of 53.7 points, up from 39.3 points last year. The institute's performance metrics revealed scores of 84.1 in citations per faculty, 49.4 in academic reputation, 16.1 in faculty-student ratio, and 82.7 in employer reputation. Additional scores included 47.6 in employment outcomes, 1.4 in international student ratio, 42.1 in research network, 3.1 in faculty ratio, and 5.8 in student diversity. The sustainability score stood at 74.7, while employer reputation showed significant improvement with 82.7 points, marking a 25.8-point increase from the previous year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thị trường có dấu hiệu suy thoái không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The QS World University Rankings, recognised as a leading global higher education assessment, based its 2026 edition on extensive data analysis of over 16 million academic papers, incorporating feedback from more than 151,000 academics and 100,000 employers. The evaluation framework includes various parameters including faculty credentials, research capabilities, institutional partnerships, and student achievements.
