Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming

A #PMDS Awareness Rally was successfully conducted in Mawbri village of Bhoirymbong Block, Ri Bhoi District, Maharashtra, to create awareness among the farming community. During the programme, ICRP Ailinryti Syngkli explained the process, benefits, and importance of PMDS, stating, “PMDS helps farmers take timely decisions, improves crop planning, and strengthens resilience by promoting better preparedness before the season.” The rally covered the entire village, passing through the central area and extending to all residential pockets. Placards and slogans were prepared in the Khasi language to ensure better understanding and engagement among farmers. The programme witnessed active participation from the VO President and members, convent students, lead farmers, ICRPs, ECRPs, and BAP, making it a well-coordinated and impactful initiative. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #FarmerAwareness #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateResilience #FarmersFirst #AgriExtension #CommunityMobilization #RuralDevelopment

"Water isn’t just a resource—it’s the foundation of life.@APZBNF, we harness the power of #NaturalFarming to make every drop count. Healthy soil, resilient crops, and sustainable water use for a better tomorrow. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 #WorldWaterDay2025 #SaveWater #WaterIsLife #WaterConservation #EveryDropCounts #WaterForFuture #SustainableWater

Sowing ahead of the rains… building resilience ahead of the season. As part of the #APCNF National Resource Organization (NRO) programme, #PMDS Awareness Meetings cum Rallies were successfully conducted at Kyrdum Village (West Khasi Hills) and Umkrem Village (Eastern West Khasi Hills), Meghalaya. The programmes witnessed active participation from farmers, ICRPs, Krishi Sakhis, and school children. The sessions focused on enhancing awareness on PMDS practices, including seed preparation, crop diversity, and scientific sowing methods. Key benefits such as improved soil fertility, enhanced water retention, increased biomass, and additional income opportunities were highlighted. The events concluded with awareness rallies across the villages, effectively promoting community-level adoption. These initiatives underscore #APCNF’s sustained efforts in advancing climate-resilient #NaturalFarming and strengthening grassroots engagement. From informed practices today to resilient harvests tomorrow. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #WaterConservation #FarmerEmpowerment #CommunityEngagement

Wishing everyone a joyful #Ugadi! May this new year bring prosperity, good health, and harmony with nature. Let’s nurture our soils and grow a sustainable future together. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #ugadi2026 #NaturalFarming

From awareness to action, A powerful transformation is unfolding in #APCNF fields. Across the state, the #RythannaMeekosam program is unfolding dynamically, bringing together farmers, field teams, and public representatives on a common platform. Through field visits, village-level meetings, and live demonstrations, farmers are being guided on #NaturalFarming practices with a strong emphasis on Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing , seed pelletization, and climate-resilient approaches to address changing weather patterns. Leaders and public representatives are actively participating in these programs, interacting with farmers on the ground and motivating them to adopt sustainable practices for better soil health, improved yields, and long-term environmental protection. Demonstrations on input preparation, soil testing, and crop planning at BRC centres are strengthening practical understanding, while door-to-door outreach is ensuring deeper engagement and inclusion. Parallelly, efforts are underway to streamline kit distribution through mapped centres, ensuring farmers are fully prepared for the upcoming season. This is not just a program, it is a people-driven movement inspiring confidence, empowering farmers, and transforming agriculture from the grassroots. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #SeedPelletization #ClimateResilientFarming #SoilHealth #AgriTransformation #FarmerEmpowerment #EcoFriendlyFarming

A field visit by the @gatesfoundation was successfully conducted at Kethanakonda village, NTR District, focusing on #Natural Farming practices and their on-ground impact. The visit was led by Mr. Neil Watkins, Adviser, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who interacted with farmer B. Shivarama Krishnamohan and closely observed the implementation of sustainable farming methods. The visit was supported by #APCNF regional team, highlighting key interventions and farmer-led innovations. Impressed by the outcomes, Mr. Watkins remarked, “The scale, community involvement, and tangible benefits of natural farming here are truly inspiring and hold significant potential for wider replication. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @NITIAayog @icarindia @AgriGoI @AndhraPradeshCM #SustainableAgriculture #AgriInnovation #FarmerFirst #ClimateResilientFarming #AgriTransformation

At Shillong, the Department of Agriculture, Meghalaya, in collaboration with #MEGNOLIA, successfully organized the Regional Conference on #NaturalFarming (RCONF, Imphal), bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen sustainable agricultural practices. During the conference, lead farmers shared valuable field experiences, highlighting the impact of #NaturalFarming initiatives. Ten lead farmers from various blocks were honored with the Best Farmer Award for Natural Farming Implementation, recognizing their exemplary contributions across initiatives such as 365 Days Green Cover farmers, Raised Bed Paddy Models, and other innovative practices. These achievements underscore not only individual excellence but also the collective dedication of all lead farmers under the Meghalaya #NaturalFarming Project. The conference was attended by the Chief Operating Officer, MSRLS, the State Anchor, the Farm Livelihood Team, and lead farmers, reflecting strong institutional support and collaborative commitment. Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Mukhim, appreciated MSRLS, stating, “MSRLS has been a pioneer in implementing #NaturalFarming in Meghalaya in a systematic manner, even before the department, and this deserves recognition,” acknowledging the leadership of the Chief Operating Officer and the organization’s impactful efforts. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @Meghalaya_agri @NITIAayog @icarindia @AgriGoI #EcoFriendlyFarming #AgriInnovation #SoilHealth #FarmersOfIndia

