Awareness Program on Natural Farming for Farmers by TDF
Siddipet: On the occasion of National Farmers’ Day, the Telangana Development Forum (TDF) Jai Kisan and the Agriculture Department jointly organized grand celebrations at the Rythu Vedika in Peddamasanpalli village, Thoguta Mandal, Siddipet district. The event highlighted the importance of natural farming and its benefits to farmers.
During the program, the five principles of natural farming were explained to the farmers: no plowing, no chemical fertilizers, no pesticides, no weedicides, and no pruning. The participants were guided on how to adopt these methods effectively.
The speakers emphasized the harmful practice of burning paddy stubble in Telangana, which contributes to pollution and reduces soil fertility. They explained that burning stubble destroys micro-organisms essential for soil health, forcing farmers to rely on chemical fertilizers like DAP and urea. This increases farming costs and places a financial burden on farmers.
The forum suggested alternative methods to manage paddy stubble. Farmers were advised to use waste decomposers and superphosphate fertilizers available in the market to convert stubble into compost, enriching the soil with nutrients. Additionally, they were encouraged to use harvesters to cut paddy as close to the ground as possible, making the leftover straw suitable for cattle feed. Farmers were also advised to procure paddy threshers through cooperative societies to convert stubble into mulch, enhancing soil fertility.
Advocacy for Natural Farming
TDF India President Matt Rajeshwar Reddy explained the adverse effects of chemical fertilizers, highlighting how they kill soil organisms and degrade land quality. He lauded farmers practicing natural farming for producing healthier food and urged others to follow their example to protect the environment and serve as role models.
The forum announced plans to organize more awareness programs on natural farming across Telangana. Under the TDF-Jai Kisan initiative, farmers will also receive free cows and bulls to promote natural farming practices.
Call for Sustainable Practices
Farmers were encouraged to avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers and embrace natural farming techniques. The United Nations recently reported the challenge of feeding the growing global population, which is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. To meet this demand, food grain production must increase by over 60%.
While the Green Revolution of the 1960s boosted crop yields, it compromised nutritional value. Farmers have since resorted to chemical farming methods, further depleting soil health. The TDF urged farmers to prioritize soil health as a duty to future generations.
The Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), Nagarjuna, provided additional suggestions to farmers, such as efficient water use, regular soil testing, pest management, targeted plowing, cover cropping, crop rotation, intercropping, and companion planting. He recommended integrated farming techniques, combining agricultural crops with forestry, to prevent soil erosion.
Distribution of Organic Farming Kits
To promote awareness, the farmers of Peddamasanpalli village received free organic waste decomposer kits and stickers. The program witnessed participation from local villagers, farmers, agriculture department officials, and members of the Telangana Development Forum.
