Goal is to make NTR model district for natural farming, says MP

Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath on Sunday (February 22) announced that efforts were on to ensure that all farmers in NTR district adopt natural farming, with the ultimate goal of making the district a model for the entire nation.

Participating in the organic farmers’ festival at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) stadium in the city, the MP said terrace gardening was also being encouraged in urban areas. Soon, seminars on organic farming would be conducted in every mandal through the Kesineni Foundation, the MP said, adding that plans were being made to conduct these seminars for 225 days.

Swachha Andhra Corporation chairperson K. Pattabhiram said there was a need to collectively promote organic cultivation. He added that 107 waste processing centres were being established in the State, which would produce 1,500 metric tonnes of organic manure every day, which would then be supplied to farmers at very low prices.

Twenty-Point Implementation programme chairman Lanka Dinakar said both Central and State budgets have allocated funds for natural farming.

NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha explained the implementation of a traceability system using QR codes, enabling consumers to access details from seed to sale. He said the initiative would enhance transparency and build consumer confidence in certified organic products.

The event was organised by the NTR District administration in association with Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, Society for Vibrant Vijayawada and Shreyas Farmers Society. Exhibits at the venue showcased indigenous cow-based products, bio-inputs, regenerative agriculture initiatives, terrace gardening models, organic produce from self-help groups and traditional seed varieties.