3-Day Training on Natural Farming Begins in Guntur
The programme, from May 13-15, focuses on building capacity among rythu seva kendra functionaries and agriculture department officers. The topics include pre-monsoon dry sowing techniques, scientific studies supporting natural farming, and marketing strategies.
Vijayawada: A three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for natural farming practices commenced in Guntur on Tuesday.
"The Green Revolution addressed food security, but now the need of the hour is chemical-free safe food and sustainable income for farmers," said chief executive officer of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), B. Rama Rao, during the inaugural session.
He highlighted that the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative aims to provide chemical-free food to consumers while improving both farmer welfare and soil health. He called for stronger collaboration between the agriculture department and APCNF, particularly through village agriculture assistants working at the grassroots level.
Senior consultant at RySS, D.V. Raidu, pointed to growing concerns about excessive use of chemicals in agriculture, citing a recent case of chemical residues found in chili powder. He advocated for natural farming methods that utilise locally available, low-cost inputs prepared by farmers themselves.
The programme, from May 13-15, focuses on building capacity among rythu seva kendra functionaries and agriculture department officers. The topics include pre-monsoon dry sowing techniques, scientific studies supporting natural farming, and marketing strategies.
Participants will visit natural farming fields for hands-on experience and later conduct division-level training sessions across the state.