Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Naidu Sets Target to Bring 25 Lakh Farmers Into Natural Farming
Andhra Pradesh wants many more farmers to try natural farming.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set a goal of involving 25 lakh farmers.
The program started with 40,000 farmers in 2016 and now includes 17.73 lakh, he said.
Naidu said natural farming can reduce the money farmers spend on farming and help improve their incomes.
He also said it can help crops manage drought and limited rainfall.
The state has reduced its use of chemical fertilisers, according to Naidu.
It has asked the national government for ₹218 crore in incentives for that reduction.
The state plans to present its natural farming practices at Saras Mela on October 15.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu set a target of bringing 25 lakh farmers into natural farming.
The initiative began with 40,000 farmers in 2016 and now covers 17.73 lakh, Naidu said.
Naidu said natural farming had raised farmers’ incomes by 47 per cent overall, with reported advantages of 96 per cent for cotton and 87 per cent for red gram.
The state reported a six per cent reduction in chemical fertiliser use compared with years before 2023–24, and a further 2.28 per cent reduction over the previous year.
Naidu said the state sought ₹218 crore in incentives from the Centre for reducing fertiliser use and plans to showcase its practices at Saras Mela on October 15.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, farmers, community resource persons and agriculture department officials.
- What
- Naidu called for expanding natural farming and set a target of involving 25 lakh farmers.
- When
- The target was announced during a teleconference; the practices are to be showcased at Saras Mela on October 15.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Why
- Naidu said natural farming can reduce input costs, improve farmer incomes and help crops withstand drought.
- Target
- 25 lakh farmers
- Current participation
- 17.73 lakh farmers, up from 40,000 in 2016
- Reported income increase
- 47 per cent overall; 96 per cent advantage for cotton and 87 per cent for red gram
- Fertiliser use
- Down six per cent compared with years preceding 2023–24, and down a further 2.28 per cent over the previous year
- Incentive request
- ₹218 crore sought from the Centre for reducing fertiliser use
- Drought measures
- Naidu said 10 lakh farm ponds had been dug in Anantapur district
- Public showcase
- Natural farming practices are to be presented at Saras Mela on October 15