NITI Aayog Team Lauds Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh for Empowering Small Farmers

A team from NITI Aayog, led by Prof Dr. Ramesh Chand, visited Krishna and Eluru districts to assess the success of the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) model. Implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) under the state's agriculture department, the model focuses on improving the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers through natural farming practices.

The two-day visit began with an orientation at Swarna Bharath Trust in Atkur village. Various experts from NITI Aayog, ICAR, and the state agriculture department discussed the benefits of chemical-free farming. The delegation later visited Eluru district, where APCNF officials highlighted the economic advantages of natural farming, particularly in paddy cultivation.

Farmers shared how these practices enabled them to better withstand extreme weather conditions, such as those caused by the Michaung cyclone, compared to conventional chemical-based farming.