PM-Pranam (Promotion of Alternate Nutrients for Agriculture Management) launched in 2023 promotes balanced fertilizer use and organic farming. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), renamed Natural Farming, eliminates external inputs using indigenous cow-based formulations like Jeevamrut and Beejamrut. Andhra Pradesh pioneered state-wide implementation. The policy aims to reduce chemical fertilizer subsidies (₹2.25 lakh crore annually), improve soil health, and enhance farmer income through cost reduction.

India's fertilizer subsidy burden has reached unsustainable levels, creating fiscal stress while degrading soil health through excessive chemical use. PM-Pranam incentivizes states to reduce fertilizer consumption by sharing 50% of subsidy savings with them - 70% for infrastructure, 30% for farmer rewards. Natural Farming complements this by eliminating input costs entirely through indigenous preparations using cow dung, urine, jaggery, and local soil microbes. Unlike organic farming which requires certified external inputs, Natural Farming uses only on-farm resources. Andhra Pradesh's success with 6 lakh farmers demonstrates scalability potential. The approach addresses three critical challenges: reducing input costs for farmers (especially in debt-stressed states), cutting government subsidy expenditure, and restoring soil biodiversity damaged by Green Revolution practices. However, scaling requires extensive farmer training, livestock availability, and patience during transition periods when yields may temporarily decline.