Vijayawada: Kerala is set to launch natural farming initiatives across 64 designated plots in its state with support from expertise provided by Andhra Pradesh.
Kerala’s agriculture minister P. Prasad made the announcement in the presence of his AP counterpart Kinjarapu Atchannaidu after a high-level delegation from Kerala visited natural farming fields in NTR and Guntur districts on Thursday.
“This collaboration marks an important milestone in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the boundaries of Andhra Pradesh,” said T. Vijay Kumar, executive vice chairman of Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), which spearheads the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative in AP.
The Kerala delegation’s field visits included live demonstrations of APCNF’s natural farming activities, including use of bio-stimulants and botanical extracts. At Chevuturu village in NTR District, the delegation observed how local farmers reduced input costs by using locally available materials.
In Nuthakki village of Guntur district, Kerala farmers examined A-grade banana model farms with intercropped vegetables. They discussed sustainable practices with the local farmers. The delegation also explored health and nutrition interventions implemented by the women’s self-help groups (SHGs).
Minister Atchannaidu announced plans to visit Kerala and inaugurate the state’s natural farming initiatives, further cementing the interstate cooperation.
The collaboration is an outcome of discussions at the recent Davos Conference, where Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu presented the farmer-scientist course concept, designed to bridge the gap between farmers and scientific advancements.
