Gujarat Team Praises APCNF Natural Farming Model During Guntur Visit
A Gujarat delegation visiting Guntur district lauded the APCNF model for its visible benefits, including healthier crops, biodiversity, and improved farmer incomes.
A ten-member delegation from Gujarat recently toured Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh to study the Andhra Pradesh Community-managed Natural Farming (APCNF) model. The visitors expressed appreciation for the visible changes in farmers' fields, noting a clear shift from chemical-based agriculture to natural methods, along with increased crop diversity, improved soil health, and better income opportunities.
The delegation examined several natural farming sites implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) and interacted with local farmers. At Pidaparthi, they visited Vijay Kumar's POP model, where about 35 crop and plant varieties are grown on just 30 cents of land, yielding a monthly income of ₹13,000 to ₹15,000. The team noted the favorable microclimate and the presence of beneficial insects.
At another site, they observed Ratnakumari's A-Grade okra plot, which included more than ten intercrops and banana border plantations. Compared to a neighboring chemical-farming field, the natural plot showed healthier plants with fewer signs of virus or leaf curl.
In Munnangi, the delegation saw a five-acre paddy compact block managed by Mastan Bhi. Officials explained how Azolla is used to suppress weeds and enrich soil. The team also inspected sticky plates, pheromone traps, and L-shaped bund plantations designed for pest monitoring and biodiversity promotion.
At Atthota, the delegation met farmer Bapayya, who was commended for his work in conserving indigenous paddy varieties and traditional seeds. The visit underscored the APCNF model's potential as a scalable approach for sustainable agriculture.