TWO DAYS TRAINING PROGRAMME ON NATURAL FARMING AT KVK, WYRA ON 10.01.2024 TO 11.01.2024

Natural farming is the way of farming or “do-nothing” farming which is an ecological farming approach established by Masanobu Fukuoka in Japan. The system works along with the natural biodiversity of the farming area which encourages the complexity of living organisms with both plants and animals that shapes the ecosystem to thrive along with food plants. This farming system can reduce water pollution, restore biodiversity and prevent soil erosion along with providing sufficient food. It can help agroecology and regenerative agriculture that helps soil rejuvenation. It can improve yield, increase farmer income, minimize cost of production, ensure better health, help in employment generation, eliminate the application of chemical inputs, environment conservation and reduce water consumption. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wyra organised two days training programme on Natural farming on 10.01.2024 and 11.01.2024. The programme was attended by Dr. A. Sailaja, Programme Coordinator, Scientists, Dr. Jessie Suneetha, W, Dr. K. Ravi Kumar, Mrs. P. S. M. Phanisri and Dr. D. Nagaraju along with resource persons being like Mr. T. Rana Pratap of Vallapuram (V), Mr. A. Rami Reddy of Muttagudem (V) and Mr. Ch. Rama Rao of Koichelaka (V) and Mr. D. Bala Prakash, AO, Soil Testing Lab, Raghunadapalem of Khammam Dt. The term "traditional rice" refers to various types of rice that are native to specific regions. These traditional varieties or landraces are more genetically diverse than modern developed varieties and are better able to withstand environmental stress such as lack of water or nutrients. Mr. T. Rana Pratap explained about traditional rice varieties being excellent source of food to be included in routine diets for making them balanced diet. They are low in fat, sugar, gluten free and contain oryzanol, a molecule that reduces fat production in the body, making them a great diet for diabetics and hypertensive people. The bran region of these rice contains bioactive components with nutraceutical benefits. The rice varieties shown included Navara, Kullakar, Kumkumasali, Mysore mallika, Shetri maharaj, Kalabatti, Krishnavirihi, S – 56 and S – 58 with duration of cultivation being 110 – 135 days. These varieties were important for sustainable agriculture practices since they provide a range of seeds which are suited to various ecosystems, soil types and in many cases have the resistance to various pests, diseases, drought and floods. The farmers practicing natural / organic farming explained about the advantages of natural / organic farming like improving soil health, reduce cost of cultivation, help grow health produce and decrease environmental pollution and reduced cost of cultivation. Mr. A. Rami Reddy demonstrated the preparation of vermicompost in vermibeds. The use of vermicast after vermicomposting helps the seeds to germinate quickly, enhances rate of seedling growth, increase root numbers and biomass, improves root stress tolerance leading to earlier flowering of plants and increases plant yields. Mr. Ch. Rama Rao demonstrated the preparation of biofertilisers using groundnut chakka which is rich in nutrients for application to vegetables. The chakka is good source of nitrogen, minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur and iron and organic matter making it an excellent fertilizer to improve the soil structure and drainage. Nitrogen helps to promote foliage growth; phosphorus encourages root development and potash strengthens stems and promotes flowering thereby promoting higher produce and income. Healthy soil is the foundation of productive and sustainable agriculture. The managing of soil health allows farmers to work with the land, not against it as well as reduce erosion, maximize water infiltration, improve nutrient cycling, save money on inputs and ultimately improve the resiliency of farm land. In this connection, Mr. D. Bala Prakash demonstrated the sample preparation for soil testing as it helps in to optimize crop production, to protect the environment from contamination by runoff and leaching of excess fertilizers, to aid in the diagnosis of plant culture problems, to improve the nutritional balance of the growing media and to save money and conserve energy. The soil extract is designed to evaluate a portion of the nutrients from the same "pool" used by the plant. To predict the probability of obtaining a profitable response to fertilizer application, the soil tests report has nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium which are the most important nutrients for crops.