Can Natural Farming help farmers withstand climate challenges like El Niño? @vijaythallam , Executive Vice Chairman, #RythuSadhikaraSamstha, shares insights on Natural Farming, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture in an interview with @DDNational (DD). 📺 Tune in on 18 October at 5:10 PM to watch the programme! 🎥 Watch the promo here: youtube.com/watch?v=C3FIQR1h… @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @AndhraPradeshCM #APCNF #RySS #NaturalFarming #ElNino #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture

Strengthening Community Institutions for Natural Farming Expanding Natural Farming across Meghalaya calls for strong community institutions, committed field teams and farmer-led adoption. At a debriefing meeting in Shillong, chaired by the COO of the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), the meeting reviewed block-level progress and the performance of newly deployed Extension Community Resource Persons (ECRPs). Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Meghalaya, interacted with Internal Community Resource Persons (ICRPs) from different regions. They shared that seeing farmers adopt Natural Farming and recognising its contribution to better health brought them satisfaction in their work. Emphasising the connection between Natural Farming and health, Shri Sampath Kumar described it as “medicine and health” and outlined strategies to extend Natural Farming to more villages. He stressed the need to build demand within communities and directed the COO to ensure that all MSRLS staff, including Community Coordinators (General), actively contribute to its promotion. The meeting reinforced the importance of community engagement and coordinated institutional efforts in advancing Natural Farming across Meghalaya. Expanding Natural Farming across Meghalaya requires strong community institutions, committed field teams and farmer-led adoption. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @vishyteki @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #NaturalFarming #Meghalaya #MSRLS #CommunityInstitutions #CommunityManagedNaturalFarming #FarmerLed #Agroecology

APCNF Executive Vice Chairman, RySS, @vijaythallam, visited #NaturalFarming and #PMDS plots across Kapulapalle, Alluru, Sanjamala and Bhupanapadu in Nandyal district, along with district officials. He reviewed the five layer horticulture model, Bengal gram and paddy A-Grade models, emphasising that farmers should “avoid ploughing and utilise PMDS green cover directly as nutritious cattle fodder.” Minimising tillage helps preserve soil structure, reduce moisture loss and protect soil microbial activity, while utilising the green biomass as fodder provides valuable livestock feed. He also visited Sadananda BRC to review kitchen garden kit distribution and later interacted with #APCNF cadre and farmers during a review meeting at Sanjamala Grama Sachivalayam, reinforcing sustainable and climate resilient farming practices. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilientAgriculture #SoilHealth #SoilMoistureConservation #ClimateResilientAgriculture #SustainableAgriculture

A five day Mentor Capacity Building Training Programme for @iggaarl Mentor Interns is being conducted from 13–17 October 2026, equipping participants with essential skills in digital storytelling and communication. The programme covers story development, scriptwriting, photography, videography, frame composition, video editing , social media content creation, poster and thumbnail designing, and PowerPoint presentations. It also strengthens their understanding of digital communication ethics, copyright, intellectual property rights, source attribution, and social media account management. Through hands on learning and practical exercises, participants are developing the capacity to document field level innovations, capture compelling farmer success stories, and create engaging digital content that communicates the impact of #NaturalFarming. These skills will enable them to transform grassroots experiences into powerful narratives, strengthen knowledge sharing, and expand the reach and visibility of #APCNF and @iggaarl initiatives. Building communication capacities today to amplify the voices of farmers and advance the Natural Farming movement tomorrow. @vijaythallam @AndhraPradeshCM @rajbudithi65 @ap_agriculture @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CapacityBuilding #DigitalStorytelling #VideoProduction #SocialMediaManagement #FarmerStories

