Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming

Continuing the conversation on Natural Farming and climate resilience! Part 2 of the exclusive interview with @vijaythallam , Executive Vice Chairman, #RythuSadhikaraSamstha, on #NaturalFarming and #ElNino will be telecast on @DDNational on 1 November at 5:10 PM. 🎥 Watch the promo: youtu.be/-f3w9e786hI Tune in and join the conversation on building climate resilient farming systems! @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ElNino #PMDS #SeedPelletisation #ClimateResilience #Doordarshan

As #CycloneArnab impacts farmers in Marepalli village, Anakapalli district, the contrasting experiences of #NaturalFarming farmer Varalakshmi and chemical farmer Erukanaidu highlight the importance of farming practices in building climate resilience. After five years of Natural Farming and #PMDS, Varalakshmi’s field remains healthy without chemical inputs. In contrast, Erikanaidu, who used DAP and urea, witnessed his crop lodging, resulting in heavy losses. Their experiences underline how Natural Farming can help strengthen farm resilience against extreme weather events and encourage farmers to explore sustainable alternatives. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilience #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture #ChemicalFreeFarming #SoilHealth #HealthySoils #FarmerStories #FarmersVoices #ResilientAgriculture #Agroecology

When #CycloneArnab left fields flooded, the difference was visible in the crops. In Nellipudi village, Polavaram district, black gram fields told two different stories after heavy rains. Farmer Dummula Nagendrudu’s 2-acre #NaturalFarming field stood green and upright even after three days of inundation during the first cyclone and another day during the second. Nearby chemical farming fields showed yellowing leaves, drying plants and a weak crop stand. One field stood firm. Others showed visible stress. This comparison offers a compelling field level insight into how farming practices can influence crop performance under extreme weather. As Cyclone Arnab brings renewed attention to climate risks, the question is no longer just how much a crop can produce, but how well it can withstand the unexpected. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CycloneArnab #NaturalFarming #ClimateResilience #FarmerResilience #ClimateSmartAgriculture

Natural Farming Builds Crop Resilience! In Jami village, Vizianagaram district, farmer Varri Ernayudu’s 6 acre paddy field, cultivating Samba Masuri under #NaturalFarming, is at the grain filling stage. Through #PMDS (15 kg of seeds sown on 3 June 2026), Dhravajeevamrutham applied twice at 15 day intervals, and botanical extract applied twice, he is nurturing a healthy crop without chemical fertilizers. In contrast, a neighbouring 4.4 acre conventional paddy field cultivated by Ernibabu using urea, DAP and potash has experienced different crop conditions. Farmers observe that the Natural Farming field has stronger crop growth and has remained standing despite strong winds, demonstrating the potential of Natural Farming to strengthen crop resilience under challenging weather conditions. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilience #FarmerSuccess #SustainableAgriculture

A Crop Cutting Experiment conducted on 28 October 2026 at Mutong, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, assessed paddy variety 300 Jrong under #NaturalFarming and conventional farming. In a 25 sq. m plot, NF recorded a wet yield of 5.62 kg compared to 2.01 kg under conventional farming. NF plants also demonstrated longer roots (30.48 cm), more tillers per hill (14), more effective tillers (11) and more grains per panicle (125), compared to a root length of 18 cm, tillers per hill as (6), effective tillers as (5) and grains per panicle as (37), respectively, under conventional farming. These initial findings offer encouraging insights into the progress of Natural Farming efforts in Meghalaya. Longer roots can improve access to water and nutrients, while more effective tillers and grains per panicle contribute to yield potential. The higher presence of earthworms in the NF plot also points to encouraging soil biological activity, supporting soil structure, aeration and nutrient cycling. Such field level assessments help document progress, build evidence and strengthen farmers’ understanding of the potential of Natural Farming to improve crop performance and soil health. #PaddyCultivation #CropCuttingExperiment #SoilHealth #SoilBiology #SustainableAgriculture #FarmerLedInnovation #RegenerativeAgriculture @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian

