Kenyan Delegation Hails AP's Natural Farming Model

Vijayawada: A Kenyan delegation praised Andhra Pradesh's Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme as a model for climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture that could be replicated in Kenya and other countries.

The team visited Guntur district to study the state's Natural Farming initiatives. It toured Natural Farming fields at Bommuvanipalem in Kollipara mandal and the National Seed Conservation Centre at Bhumi Bharathi Farmer Producer Company in Attota village. District project manager Rajakumari briefed the visitors on the district's Natural Farming programme.

The team included Wanjama Njoroge Daniel of Seed Saver Network, John Kariuki Mwangi of Slow Food Kenya, Odda Friday Ochomo of Global Field Network, Zipporah Nyambura Kuria of Seed Saver Network and Prasiddha Sapkota, an intern from New York University Abu Dhabi.

The visitors inspected the "Any Time Money (ATM)" model farm of natural farming practitioner D. Bheemaraju, where more than 20 crops are grown in a diversified system. They appreciated the rich biodiversity, healthy soils, beneficial insects and natural pest management practices.

The delegation also visited an A-Grade banana farm cultivated without chemical fertilisers and observed the use of trap crops such as marigold and castor for pest control. A comparison with a neighbouring chemical farm highlighted better soil moisture, improved soil structure and greater biological activity under Natural Farming.

The team later interacted with members of the Hepsi Self-Help Group to understand the role of women in promoting Natural Farming and improving livelihoods. The delegation said Andhra Pradesh's model offers valuable lessons in biodiversity conservation, soil restoration and sustainable agriculture for countries facing climate challenges.