Hans News Service Vijayawada

A Gujarat team visiting Andhra Pradesh to study the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) approach has appreciated the visible transformation in farmers’ fields, particularly in crop diversity, biodiversity, soil health and income opportunities.

The team visited Guntur district on Wednesday to study natural farming practices implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS). After interacting with farmers and observing various field models, the team said the shift from chemical farming to natural farming had resulted in healthier crops, greater biodiversity, diversified cropping systems and improved livelihood opportunities.

The Gujarat delegation comprised Achyut Kumar Hasmukhbhai Patel, Dixit Babulal Patel, Hitesh Jamnadas Vora, Jaydeepsingh Ratansingh, Ratilal Vitthalbhai Shethia, Vanrajsingh Dilipsingh Chauhan, Prafullbhai Mansukhbhai Thakor, Nikunjsingh Harendrasingh Thakor, Bhikhabhai Hirabhai Bhutka and Dilipsingh Solanki.

APCNF representatives Krishna Rao, team leader, NRO Unit; Dadapeer, project executive, NRO; and Rajakumari, district project manager, Guntur, accompanied the delegation and explained the natural farming approach, field-level implementation and different models being promoted in the state. The team first visited Vijay Kumar’s POP model at Pidaparthi, where around 35 crop and plant varieties are grown on just 30 cents, generating a monthly income of about Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 15,000. The visitors appreciated the favourable microclimate, beneficial insects and crop diversity maintained on the farm.

At Ratnakumari’s A-Grade okra model, the team observed a healthy crop with more than 10 intercrops and banana plantations along the borders. Compared with a neighbouring chemical farming field, the natural farming plot had healthier plants and fewer visible symptoms of virus incidence and leaf curling.

The delegation also visited Mastan Bi’s five-acre natural farming paddy compact block at Munnangi village. Officials explained weed-management practices, including the use of Azolla for weed suppression and soil enrichment.

Sticky plates, pheromone traps and L-shaped bund plantations were also demonstrated.

At Atthota village, the team interacted with farmer Bapayya and appreciated his efforts to conserve and promote indigenous paddy varieties and traditional seeds. The delegation showed keen interest in the diverse varieties being preserved on his farm.