Andhra Pradesh Women Farmers Embark on European Tour to Promote Natural Farming
In a significant development for sustainable agriculture, two women farmers from Andhra Pradesh have been selected to participate in a prestigious multi-country European tour. The farmers are associated with the Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme, a large-scale initiative implemented by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS) under the state government.
Meet the Farmers Representing Grassroots Expertise
The delegation features Arika Narasamma from Durubili village in Kurupam mandal of Parvathipuram Manyam district and Lalam Jyothi from Santhapalem village in Rambilli mandal of Anakapalli district. Narasamma is recognized as a farmer-scientist, while Jyothi serves as a community mentor within the APCNF framework. Their selection highlights the programme's commitment to showcasing authentic, field-level practitioners of natural farming.
Extensive European Itinerary and Key Engagements
The tour will cover five European nations: Germany, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium. A major highlight of their schedule is participation in Biofach, the renowned international organic trade fair held in Germany. Beyond this event, their programme is packed with valuable interactions:
- Meetings with leading universities and agricultural research institutions.
- Discussions with established farmer networks across Europe.
- Policy dialogues with government officials and policymakers, including specific engagements in Brussels, Belgium.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Global Partnerships
The primary objective of this visit is to facilitate a robust exchange of knowledge and strengthen international collaboration in the field of agroecology. The farmers will share their first-hand experiences and successes with natural farming practices, focusing on critical areas such as:
- Soil Regeneration: Techniques to restore and enhance soil health without chemical inputs.
- Reduced Input Costs: Demonstrating how natural farming lowers dependency on expensive fertilizers and pesticides.
- Sustainable Crop Management: Methods for maintaining productivity while protecting the environment.
This tour is expected to provide a global platform for the APCNF model, which is among the largest natural farming initiatives in the world. The delegation will also include senior members from the APCNF science and international cooperation teams, ensuring comprehensive representation of the programme's expertise.
The participation of these women farmers underscores the vital role of grassroots innovators in driving the global transition towards sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. Their journey represents a proud moment for Andhra Pradesh and a significant step in promoting India's leadership in natural farming on the international stage.