On #WorldFoodDay, #APCNF, underscores the vital link between sustainable agriculture, food security, nutrition, and community health. Through women led Self Help Groups (SHGs), Health Sub Committees, and Farmer Nutrition Schools, APCNF promotes collective learning and behavioural change, empowering women to share knowledge on cultivating diverse crops, processing traditional foods, and adopting healthier food consumption practices. Through its Food Basket Programme, the Health & Nutrition Wing encourages households to plan diverse diets incorporating staples, pulses, millets, oilseeds, and other locally available nutritious foods. Hands on nutrition education, healthy recipe demonstrations, and institutional convergence with Anganwadi centres and schools further strengthen awareness of balanced diets and healthy eating habits among children and communities. By connecting farm level diversity with dietary diversity, APCNF is advancing a holistic food system that nurtures healthier families and more nutrition secure communities. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian @NITIAayog @AgriGoI #FoodSecurity #NutritionSecurity #WomenEmpowerment #FoodBasket #HealthyCommunities

As part of a three day exposure visit to Andhra Pradesh, the@PRADAN_India team from Jharkhand visited Kothapalem village in Bondapalli Mandal, Vizianagaram district, to gain practical insights into #APCNF and understand how community mobilisation drives the adoption of #NaturalFarming. The team interacted with women’s Self Help Group leaders, SHG members, Village Organisation representatives and APCNF cadres to understand the role of community institutions in promoting Natural Farming. At the Paddy A-Grade Model, managed by Farmer Mentor Smt. Ch. Kasulamma, participants observed field level Natural Farming practices. A live demonstration of drone spraying of Palupathra Kashayam in a paddy field showcased the integration of traditional Natural Farming preparations with modern technology. The team also visited a Paddy Compact Block to understand how Natural Farming is promoted across clusters of paddy fields and explored the Any Time Money Model managed by Mentor Intern Sri Sanyasinaidu. The field exposure highlighted the importance of community participation, farmer mentorship and practical demonstrations in scaling Natural Farming. These learnings provide valuable insights for the PRADAN team to explore and adapt community led approaches in farming communities across Jharkhand. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #CommunityMobilisation #WomenInAgriculture #AgroecologicalTransformation #KnowledgeExchange #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateResilientAgriculture #PMDS #SeedPelletisation

The @CEEWIndia team visited Visakhapatnam district to understand diverse categories of #PMDS farmers and their cultivation practices under #APCNF. Through Focus Group Discussions and farmer interactions in Maddi, Palavalasa, and Tarluwada villages, the team explored farmers’ experiences with PMDS for fodder, household consumption, and marketing, while engaging with women farmers, first time adopters and non adopters. The team also observed PMDS crops on fallow lands and rainfed vegetable cultivation, interacting with partial and complete #NaturalFarming adopters as well as chemical farming practitioners. The visit provided valuable insights into PMDS adoption patterns, farmers’ experiences, and the opportunities and challenges in scaling climate resilient farming practices. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #SeedPelletisation #ClimateResilience #SustainableAgriculture

To strengthen preparedness against #ElNino and build climate resilient farming systems, #APCNF is distributing El Nino booklets across Andhra Pradesh as part of its comprehensive Agricultural Action Plan for September 2026–June 2027. The initiative aims to equip farmers with practical guidance on climate resilient farming practices, soil moisture conservation, crop planning, and farm management to mitigate the impacts of erratic rainfall and prolonged dry spells. The booklets are being released across districts by the respective District Collectors and officials, reinforcing the importance of proactive planning and Natural Farming practices to help farmers navigate climate uncertainties and safeguard their agricultural livelihoods. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #ClimateResilientAgriculture #FarmerResilience #SustainableAgriculture #PMDS #SeedPelletisation

On #WorldRuralWomensDay, #APCNF celebrates the invaluable role of rural women in transforming agriculture and nurturing healthier communities. With the support of #APCNF, women farmers are leading the transition from chemical intensive farming to #NaturalFarming by adopting nature based practices, conserving biodiversity and restoring soil health. Beyond the fields, this transition is inspiring positive behavioural changes in their everyday lives, including greater awareness of food quality, nutrition, healthy cooking practices and the importance of safe, diverse food for their families. By embracing Natural Farming and promoting healthier food habits, rural women are contributing to resilient livelihoods, improved family well being and a more sustainable future. They are not just cultivating crops they are nurturing healthier families, strengthening communities and sowing the seeds of change for generations to come. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #WomenInAgriculture #WomenFarmers #HealthyFamilies #SustainableAgriculture #WomenEmpowerment