A Natural Farming Champion Building Resilience Against El Nino! When her husband suffered a stroke, Esther Rani from Miduthuru village, Anantapur district, began exploring healthier food options and learned about #NaturalFarming and began the journey with the Suryamandalam #KitchenGarden model after learning about @APCNF food . Inspired by its benefits, she leased one acre of land to grow vegetables and supplied them to nearby schools through the #AnyTimeMoney model. In her third year, she expanded into cotton cultivation with vegetable intercropping and #PMDS. “Even #ElNino couldn’t affect my farm,” she proudly shares. Today, she also supplies millets to cities, earns a better daily income, educates her two children, and has become a role model for neighbouring farmers. Esther’s journey showcases how #APCNF empowers women farmers, strengthens climate resilience, improves livelihoods, and builds healthier communities. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ATMModel #Suryamandalam #ElNinoResilience #WomenInAgriculture #FarmerSuccessStory #SustainableAgriculture

Transforming Mango Orchards Through PMDS: Radha’s Inspiring Journey! Radha, a farmer from Yerajarla village, Prakasam district, has integrated #PMDS into her mango orchard, sowing a diverse mix of nearly 30 seed varieties, including cereals, millets, pulses and legumes. The impact? Softer soil, improved moisture retention and increased butterfly activity, reflecting a more vibrant farm ecosystem. Alongside mangoes and lemons, Radha has reduced cultivation costs and reports nearly 50% higher mango income. Of the 100 bags of mangoes harvested, she sold 70, shared 20 with relatives and kept 10 for her family. Her experience demonstrates how soil cover and seed diversity can nurture biodiversity, strengthen soil health and improve farm livelihoods through #NaturalFarming. Healthier soil. Richer biodiversity. Better livelihoods. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #SoilHealth #Biodiversity #SustainableAgriculture

The two day State Level Workshop on the Annual Cadre Field Verification Process 2026 aims to strengthen field level monitoring, assessment and coordination across #APCNF. Planned activities include orientation on field verification procedures, hands on exercises on assessment forms and data collection, district wise planning, evaluation of cadre performance, identification of training needs, and discussions on challenges and improvements. Speaking at the workshop, @vijaythallam, Executive Vice Chairman, highlighted that the state is facing unprecedented drought conditions due to #ElNino. He emphasised that #NaturalFarming farmers are offering practical solutions to address these challenges through seed pelleting, #PMDS and 365 Days Green Cover, while adapting diverse Natural Farming models to farmers’ needs and local conditions. The workshop will help standardise verification processes, improve data accuracy, strengthen cadre accountability and ensure effective implementation of these climate resilient farming practices on the ground. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilientAgriculture #SeedPelleting #365DaysGreenCover #FarmerScientists #SustainableAgriculture

APCNF’s Natural Farming Knowledge in Action – Rajasthan The #APCNF National Resource Organisation continues to strengthen Natural Farming practices beyond Andhra Pradesh. In Seloo village, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, a Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) was conducted in the maize field of Bhagavan Laal ji, a second year #PMDS farmer, by the NRO team. Through systematic field measurements and crop observations, the team assessed plant growth, root development, rhizosphere, cob formation and grain yield demonstrating APCNF’s commitment to scientific field assessment, farmer learning and the wider dissemination of #NaturalFarming practices. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CropCuttingExperiment #NRO #FarmerScientist #Rajasthan

Strengthening Paddy Cultivation through Natural Farming in Meghalaya In Mukhla Shohshrieh, West Jaintia Hills, a crop-cutting experiment on the 300 Jrong paddy variety compared crop growth and yield under Natural Farming and conventional farming. The Natural Farming plot recorded taller plants (139 cm compared with 110.2 cm), more tillers per hill (15 compared with 6), and more grains per panicle (147 compared with 128). It also recorded a higher yield of 13.22 kg from a 25 m² plot, compared with 8.34 kg under conventional farming. Together, these measurements highlight differences in crop growth, grain formation and yield between the two farming practices. Such field comparisons contribute to the growing evidence and learning on Natural Farming. Through collaboration and farmer peer learning, the APCNF model is being seeded across 22 states, supporting locally adapted transitions to Natural Farming across diverse agroecological conditions. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian @meg_srlm #NaturalFarming #Meghalaya #PaddyCultivation #WestJaintiaHills #FarmerLed #Agroecology

Can Natural Farming help farmers withstand climate challenges like El Niño? @vijaythallam , Executive Vice Chairman, #RythuSadhikaraSamstha, shares insights on Natural Farming, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture in an interview with @DDNational (DD). 📺 Tune in on 18 October at 5:10 PM to watch the programme! 🎥 Watch the promo here: youtube.com/watch?v=C3FIQR1h… @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @AndhraPradeshCM #APCNF #RySS #NaturalFarming #ElNino #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture

Strengthening Community Institutions for Natural Farming Expanding Natural Farming across Meghalaya calls for strong community institutions, committed field teams and farmer-led adoption. At a debriefing meeting in Shillong, chaired by the COO of the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), the meeting reviewed block-level progress and the performance of newly deployed Extension Community Resource Persons (ECRPs). Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, interacted with Internal Community Resource Persons (ICRPs) from different regions. They shared that seeing farmers adopt Natural Farming and recognising its contribution to better health brought them satisfaction in their work. Emphasising the connection between Natural Farming and health, Shri Sampath Kumar described it as “medicine and health” and outlined strategies to extend Natural Farming to more villages. He stressed the need to build demand within communities and directed the COO to ensure that all MSRLS staff, including Community Coordinators (General), actively contribute to its promotion. The meeting reinforced the importance of community engagement and coordinated institutional efforts in advancing Natural Farming across Meghalaya. Expanding Natural Farming across Meghalaya requires strong community institutions, committed field teams and farmer-led adoption. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @vishyteki @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #NaturalFarming #Meghalaya #MSRLS #CommunityInstitutions #CommunityManagedNaturalFarming #FarmerLed #Agroecology

APCNF Executive Vice Chairman, RySS, @vijaythallam, visited #NaturalFarming and #PMDS plots across Kapulapalle, Alluru, Sanjamala and Bhupanapadu in Nandyal district, along with district officials. He reviewed the five layer horticulture model, Bengal gram and paddy A-Grade models, emphasising that farmers should “avoid ploughing and utilise PMDS green cover directly as nutritious cattle fodder.” Minimising tillage helps preserve soil structure, reduce moisture loss and protect soil microbial activity, while utilising the green biomass as fodder provides valuable livestock feed. He also visited Sadananda BRC to review kitchen garden kit distribution and later interacted with #APCNF cadre and farmers during a review meeting at Sanjamala Grama Sachivalayam, reinforcing sustainable and climate resilient farming practices. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilientAgriculture #SoilHealth #SoilMoistureConservation #ClimateResilientAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture

A five day Mentor Capacity Building Training Programme for @iggaarl Mentor Interns is being conducted from 13–17 October 2026, equipping participants with essential skills in digital storytelling and communication. The programme covers story development, scriptwriting, photography, videography, frame composition, video editing , social media content creation, poster and thumbnail designing, and PowerPoint presentations. It also strengthens their understanding of digital communication ethics, copyright, intellectual property rights, source attribution, and social media account management. Through hands on learning and practical exercises, participants are developing the capacity to document field level innovations, capture compelling farmer success stories, and create engaging digital content that communicates the impact of #NaturalFarming. These skills will enable them to transform grassroots experiences into powerful narratives, strengthen knowledge sharing, and expand the reach and visibility of #APCNF and @iggaarl initiatives. Building communication capacities today to amplify the voices of farmers and advance the Natural Farming movement tomorrow. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CapacityBuilding #DigitalStorytelling #VideoProduction #SocialMediaManagement #FarmerStories

On #WorldFoodDay, #APCNF, underscores the vital link between sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition, and community health. Through women led Self Help Groups (SHGs), Health Sub Committees, and Farmer Nutrition Schools, APCNF promotes collective learning and behavioural change, empowering women to share knowledge on cultivating diverse crops, processing traditional foods, and adopting healthier food consumption practices. Through its Food Basket Programme, the Health & Nutrition Wing encourages households to plan diverse diets incorporating staples, pulses, millets, oilseeds, and other locally available nutritious foods. Hands on nutrition education, healthy recipe demonstrations, and institutional convergence with Anganwadi centres and schools further strengthen awareness of balanced diets and healthy eating habits among children and communities. By connecting farm level diversity with dietary diversity, APCNF is advancing a holistic food system that nurtures healthier families and more nutrition secure communities. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian @NITIAayog @AgriGoI #FoodSecurity #NutritionSecurity #WomenEmpowerment #FoodBasket #HealthyCommunities

