Gujarat Team Hails Ap’s Natural Farming Methods
APCNF officials and Guntur district project manager Rajakumari accompanied the team and explained the natural farming approach: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: A team of agriculturists from Guntur that visited the district on Wednesday lauded AP’s Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) approach, saying “the shift from chemical farming to natural farming is bringing visible changes in crop health, biodiversity, soil conditions and farmers’ income opportunities.”
Specifically, the team studied APCNF practices implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) and said the transformation demonstrated the strength of the APCNF model.
“The transformation we saw on the ground, from chemical farming to natural farming, resulted in healthier crops, greater biodiversity, diverse cropping systems and improved income opportunities,” the team members said.
The 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 officials and Guntur district project manager Rajakumari accompanied the team and explained the natural farming approach, field-level implementation and various models promoted in the state.
The delegation first visited Vijay Kumar’s Population of Plants (POP) model at Pidaparthi, where around 35 crop and plant varieties were cultivated on 30 cents, generating a monthly income of ₹13,000 to ₹15,000.
The visitors appreciated the favourable microclimate, beneficial insects and crop diversity supporting the natural farming ecosystem.
At Ratnakumari’s A-Grade okra model, the team observed a healthy crop with more than 10 intercrops and bananas planted along the borders. Compared with a neighbouring chemical-farming field, the natural farming plot had healthier plants and fewer visible symptoms of viral infection and leaf curling, the team-members felt.
They also noted its relatively lower impact from heat conditions associated with El Niño.
At Munnangi village, the team visited Mastan Bhi’s five-acre natural farming paddy compact block and observed low weed pressure. Officials explained the use of Azolla for weed suppression and nitrogen enrichment. Sticky plates, pheromone traps and L-shaped bund plantations were also inspected for their role in pest monitoring, biodiversity and supplementary income.
At Atthota, the team interacted with agriculturist Bapayya and appreciated his efforts to conserve and develop indigenous paddy varieties and traditional seeds. The visitors took keen interest in the wide range of varieties being preserved and promoted by him.