Taking #NaturalFarming Learning Forward | Field Visit to Kothapatnam, Prakasam District Continuing the cross state knowledge exchange, a team from the M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation (@mssrf) visited #NaturalFarming fields in Kothapatnam and Rangayapalem villages of Kothapatnam Mandal, Prakasam district, under the #APCNF programme implemented by #RythuSadhikaraSamstha. The team visited the Ankammathalli Bio Resource Centre in Kothapatnam village, where members demonstrated the preparation of botanical extracts and natural farming bio inputs and explained APCNF’s nine universal principles and their significance. The team subsequently visited the Natural Farming fields of farmers Ramalingam, Jyothi and Kata Surendra, learning about their cultivation practices, field experiences and the differences between chemical based farming and Natural Farming. Interactions with women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) members provided insights into their role in expanding Natural Farming at the community level. The team also explored the Natural Farming Food Basket initiative, implemented through the Health and Nutrition vertical, interacting with beneficiaries to understand its benefits and the Natural Farming products they consume. The visit was conducted under the supervision of District Project Manager Smt. Subhashini, with the participation of MSSRF researchers, RySS state-level representatives, agriculture department officials, Natural Farming staff and farmers. Through direct engagement with farmers, community institutions and beneficiaries, these visits strengthen knowledge exchange and showcase how community led Natural Farming can support sustainable agriculture, nutrition and rural livelihoods. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @FoodPlanetPrize @FCGulbenkian #KnowledgeExchange #WomenInAgriculture #FoodBasket #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityLedDevelopment

Andhra Pradesh’s community managed Natural Farming model continues to attract interest from across India! As reported by @DeccanChronicle, teams from Jharkhand’s @PRADAN_India and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (@mssrf) visited Andhra Pradesh to learn about its #NaturalFarming practices and community led approaches to sustainable agriculture. As part of a three day exposure visit to the North Coastal districts, the PRADAN farmers’ team participated in a training programme in Vizianagaram district on 13 October 2026, combining classroom sessions with practical field demonstrations. The programme highlighted the science behind Natural Farming, #APCNF’s nine principles, the One Health approach, the impact of #PMDS on soil health, and the role of women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) in expanding Natural Farming. During the field visit to Jonnavalasa village, participants observed the preparation and use of natural farming bio inputs, including Jeevamrutham, Ghanajeevamrutham, Beejamrutham, Palupatra Kashayam, Neemastram, Agniastram and Sour Buttermilk. Live demonstrations of bio input quality parameters and the APCNF nine principle wheel model connected scientific concepts with practical farming applications. The interactive sessions encouraged farmer to farmer knowledge sharing, experience exchange and discussions on replicating these practices in Jharkhand. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Sri G. Vijay Kumar, District Project Manager, with the participation of district and cluster-level teams and Natural Farming practitioners. Through such cross state learning initiatives, APCNF continues to strengthen partnerships and promote sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture through community-led knowledge exchange. 🔗 Read the full story in Deccan Chronicle: deccanchronicle.com/southern… @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @icarindia #KnowledgeExchange #PMDS #OneHealth #WomenInAgriculture #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateResilientAgriculture

