“Connect with nature and don’t try to meddle with it. It will never ditch you,” said M.C.V. Prasad, a progressive who received an award from the President of India
The practitioner of natural farming from Madanapalle in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh was here on Sunday to create awareness among the farmers on natural farming. Mr. Prasad’s farm — Prakruthi Vanam — has been running based on cow-based products. The farm is selling about ₹ 20 lakh worth of produce for the market and customers come from as far as Bengaluru to buy them, he explained.
The programme was organised by one C. Narsinga Raj and his wife Shailaja, both advocates who are into natural farming. Some 70 farmers from Sangareddy, Medak and Siddipet districts attended.
Rich harvest
Calling upon the farmers to follow the nature defined systems, he said: “A farmer can earn ₹1 lakh per acre by following natural farming methods. There are buyers in the market who are ready to pay a premium for organic produce.”
“No certification is necessary. The farmers must be in a position to create confidence among buyers that they are sincere in selling pure organic produce,” he added.
Pointing out the problems being caused by modern farming techniques, Mr. Prasad said the farmers are ruining the soil health by tilling it deep and using chemicals to increase the yield. The traditional methods of mulching of farm waste and use of natural herbicides was not only good but also improves the yield, he added.
Pesticide use
“It is known fact that there are at least eight sprays of pesticide on leafy vegetables, a crop that is harvested in 20 days. What is worse is that the farmer who is aware of this is consuming the same vegetables,” he said. “The farmers should practice natural farming at least in a small area to produce vegetables for their own consumption. It will ensure good health of the farmer’s family,” said Mr. Prasad said.
