Natural Farming – Kenyan Delegation Studies Climate-Resilient Farming in Eluru
Natural Farming – Sustainable agriculture practices from Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district drew international attention after a Kenyan delegation visited several farms to understand the Community Managed Natural Farming model.
A senior team from Kenya, led by Seed Saver Network Coordinator Wanjama Njoroge Daniel, toured villages in Eluru to observe how farmers are using natural methods to improve crop health, protect soil quality and reduce dependence on chemical inputs. The visitors said the district’s farming approach offered useful examples for communities facing climate-related agricultural challenges.
Kenyan Team Reviews Local Farming Initiatives
The delegation included John Kariuki Mwangi, who heads Slow Food Kenya, along with farmers Oddah Friday Ochomo and Zipporah Nyambura Kuria. Prasiddha Sapkota, an intern associated with New York University-Abu Dhabi, and Reddi Gowtham from RySS-APCNF were also part of the visit.
District Project Manager B Venkatesh briefed the group about the natural farming initiatives being carried out across Eluru district. He explained the role of farmer-led practices and local support systems in encouraging sustainable cultivation methods.
The visit was organised to help the Kenyan representatives understand the working model of Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming, which focuses on strengthening farm ecosystems through locally available resources and environmentally responsible practices.
Dry Sowing Method Demonstrated at Gunampalli
At Gunampalli village in Dwaraka Tirumala mandal, the visitors examined Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing, commonly known as PMDS, at the farm of Venkata Subba Reddy. The technique involves sowing a mix of Navadhanyalu, or multiple traditional crops, before the arrival of monsoon rains.
Farm officials explained that the method supports soil improvement by adding organic matter and encouraging diverse plant growth. It can also help retain moisture in the field, improve biodiversity and make farms better prepared for changing weather conditions.
The Kenyan team interacted with farmers and field staff to understand how the practice is planned and managed during the cultivation cycle. They showed interest in the use of crop diversity as a tool for building more resilient agricultural systems.
Integrated Model Highlights Farm Diversity
The delegation later visited Agokavaram village in Unguturu mandal, where farmer U Ramachandra Rao has developed an integrated natural farming model across seven acres. The farm combines different crops and farming activities in a way designed to support soil health and create a balanced production system.
Farmers and officials described the techniques used on the holding, including the use of natural inputs and methods aimed at maintaining productivity without relying on synthetic chemicals. The visitors observed the condition of the crops and discussed how such models could be adapted to local conditions in other countries.
The delegation also travelled to Venkatapuram village to inspect a 14-acre paddy compact block. Farmers there are growing desi paddy varieties through natural farming practices without chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
Delegation Sees Potential for Kenyan Adaptation
Members of the visiting group appreciated the crop condition and the organised implementation of the programme by Rythu Sadhikara Samstha. They said the Eluru experience demonstrated how farmers could adopt climate-resilient practices while maintaining ecological balance in their fields.
The Kenyan representatives noted that the visit had provided practical learning opportunities, particularly on soil conservation, water management and crop diversity. They expressed interest in exploring similar community-based natural farming approaches in Kenya, with suitable changes based on local farming conditions.
The exchange highlighted the growing global interest in farming systems that seek to protect natural resources while supporting long-term agricultural productivity.