A team from the Climate Change & Air Quality division, led by Ms. Suruchi Bhadwal & Dr. Pallavi Joshi Lahari, visited Prathipadu Model Mandal & Yeleswaram Cluster, Palnadu dist to review the #FoodBasket initiative. Key highlights: • Community garden supplying 62 households • School Nutri Garden promoting nutrition • Improved Hb levels among beneficiaries • Review of Diamond Model & market systems “The Food Basket initiative is a strong model connecting natural farming with nutrition and community well-being. Strengthening crop planning and market systems will further enhance its impact.” - Dr. Pallavi Joshi Lahari Focus areas ahead: * Strengthening crop planning * Nutrition-sensitive interventions * Addressing pricing & processing gaps @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #SustainableAgriculture #NutritionSecurity #CommunityWellbeing #ClimateAction #Agroecology #HealthySoilHealthyFood

Exploring global collaborations to shape the future of Natural Farming research in India A delegation from @WUR (Wageningen University & Research), Netherlands, visited Andhra Pradesh to explore collaborative partnerships with @iggaarl . During the visit, the delegation also met the Hon’ble Chief Minister and held discussions on strengthening #NaturalFarming through global knowledge exchange and research collaboration. The visit focused on exploring the establishment of a national-level institute for Natural Farming and Agroecology in Andhra Pradesh, envisioned as a future hub for research, innovation, policy dialogue, and farmer-led learning. As part of the discussions, several distinctive thematic areas were identified to shape the institute’s long-term research and education agenda, including: • Agroecological transitions at scale • Circular agrifood systems • Climate resilience and ecosystem restoration • Farmer-centred innovation systems • Digital and systems approaches to agricultural transitions • Policy and governance for sustainable food systems • AI and the future of farming The delegation engaged with the senior leadership of @iggaarl, along with farmer-scientists, Natural Farming mentors, and field practitioners across the state. Through consultations, field interactions, and knowledge exchange, the team aims to bring valuable experiences from Europe while jointly exploring pathways to advance farmer-centric research, innovation, and capacity building in agroecology. This visit marks an important step toward shaping a future roadmap for @iggaarl and positioning Andhra Pradesh as a global centre for Natural Farming research and learning. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @NITIAayog @icarindia @AgriGoI @FAOnews @ncbn #SustainableAgriculture #RegenerativeAgriculture #FutureOfFarming #FarmerCentricInnovation #ClimateResilientAgriculture #CircularAgriFoodSystems #FoodSystemsTransformation #AgriInnovation #GlobalCollaboration #KnowledgeExchange

A one-day training on the usage and demonstration of Pestiflow Kits was conducted at the #RySS, Headquarters, Guntur on 13th March 2026. As part of strengthening quality assurance under #NaturalFarming #RySS has procured 30 Pestiflow Kits to be deployed at Nodal BRCs for rapid testing of pesticide residues in agricultural commodities. The training, conducted by the vendor M/s Polysales, included hands-on demonstrations and documentation of the testing process to develop a short tutorial video for future trainings and field-level dissemination. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #FoodSafety #SafeFood #SustainableAgriculture #ChemicalFreeFarming #ResidueFree #FarmersFirst #AgriInnovation

As dedicated members of #APCNF, our ground work alongside farmers, like champion practitioner Rosaiah among 1.8 million, is advancing #NaturalFarming practices across Andhra Pradesh. We are deeply grateful to the Honourable Chief Minister @ncbn for his support of #APCNF. #APCNF continues this transformative work, celebrating the tireless efforts of our farming communities in building sustainable, resilient agriculture, under visionary leadership guiding our state's natural farming movement forward. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi @NITIAayog @icarindia @ArogyaAndhra @AgriGoI #ChampionFarmers #SustainableAgriculture #APFarmers #AgriculturalResilience

Food Basket Program Launched in Gandhavaram Village, Visakhapatnam District The first cycle of the Food Basket Program was initiated in all HN villages under the convergence of @SERPANDHRA and #RythuSadhikaraSamstha, with activities conducted in Gandhavaram village of Padmanabham Mandal, Visakhapatnam district. Addressing the gathering, Shri Lakshmipathi, PD, DRDA Visakhapatnam, interacted with participants and emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that “the Food Basket Program is an important initiative aimed at strengthening household nutrition and supporting community-based food systems.” Representatives from #RythuSadhikaraSamstha highlighted the objective of introducing the program in villages to improve household nutritional security while promoting #NaturalFarming practices, stating that “the Food Basket initiative will help create a reliable system for the supply of naturally grown food while strengthening the livelihoods of Natural Farming farmers.” The program witnessed participation from the RySS team, SERP officials, and SHG members, who expressed their commitment to effectively implement the initiative. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 #HouseholdNutrition #CommunityNutrition #SustainableAgriculture #FarmersWelfare #RuralDevelopment #WomenEmpowerment

Wageningen University Delegation Visits Natural Farming Models in Palnadu dist, AP. A delegation from @WUR , Netherlands visited villages in Yadlapadu mandal, Palnadu district to study the #NaturalFarming models implemented under #APCNF. The team visited the Natural Farming Bio-Resource Centre managed by P. Koteswaramma in Unnava village, where they observed the preparation of natural inputs such as botanical extracts and Jeevamrutham, and learned about the role of BRCs in supporting farmers with chemical-free inputs. At Kothapalem village, the delegation inspected an ‘A-Grade’ Natural Farming model field, showcasing a diversified cropping system with drumstick, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, snake gourd, and ivy gourd, based on the Nine Universal Principles of Natural Farming. Sharing his observations, delegation leader Lawrence Jones Walters said: “Multi-cropping systems not only reduce pest pressure but also improve pollination services, leading to higher yields and ecological resilience.” “Such agroforestry-based natural farming models significantly enhance biodiversity both above and below the soil surface.” The visit concluded with a consultation with #APCNF, @iggaarl teams, and Women’s Self-Help Groups, where the delegation appreciated the project’s documentation and field-level implementation. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @KfW_FZ_int @NITIAayog @icarindia @AgriGoI #Agroecology #SustainableAgriculture

Cham Cham village, Khelararit (East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya), 32 Lead Farmers from 16 SHGs participated in a training on the importance of #NaturalFarming, #PMDS seed selection and field mapping, along with a review of Rabi crop status. A live demonstration on Natural Farming input preparation was also conducted. In Mutong village, a Farmer Field School (FFS) session in a potato field demonstrated the preparation of Jeevamrutham, led by ICRPs and Lead Farmers. Through the #NRO programme, #APCNF is expanding the #PMDS approach nationwide. By honouring Mother Earth before sowing, PMDS initiates regenerative changes under the soil, in the soil, and above the soil, building healthier ecosystems and resilient farming communities. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @Meghalaya_agri @icarindia @NITIAayog #Agroecology #SoilHealth #FarmersFirst

With the vision of Hon’ble District Collector, Ms. K. Vetri Selvi, a digital platform has been launched in Eluru district to create local market opportunities for #NaturalFarming produce. With the support of District Agriculture Officer Mr. Habib Basha, data of farmers practicing #NaturalFarming, including crops, produce types, and costs , was compiled to develop a website that enables consumers to place orders and farmers to directly deliver fresh produce. Soon after the platform was inaugurated, the first order was successfully fulfilled by a nearby farmer delivering vegetables. Appreciating the initiative, the Collector said, “This platform connects farmers and consumers directly, ensuring fair prices for farmers and healthy food for people. Technology will help Natural Farming reach every household.” Farmers expressed great happiness over the initiative, as #APCNF continues to move forward by leveraging technology to bring Natural Farming closer to people and markets. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ArogyaAndhra #DigitalAgriculture #FarmerToConsumer #HealthyFood #SustainableFarming #Agroecology #SupportFarmers #LocalFood

From Self-Help Group members to farmer leaders, women across Andhra Pradesh are driving the agroecology movement with confidence and commitment. Through #NaturalFarming, they nurture the soil, grow healthy food, and build resilient communities. Today, 18 lakh farmers are practicing Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh, supported by 8,724 champion farmers, of which 60% are women leaders guiding communities across villages. These women are not just helpers in agriculture , they are farmers, decision-makers, trainers, and mentors transforming the future of farming. As the movement grows towards the target of reaching 60 lakh farmers, the leadership of women continues to strengthen India’s vision of #NariShakti and women-led development. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @NITIAayog @icarindia @AgriGoI #WomensDay2026 #SustainableFarming #RegenerativeAgriculture #ChemicalFreeFarming #SoilHealth #FarmersOfIndia #NaturalAgriculture #AgriLeadership

Taking the voice of #NaturalFarming from Andhra Pradesh to global knowledge platforms. During their European tour, women farmers from Andhra Pradesh,@iggaarl mentors, Ms. Bobbili Jyothi and Ms. Arika Narsamma, participated in a panel discussion on March 5 @WUR (Wageningen University & Research) in the Netherlands, focusing on the role of women in agriculture and food systems. Sharing her experience from the event, Ms. Arika Narsamma said, “We visited @WUR and took part in a panel discussion on the role of women in agriculture. During the session, researchers presented videos and logbook-based insights explaining how women actively participate in farming activities and share agricultural responsibilities with men. They also showed information on cultivation costs, farm incomes, and the important contributions of women farmers to their families and agricultural livelihoods. The discussion also highlighted the challenges faced by women in agriculture. We shared our own experiences of working with farmer empowerment institutions and the issues we have encountered as women farmers while working closely with farming communities. Researchers and farmers from the Netherlands also spoke about the research and initiatives being undertaken to support farmers and promote gender equality in agriculture, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @NITIAayog @AgriGoI @FAO #WomenInAgriculture #RuralWomen #GlobalFields #SustainableFoodSystems #ClimateResilience #FarmersToTheWorld