Shift To Natural Farming, Cow-Based Livelihoods To Boost Incomes: Krishna District Collector

The collector, along with his family, visited a natural farming unit at Pinaguduru Lanka in Guduru mandal, run by progressive farmer Mekapothula Vijay Ram Guruji. He reviewed the “Saubhagyam” natural food model and appreciated products such as solar-dried moringa leaves, incense sticks, dung cakes and other puja materials made from cow dung.

Farm organisers explained that a single cow could earn an additional `300 per day through dung-based products. Shampoos prepared from cow urine were also showcased, with organisers highlighting their benefits in controlling dandruff and hair fall.

Taking note, the collector directed DRDA project director Hariharanath to prepare a plan under the cluster economy policy to train women farmers, particularly those associated with temples, to manufacture and sell cow dung-based products through temple premises. He also suggested enabling SHG women to market puja materials near cremation grounds and explore wider markets through ONDC and other online platforms.

Referring to recent floods and Cyclone Montha, Balaji said naturally cultivated paddy recovered faster and yielded better than chemically fertilised crops, which suffered heavy losses. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers, he warned, harms soil health and human well-being.

With growing public awareness about health, the collector said demand for natural produce would rise, and farmers should shift early to secure higher incomes. He also reviewed intercropping practices involving 24 crops on a single acre using raised-bed systems.