AP Natural Farming Model Wins Praise From Indonesia, Thailand Delegations
Delegates praise technology-driven natural farming, traditional practices and community-led initiatives
Vijayawada: Delegations from Indonesia and Thailand have appreciated Andhra Pradesh’s community-led Natural Farming model, particularly the integration of technology with traditional farming practices during their visit to Guntur district on Friday.
The delegations visited Hafpeta village in Tenali mandal and inspected adjoining natural farming and chemical-farming paddy fields. Apart from the two delegations, those who visited the natural farms included Timothy Joseph Fijal from Canada, Shanon Leigh Greef from South Africa, Craig Andrew Ellis from Australia, Yagishita Tomonobu from Japan, and Aung Phyo from Myanmar. The Indonesians included Sophia Yohana.
At the field of first-year natural farming, farmer Yadavalli Purnayya said the delegates observed a stronger root system and a higher number of tillers in the natural farms compared to those using chemical fertilisers. The delegation noted the encouraging results of Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS) undertaken ahead of the Kharif season.
At the Hafpeta Rythu Seva Kendra, the delegation interacted with farmers and learnt about their transition from chemical farming to natural farming. District Project Manager Rajakumari explained the field-level support and guidance being extended to farmers through the programme. The delegates appreciated the farmers’ experiences and the efforts of the state government and Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) to expand natural farming.
At Bhumi Bharati, a farmer producer organisation (FPO) at Atthota, visitors saw conservation and cultivation of around 150 traditional paddy varieties. A major attraction had been the drone-based spraying of Dashaparni Kashayam over a five-acre paddy field, showcasing the use of technology in natural farming.
The foreign delegation visited a kitchen garden at Annavaram and learnt about chemical-free food, family health, and nutrition. During an interaction with members of Navachaitanya Village Organisation of Self Help Groups, visitors appreciated the role of women and community institutions in promoting kitchen gardens and healthy food habits.
Those present included representatives of RySS International Activities Division Pavani and Jayashree, additional DPM, natural farming staff, and farmers.