Natural Farming Push Gains Momentum, 61,000 Farmers in Focus at Rythu Mahotsavam

Marking a decisive shift from pilot efforts to a structured, large-scale rollout, the Telangana government has intensified its push for natural farming under the national mission, combining farmer support, awareness, and financial backing into a single, coordinated drive.

The initiative was formally launched by Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao during the 86th episode of the ‘Rythu Nestham’ video conference at the Secretariat. As part of the rollout, selected farmers from Ranga Reddy district were handed over specially designed Farmer Kits , signalling the expansion of the programme across the state.

Unlike previous years, when natural farming was introduced in a limited and scattered manner, the government has now adopted a cluster-based approach , identifying 489 clusters and selecting 61,125 farmers 125 from each cluster for focused implementation. This model is expected to ensure better training, monitoring, and measurable outcomes on the ground.

Each selected farmer is being equipped not only with awareness programmes but also with practical tools through the kits, which include a “Kshetra Darshini” guidebook , cloth bag, identity card, calendar, cap, pen, and a pocket diary. Officials say this combination of knowledge and on-field resources is aimed at making the transition to chemical-free farming smoother and more effective.

The minister also underlined growing concerns over the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides , linking them to rising health risks, including cancer , as well as increasing soil degradation, groundwater contamination, and environmental pollution . He stressed that traditional, nature-based farming methods practiced by earlier generations offer a sustainable and long-term solution to these challenges.

In a significant move, the government has also aligned the natural farming push with direct financial support , announcing that Rythu Bharosa funds for the Yasangi season will be deposited in farmers’ accounts during the concluding day of the upcoming ‘Rythu Mahotsavam’ .

The three-day farmer festival, scheduled from March 20 to 22 in Narmetta mandal of Siddipet district, is expected to draw large participation and serve as a platform to build awareness, encourage adoption, and showcase best practices in natural farming. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to participate in the final day’s programme.

Senior officials, including Telangana Seed Development Corporation Chairman Anvesh Reddy and IAS officers K. Surendramohan and B. Gopi , were present at the launch.

With a clear shift from pilot projects to policy-driven expansion , Telangana’s latest initiative signals an attempt to institutionalise natural farming by combining scale, structured implementation, farmer incentives, and public engagement into a unified strategy.