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Andhra Pradesh Natural Farming Boosts Yields & Incomes by 30%, Report Shows

A joint government and UN Environment Programme initiative promoting natural farming in Andhra Pradesh has led to at least a 30% increase in both productivity and farmer incomes. The project, which has already reached over 3 million farmers, uses natural bio-stimulants instead of chemical fertilizers to revive soil microbes and improve fertility. Local practitioners report improved soil quality and reduced spending on inputs, leading to higher earnings. The initiative also focuses on connecting farmers to markets and building consumer confidence through certification to ensure sustainable cultivation.

Key Points: Natural Farming in Andhra Pradesh Increases Incomes by 30%

  • 30% rise in productivity & income
  • Reached over 3 million farmers
  • Forgoes chemical fertilizers for natural bio-stimulants
  • Improves soil fertility and reduces costs
  • Engages private sector for market access
2 min read

Natural farming boosts productivity, incomes by 30 pc in Andhra Pradesh: Report

A UNEP-backed natural farming project in Andhra Pradesh reports over 30% gains in productivity and farmer incomes, reaching 3 million farmers.

"Small quantities of bio‑stimulants will trigger the soil microbes. After some years, we will not even need them when the soil becomes fertile. - Dinesh Kumar"

New Delhi, April 17

A project run by government and UN Environment Programme promoting natural farming in Andhra Pradesh caused at least 30 per cent increase in productivity and farmer incomes, a new report has said.

The initiative has already reached over 3 million farmers, with plans to double that number and share lessons globally, the report from the UNEP said.

The project namely Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming initiative (APCNF), which evolved from a 2004 Community Managed Sustainable Agriculture programme, forgoes use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides for natural bio‑stimulants made from ingredients such as cow urine and dung.

The bio-stimulant will revive soil microbes which will bolster soil fertility by breaking down organic matter and minerals, releasing nutrients.

"Small quantities of bio‑stimulants will trigger the soil microbes. After some years, we will not even need them when the soil becomes fertile," Dinesh Kumar, a local government official said.

Diverse plants will feed the soil, and the soil will remain healthy, feeding the plants in turn without any need for external fertilisers, the report explained the philosophy of the program.

Andhra Pradesh has suffered from declining soil fertility due to erratic rainfall and rapidly declining biodiversity due to monocropping.

Madhuri Nanda, Director for South Asia at Rainforest Alliance said monocropping causes soil erosion, water runoff and leaching of nutrients.

Burudi Kumari, a five-year local practitioner of natural farming said that the quality of soil has improved, and she spends less money on fertiliser, increasing his earnings.

Kumari is now a lead farmer in her self-help group, helping others make the transition. "I was very proud to be elected as a lead farmer introducing others to natural farming," she said.

Sustainable food cultivation also depends on sufficient earnings for farmers and so the initiative has been engaging with the private sector, connecting farmers to markets, and increasing consumer confidence through certification and traceability.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in sustainable agriculture, this report is encouraging. The scale—3 million farmers—is impressive. The key will be maintaining that soil health long-term and ensuring market linkages work for the farmers. Hope the lessons are shared widely.
P
Priyanka N
Using cow dung and urine... our ancestors knew this all along! It's called "jeevamrutham." Good to see modern programs going back to these proven, low-cost methods. It's not just about yield, it's about the health of the land for our future generations.
D
David E
While the results are promising, the article mentions the initiative started in 2004. That's a 20-year timeline. How scalable and fast is this transition for a country that needs to feed 1.4 billion people? We need a balanced approach that includes science-backed modern techniques too.
K
Kavya N
The most important part is connecting farmers to markets and certification. My mother only buys vegetables from a local natural farming co-op now. She says the taste is different. If consumers are willing to pay a bit more for trust, farmers will benefit. Well done AP!
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Aman W
Monocropping and chemical overuse ruined our family's land in Punjab. Stories like Burudi Kumari's give hope. The shift is hard initially, but becoming a "lead farmer" and helping the community is a brilliant model. More power to our Annadatas! 👨‍🌾

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