Naidu urges farmers to shift to natural farming, focus on biodiversity conservation

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu interacting with youth, after launching various development works, in Kuppam on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday called upon farmers to shift to natural farming, and focus on tree plantation and biodiversity conservation, while launching key development works in the Kuppam Assembly Constituency.

Speaking to a gathering of farmers at Kothapeta here, Mr. Naidu said reducing chemical fertilizer use would protect soil health and ecological balance. “Biochar made from farm waste and tree residues improves fertility and water retention while aiding climate balance,” he said, adding that farmers need greater awareness on green cover.

The Chief Minister said that around 80 lakh acres in Andhra Pradesh is already under natural farming and the government is expanding it further. “Broadcasting seeds through modern methods ensures germination with the help of rains and keeps fields green round the year. Keeping soil covered between crops prevents direct sun exposure, lowers soil temperature and sustains yield. It also provides green fodder for livestock. Returning crop residues to the soil enhances fertility. It should be a people’s movement,” Mr. Naidu said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the Revenue Divisional Office and the Additional SP Office, to be built at a cost of ₹10 crore; inaugurated an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plant and Material Recovery Centre built at ₹3.30 crore; and performed ‘bhoomi puja’ for Mallanur Junior College works to be taken up in 10 acres at a cost of ₹2.70 crore. He also launched 15 MW PM-Kusum solar projects for agricultural feeders.

In the same meeting, the Chief Minister highlighted three youth from Kuppam as examples of building livelihoods locally without migrating to distant cities.

Surekha from Pogurupalli, after graduation, secured a supervisor job at Avas company set up locally. She informed the Chief Minister that proximity to her village gave her parents confidence, and that she was pursuing MBA while working.

Another youth, Subrahmanyam, informed Mr. Naidu that he was promoting value addition to Kuppam’s agricultural produce through an industrial venture.

The third youngster, Vignesh, said he had been documenting Kuppam’s development through creative social media videos on local specialities and earns around ₹1 lakh a month.

The Chief Minister said that the trio’s journey shows that youth can create self-employment by upskilling, implementing business ideas, turning creativity into enterprise, and generating jobs for others. “The government will further expand employment, industrial and skill opportunities,” he said.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles.