Tirupati: In the heart of Andhra Pradesh, a quiet agricultural revolution is changing the way farmers grow their crops. At the forefront of this change is G Krishnamurthy, a farmer from Sigalapalli village in Kuppam mandal of Chittoor district. His journey into sustainable agriculture has become an inspiration for many others.
Krishnamurthy has been practicing natural farming for eight years under the Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program run by the state government through Ryathu Adhikar Sanstha. His methods – avoiding chemical inputs, embracing soil-friendly techniques and integrating livestock with multi-crop systems – show the immense potential of sustainable farming.
The use of biological stimulants such as Ghana Jeevanmritham and Drava Jeevanmritham has not only revived the soil fertility of his farm but also eliminated the need for chemical fertilizers. “Natural ingredients make farming both cost-effective and high-yielding,” he says.
Krishnamurti’s chemical-free crops gain popularity for their superior quality and health benefits.
His one-acre farm grows five main crops – moringa, banana, betel nut, curry leaf and castor – along with 20 bio-diverse crops and 16 vegetable varieties grown under shade-net cultivation.
Specialty grains like black and brown rice add variety and nutritional value to her produce. His vegetables, leafy greens and other crops are in high demand in the local and Kuppam markets.
Beyond farming, Krishnamurthy runs a non-pesticide management shop to support farmers in his village who cannot prepare bio-stimulants, thereby promoting chemical-free agriculture and community health. The shop, which started with an investment of 25,000, has so far collected a revenue of 50,000 at the rate of 5,000 per month.
Krishnamurthy supplements his income by rearing native chickens, earning 45,000 a year from poultry farming. Two years ago, he launched an A-grade horticulture model with an investment of `30,000, which now generates a steady income of `80,000 per annum.
Additionally, his ATM (Any Time Money) model, started with a modest investment of `8,000, consistently brings in `45,000 per season.
As a trained farmer-scientist under the APCNF program, Krishnamurthy advises other farmers on sustainable techniques and helps them deal with pest challenges through natural methods. His efforts have earned him recognition as a pioneer of eco-friendly agriculture, and he plans to expand further by establishing a one-acre fruit orchard.
“Natural farming is not only sustainable; It is beneficial and necessary to protect our soil and ensure a healthy future,” emphasized Krishnamurthy.