Under the MoU, natural farming will be scaled up from one million farmers to six million farmers. The collaboration between the three agencies will focus on key areas, such as resource mobilisation, post-harvest infrastructure, market expansion, AI-driven research and international partnerships.
The signatories to the MoU are RySS executive vice chairman T. Vijay Kumar, Pegasus Capital Advisers founder and CEO Craig Cogut and Producers’ Trust founder and CEO Keith Agoada.
Speaking on the occasion, Craig Cogut expressed confidence that the tripartite collaboration will pave the way for infrastructure and technology in natural farming, which will have a transformational impact on human health and drive the local economy.
Keith Agoada appreciated the leadership of Andhra Pradesh in natural farming. “It is an honour to see Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu focusing on certification, traceability and data to strengthen the expansion of natural farming.”
Vijay Kumar said, “With strong interest shown by global buyers and governments, the MoU will enhance value chains, secure sustainable funding, and drive innovation in the agricultural sector. This initiative will not only empower millions of farmers, but also promote a resilient and eco-friendly farming ecosystem, strengthening the position of Andhra Pradesh as a global leader in natural farming.”
He emphasised on the role of women SHGs in driving the natural farming initiative, stating, “What we offer is a larger canvas, where the SHGs will take the lead in expansion of natural farming through established networks and local supply chains.”
Adviser to Pegasus Capital Gina McCarthy highlighted the importance of community-driven initiatives saying, “We look forward to a great partnership that focuses on strengthening the work of APCNF (Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming), which is building local commercial enterprises that care about people.”
Special chief secretary (Agriculture) B. Rajasekhar underscored the state’s long-term vision underlining, “Our Chief Minister has a 2047 vision, wherein our top priority is to leverage deep tech and natural farming in agriculture.
Others who participated in the meeting include RySS CEO B. Rama Rao, Integration adviser G. Muralidhar and senior officials.