Crop Cutting Experiments in Peepar Village, Udaipur, Rajasthan: Assessing #PMDS Performance Under #NaturalFarming The first CCE was conducted in the field of Sankar Singh, a second year PMDS farmer, using a 5×5 measurement. The observations recorded included 142 plants, 146 cobs, an average plant height of 290 cm, a root length of 29 cm, a rhizosphere measurement of 71 cm, and a 1000 grain weight of 356 grams. The total wet grain weight recorded was 16.490 kg, with 14 leaves per plant. The second CCE was conducted in the maize field of Chun Singh, a first year PMDS farmer practising Natural Farming. The 5×5 measurement recorded 138 plants, 141 cobs, an average plant height of 310 cm, a root length of 28 cm, a rhizosphere measurement of 68 cm, and a 1000 grain weight of 345 grams. The total wet grain weight was 15.397 kg, with 14 leaves per plant and a cob length of 28 cm. These experiments are part of the National Resource Organisation’s efforts to systematically collect field level data and assess crop performance under PMDS and Natural Farming. By documenting parameters such as plant growth, root development, cob formation, grain weight, and biomass related indicators, the CCEs help build an evidence base for understanding crop performance and tracking progress across farming seasons. With the completion of these two scheduled CCEs, two sets comprising eight CCEs each have also been successfully completed in Peepar village, strengthening field level documentation and the systematic assessment of PMDS outcomes. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @icarindia #EvidenceBasedFarming #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #CropPerformance #FieldResearch #ClimateResilientAgriculture #NaturalFarmingPractices

P. Manasa, a 26 year old @iggaarl Farmer Scientist from R. Besthapalli village, Rompicherla mandal, Chittoor district, is demonstrating the potential of #PMDS and 365 Days Green Cover through #NaturalFarming on her 1.20 acre farm. With three years of #PMDS experience, she used 30 kg of pelletised PMDS seeds across two kits, achieving 85% uniform germination within eight days. Despite limited rainfall, she maintained the crop through irrigation twice a month and harvested the biomass for livestock fodder, generating a gross income of ₹18,580 and a net income of ₹15,380 from PMDS. Her diversified #365DGC farming system integrates black gram, cowpea, field bean, red gram, castor and biodiversity crops, alongside chilli, brinjal and cluster bean. The system is projected to generate an annual gross income of ₹1,71,350, with a cultivation cost of ₹9,000 and a net income of ₹1,62,350. Manasa’s experience highlights how #seedpelletisation, crop diversity, continuous green cover and biomass utilisation can support livestock nutrition, farm level resource recycling and multiple income streams. Her journey demonstrates the potential of Natural Farming to build climate resilient, resource efficient and economically viable farming systems. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize #365DaysGreenCover #FarmerScientist #WomenInAgriculture #ClimateResilientAgriculture #CropDiversification #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #LivestockFodder #FarmerSuccessStory #RegenerativeAgriculture

During his visit to Narsingolu village, Prakasam district for the distribution of Pattadar Passbooks, the Hon’ble Chief Minister @ncbn reviewed the progress of #PMDS and enquired about an innovative weed management practice using broken rice and Azolla in paddy cultivation. District Collector Sri P. Rajababu briefed the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the results of this practice, highlighting that it had been implemented across 68 acres. With 50 kg of broken rice costing ₹900, a farmer had reportedly saved approximately ₹15,000 through reduced weed management costs. Farmer's feedback on the practice has also been encouraging. Emphasising the need to document and disseminate successful agricultural innovations, the Hon’ble Chief Minister directed officials to “document the practice and its benefits” to facilitate wider knowledge sharing among farmers. @vijaythallam @ap_agriculture @rajbudithi65 @icarindia @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize #SustainableAgriculture #FarmerInnovation #SeedPelleting

For Bhagyamma, a single woman farmer from Besthaara Palli village, Anantapur dist farming once meant uncertain rainfed cultivation and dependence on wage labour. Through #APCNF, she discovered a new opportunity with #PMDS. On 1.5 acres, Bhagyamma sowed over 20 crop varieties using around 25 kg of seeds, including pearl millet, red gram, cowpea, castor, cluster bean and leafy greens. Seed pelletization using Ghana Jeevamrutham, clay, ash and Beejamrutham helped prepare the seeds for sowing before the rains. As the crops grew, she observed softer soil, improved rainwater infiltration and the return of earthworms. Her diverse field now provides fodder for her two buffaloes and two cows, while her main crops generated an income of ₹78,000. “There is fodder, there is income, and there is not much expense.” — Bhagyamma Her journey demonstrates how PMDS and #NaturalFarming can turn a single field into a source of food, fodder and income while supporting soil health and reducing dependence on external inputs. @vijaythallam @rajbudithi65 @AndhraPradeshCM @ap_agriculture @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @rajbudithi65 #FarmerLed #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture

Despite a severe 5 month dry spell during the Super #ElNino period (April–August 2026), #APCNF farmer Eragana Srinivasulu from Mahimaluru village, SPSR Nellore district, demonstrated remarkable climate resilience through 8 years of continuous #PMDS and 365 Days Green Cover practices. By adopting diversified cropping, seed pelletization, 6 ft biodiversity rich bunds, and chemical free farming, his 0.30 acre farm sustained 25 crop varieties with just 12 mm rainfall event and no further irrigation. The integrated system generated a net income of ₹20,960 from 0.30 acres (equivalent to nearly ₹70,000 per acre), while maintaining significantly lower field temperatures and higher soil moisture. This case highlights how PMDS, crop diversity, and bund plantations can help farmers withstand extreme climate conditions while ensuring livelihoods and ecological sustainability. @vijaythallam @rajbudithi65 @AndhraPradeshCM @ap_agriculture @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @rajbudithi65 #ClimateResilience #365DaysGreenCover #SustainableAgriculture #SoilHealth #FarmerSuccess #ClimateSmartAgriculture #SeedPelletization

From local success stories to national impact, #APCNF is expanding the reach of #NaturalFarming across India, creating healthier soils, stronger communities, and climate resilient farms. As part of the National Resource Organisation (NRO) initiative, a community mobilisation meeting was conducted with the Roshini Cluster Level Farmer at Resubelpara Block, North Garo Hills, Meghalaya, to facilitate the expansion of Natural Farming to the new villages of Nolwari and Manigam. Farmers, community leaders, and local stakeholders participated in discussions on the vision, principles, and benefits of Natural Farming. The interaction generated strong enthusiasm among the villagers, who expressed their willingness to adopt Natural Farming practices from the coming month. Preparatory activities and field level interventions for scaling Natural Farming in these extension villages are set to commence shortly, marking another step towards building resilient and sustainable farming communities in Meghalaya. @vijaythallam @rajbudithi65 @AndhraPradeshCM @ap_agriculture @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @rajbudithi65 #SustainableAgriculture #NorthGaroHills #CommunityLedDevelopment #Agroecology #FarmerEmpowerment #RuralDevelopment

The 5 day Semester-3 Farmer Scientist Course Regional Training classes under @iggaarl commenced on 5th October 2026 and are being conducted region wise across Andhra Pradesh. The training brings together Farmer Scientists and participants to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in #NaturalFarming through classroom sessions, field based learning, and peer to peer knowledge exchange. As part of the training, on first day, participants are learning the science and practice of indigenous seed selection, collection, and conservation critical for preserving genetic diversity, enhancing climate resilience, and maintaining locally adapted crop varieties. Discussions are also being held on identifying and supporting seed producing farmers through community institutions, enabling decentralized seed systems and improving access to quality indigenous seeds. Field visits to seed production plots provide hands on exposure to traits such as plant vigor, adaptability, pest tolerance, and seed purity, helping Farmer Scientists understand the principles behind sustainable seed stewardship and agroecological resilience. This initiative continues to build a strong cadre of grassroots leaders committed to advancing sustainable and resilient agriculture across the state. @vijaythallam @rajbudithi65 @AndhraPradeshCM @ap_agriculture @AgriGoI @FCGulbenkian @FoodPlanetPrize @rajbudithi65 #SustainableAgriculture #CapacityBuilding #FarmerTraining #SeedSovereignty #Biodiversity #ClimateResilience #Agroecology