Global Team to Evaluate Nature Farming Initiatives in Chittoor

Tirupati: A 60-member international delegation will visit Chittoor district on November 27  and 28 to review the Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) project. Organised by the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha with the support of the state government, the innovative natural farming initiatives have attracted global attention.

District collector S. Shanmohan, said on Sunday that the delegation represents organisations from Laos, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Peru and includes experts from CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), WorldFish, Alliance, Bioversity International, Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) and National Agricultural Research Institute of Burkina Faso (INERA). On arrival, the team will directly go to the drought-affected villages across the state. Divided into two groups, each will cover four villages per day.

On day 1, the first group will explore Gokarlapalli and Sigalapalli villages in Gudupalli mandal from 3 pm to 5 pm. They will inspect nature farms under APCNF, followed by meetings with women groups and farmers. On the second day, they will visit Ankireddypalli village in Ramakuppam mandal. Activities include seed capsule preparation, draft-proof model visits, ATM models, seed planting and interactions with young farmers, mentors and impoverished groups to understand APCNF benefits.

The second group will spend day 1 at Kallurupalli village, Bangurapalem mandal, analysing the differences between natural and chemical farms. They will then explore ideal agriculture fields. On the second day, they will travel to Charavaganipalli village, Penumuru mandal. Activities include seed pellet demo, Drought-Proof Model inspection, seed planting and discussions with Gram Samaikya Sangam on expanding natural farming and women’s roles.

The collector said the meetings with agricultural scientists, mentors, young farmers, and farmer entrepreneurs would provide an in-depth understanding of the success and challenges faced by the APCNF project. This international assessment is expected to further enhance the global visibility of Andhra Pradesh's initiatives in sustainable and nature-based farming.