German Ambassador Appreciates Natural Farming Efforts in AP

Anantapur: 15 Germany’s Federal Government ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann has lauded Andhra Pradesh government for its initiatives in encouraging natural farming across the state with zero use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. Dr. Ackermann visited the Indo-German Global Academy for Agro Ecology Research and Learning (IGGAARL) located on the outskirts of Pulivendula town in Kadapa district on Wednesday.

Consul General in Bengaluru Amit Desai and KfW Bank Natural Resource Management specialist Sangeetha Agarwal accompanied the German ambassador. The German ambassador interacted with progressive farmers who have adopted natural farming processes as also scientists during the visit. He appreciated that Andhra Pradesh is developing natural farming areas within the state with the help of progressive farmers. This is helping other states within India as well as countries across the globe learn how to improve soil health naturally and increase income by avoiding artificial fertilisers and chemical pesticides. Dr. Ackermann expressed happiness that farmers who have taken up natural farming have remarkably improved. “This will have a strong positive impact on rural communities and small-scale farmers, enhancing both production and livelihoods,” he observed.

The ambassador described IGGAARL as a very interesting project. He expressed hope that collaboration between agricultural experts and university engineers could improve natural farming practices. He, however, expressed concern that farmers, especially those with small holdings, are relying too heavily on artificial fertilisers and pesticides, harming their future prospects. Dr. Ackermann underlined that natural farming involves very low investment while yielding better results in crop productivity.

He said he is proud that the German government is assisting Andhra Pradesh in this mission and expressed confidence that agricultural scientists will further advance these sustainable methods for the benefit of farmers. Special chief secretary (Agriculture) B. Rajasekhar praised the support provided by the German KfW Bank, which is yielding remarkable results. Kadapa collector Dr. Cherukuri Sridhar emphasised that Kadapa district widely cultivates horticulture crops.

Instead of using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, many farmers are now adopting natural inputs such as cow dung, cow urine-based fertilisers and herbal concoctions, made possible through funding from the German government. The district collector acknowledged the German government’s valuable assistance in increasing the area under natural farming.