RySS Pushes Natural Farming To Raise Farmer Incomes
: Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) CEO Rama Rao on Saturday called for coordinated efforts to strengthen farmer welfare and expand natural farming in Andhra Pradesh, stating that agricultural prosperity is the key to the country’s progress.
Speaking at the Buyer-Seller Network Meeting organized under the Natural Farming (APCNF) initiative managed by the Andhra Pradesh Community in Guntur, he said that chemical-intensive agriculture leads to environmental imbalances, while natural farming offers a sustainable alternative.
Rama Rao said around 12 lakh farmers in the state are practicing natural farming, while another 6.25 lakh farmers have switched under the National Natural Farming Mission. He said Andhra Pradesh’s model has inspired 25 other states and countries, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Zambia.
The meet facilitated direct interaction between farmers and buyers, with entrepreneurs outlining their purchasing requirements. The first purchasing discussions began with the participation of machinery suppliers and logistics providers.
Chandrasekhar, Communications Thematic Lead, addressed concerns about yields and emphasized the need for paid prices, citing evidence on the ground and the Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing method. Marketing Thematic Leader Bijay Narsingh, Rythu Nestham Foundation representatives, district project managers and farmers attended.
