Telangana Emerges As Leader In Natural Farming, Turmeric Production Prove Huge Success
Hyderabad: Telangana has topped the country with 5.53 lakh hectares under chemical-free practices, according to a recent report presented in the Lok Sabha. The report also praised Telangana’s leadership in natural farming.
The report stated that more than 4.52 lakh farmers have adopted this change. Government data reveals 489 clusters covering 24,736 hectares under the National Natural Farming Mission in the state. In March 2026, the kits reached 61,125 new farmers for the Kharif rollout.
Central funds have increased significantly from just Rs 17.96 lakh in 2024-25 to Rs 13.23 billion in 2025-26. The state was receiving less funding due to inadequate certification.
Turmeric shined the most in natural farming. Demonstrations showed that natural yields dropped by only 9.78 percent compared to chemically treated crops, but organic crops yielded more for farmers. Biological inputs like Jeevamritha have reduced costs to a great extent. While natural agriculture yields 20-25 tons per hectare, chemical agriculture yields 22-28 tons, but the second application erodes the health of the soil.
Progressive farmer Ramulu from Nizamabad highlighted the gains. “Last season, I reduced chemical costs by thousands. My farm achieved a yield of 23 tons of turmeric per hectare and was sold at a high price. The soil of my farm is now full of worms; it is reviving after decades,” he said.
Noted agricultural expert Prof Seeta Mahalaxmi described the change as transformative. “Turmeric leaves behind the 20 per cent yield drop in paddy. Brinjal loses only three per cent, while fruits like mangoes remain stable. Curcumin production increases by 5-10 per cent with natural farming,” he said. Telangana’s 979 Krishi Sakhi trains thousands of farmers. Prof. Mahalaxmi said although the state wants to replace organic/natural practices in 4,000 villages by 2047, this target could be met much earlier.
“The demand for natural products in premium markets in Hyderabad is increasing by 30 percent every year. The demand is rapidly pushing natural farming.” Prof. Mahalaxmi said farmers are turning to more spices and vegetables through natural fertilizer methods and the results could be seen in the next two to three years.