As part of a three day exposure visit to Andhra Pradesh, the@PRADAN_India team from Jharkhand visited Kothapalem village in Bondapalli Mandal, Vizianagaram district, to gain practical insights into #APCNF and understand how community mobilisation drives the adoption of #NaturalFarming. The team interacted with women’s Self Help Group leaders, SHG members, Village Organisation representatives and APCNF cadres to understand the role of community institutions in promoting Natural Farming. At the Paddy A-Grade Model, managed by Farmer Mentor Smt. Ch. Kasulamma, participants observed field level Natural Farming practices. A live demonstration of drone spraying of Palupathra Kashayam in a paddy field showcased the integration of traditional Natural Farming preparations with modern technology. The team also visited a Paddy Compact Block to understand how Natural Farming is promoted across clusters of paddy fields and explored the Any Time Money Model managed by Mentor Intern Sri Sanyasinaidu. The field exposure highlighted the importance of community participation, farmer mentorship and practical demonstrations in scaling Natural Farming. These learnings provide valuable insights for the PRADAN team to explore and adapt community led approaches in farming communities across Jharkhand. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CommunityMobilisation #WomenInAgriculture #AgroecologicalTransformation #KnowledgeExchange #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateResilientAgriculture #PMDS #SeedPelletisation

The @CEEWIndia team visited Visakhapatnam district to understand diverse categories of #PMDS farmers and their cultivation practices under #APCNF. Through Focus Group Discussions and farmer interactions in Maddi, Palavalasa, and Tarluwada villages, the team explored farmers’ experiences with PMDS for fodder, household consumption, and marketing, while engaging with women farmers, first time adopters and non adopters. The team also observed PMDS crops on fallow lands and rainfed vegetable cultivation, interacting with partial and complete #NaturalFarming adopters as well as chemical farming practitioners. The visit provided valuable insights into PMDS adoption patterns, farmers’ experiences, and the opportunities and challenges in scaling climate resilient farming practices. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #SeedPelletisation #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture

To strengthen preparedness against #ElNino and build climate resilient farming systems, #APCNF is distributing El Nino booklets across Andhra Pradesh as part of its comprehensive Agricultural Action Plan for September 2026–June 2027. The initiative aims to equip farmers with practical guidance on climate resilient farming practices, soil moisture conservation, crop planning, and farm management to mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells. The booklets are being released across districts by the respective District Collectors and officials, reinforcing the importance of proactive planning and Natural Farming practices to help farmers navigate climate uncertainties and safeguard their agricultural livelihoods. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilientAgriculture #FarmerResilience #SustainableAgriculture #PMDS #SeedPelletisation

On #WorldRuralWomensDay, #APCNF celebrates the invaluable role of rural women in transforming agriculture and nurturing healthier communities. With the support of #APCNF, women farmers are leading the transition from chemical intensive farming to #NaturalFarming by adopting nature based practices, conserving biodiversity and restoring soil health. Beyond the fields, this transition is inspiring positive behavioural changes in their everyday lives, including greater awareness of food quality, nutrition, healthy cooking practices and the importance of safe, diverse food for their families. By embracing Natural Farming and promoting healthier food habits, rural women are contributing to resilient livelihoods, improved family well being and a more sustainable future. They are not just cultivating crops they are nurturing healthier families, strengthening communities and sowing the seeds of change for generations to come. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #WomenInAgriculture #WomenFarmers #HealthyFamilies #SustainableAgriculture #WomenEmpowerment

Taking #NaturalFarming Learning Forward | Field Visit to Kothapatnam, Prakasam District Continuing the cross state knowledge exchange, a team from the M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation (@mssrf) visited #NaturalFarming fields in Kothapatnam and Rangayapalem villages of Kothapatnam Mandal, Prakasam district, under the #APCNF programme implemented by #RythuSadhikaraSamstha. The team visited the Ankammathalli Bio Resource Centre in Kothapatnam village, where members demonstrated the preparation of botanical extracts and natural farming bio inputs and explained APCNF’s nine universal principles and their significance. The team subsequently visited the Natural Farming fields of farmers Ramalingam, Jyothi and Kata Surendra, learning about their cultivation practices, field experiences and the differences between chemical based farming and Natural Farming. Interactions with women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) members provided insights into their role in expanding Natural Farming at the community level. The team also explored the Natural Farming Food Basket initiative, implemented through the Health and Nutrition vertical, interacting with beneficiaries to understand its benefits and the Natural Farming products they consume. The visit was conducted under the supervision of District Project Manager Smt. Subhashini, with the participation of MSSRF researchers, RySS state-level representatives, agriculture department officials, Natural Farming staff and farmers. Through direct engagement with farmers, community institutions and beneficiaries, these visits strengthen knowledge exchange and showcase how community led Natural Farming can support sustainable agriculture, nutrition and rural livelihoods. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #KnowledgeExchange #WomenInAgriculture #FoodBasket #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityLedDevelopment