VIJAYAWADA: Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) executive vice chairman T. Vijay Kumar reiterated that natural farming offers practical solutions to the climate crisis by way of 365-day green cover and multi-layer cropping.
Addressing a four-day Natural Farming Training Programme for a high-level delegation from Kerala, which commenced in Guntur on Saturday, Vijay Kumar maintained that natural farming is an emerging science based on biological mediation in nutrient cycling, water cycling, plant physiology, and pest and weed management. “It offers practical solutions for optimisation of photosynthesis without synthetic chemicals,” he pointed out.
The training programme has brought together 34 high-level persons from Kerala, including scientists from agricultural universities, experts from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and farmer mentor trainers (FMTs). The programme, which will continue till July 29, 2025, is part of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) under the auspices of the Centre of Natural Farming (CoNF) IGGAARL (Indo-German Global Academy for Agro-ecology Research and Learning) of RySS and MANAGE (National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management), Hyderabad.
Speaking to the participants virtually, former Kerala chief secretary S.M. Vijayanand underlined that the Kerala government is committed to adopting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices through collaborative learning.
The programme featured a presentation on the journey of Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF), highlighting its role in improving organic matter within soils, sustainable crop production, and flood resilience.
RySS senior adviser D.V. Raidu explained how year-round green cover and multi-layered cropping systems reduce carbon emissions, improve soil structure and enhance biodiversity. He stressed on farmer-centric natural farming models and importance of knowledge sharing in scaling up natural farming.
On the day, experts including RySS senior Thematic Lead Sudhakar, senior consultant G.R. Dharmendar and consultant K. Ramachandram addressed the technical sessions organised with the help of APCNF staff.
