Champions In Agriculture: Organic Paddy Cultivation Shows The Way In Nellore
Backed by the district administration, 727 farmers across Nellore villages are emerging as champions by adopting chemical-free paddy cultivation and inspiring others to follow.
Published : January 24, 2026 at 5:15 PM IST
Nellore (Andhra Pradesh): The term “champion” is usually linked to sports, but the Nellore district is demonstrating that true champions can also be found in agriculture. Through an innovative initiative launched by District Collector Himanshu Shukla, farmers are setting examples by embracing organic and natural farming methods, especially in paddy cultivation.
To prevent losses caused by everyone growing the same crop in the same way, and to encourage mechanisation and effective use of government subsidies, the district administration has identified 727 model farmers from 727 villages. These farmers, called “Champion Farmers”, are cultivating crops without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
The programme is being jointly implemented by the agriculture and horticulture departments, scientists, and other line departments, to transform agriculture in the district and make it a model for the entire state.
Model farmer Yugandhar says natural farming has significantly reduced his costs. “I practice chemical-free farming. On my ten acres, I grow green manure crops to improve soil fertility. I use only cow dung in my fields. This has increased earthworm activity and soil health. Though yields were slightly low in the first two years, they improved later. There are no expenses on fertilisers and pesticides. Overall, my paddy cultivation cost has come down by nearly 40 per cent,” he explains.
Another Champion Farmer, Prabhakar Reddy from Padugupadu village, has also seen encouraging results. “I own five acres and have taken another 60 acres on lease. Every year after harvesting paddy, I cultivate green manure crops. This year, agriculture officials provided nine varieties of seeds, which I used. I reduced the use of DAP and complex fertilisers. Fifteen days after transplanting paddy, I spray one litre of neem oil per acre. This helps control pests and diseases naturally,” he says.
According to Prabhakar Reddy, these methods are giving him a yield of three to four quintals of paddy per acre with better grain quality and reduced input costs.
Officials say the ‘Champion Farmers’ initiative is restoring farmer confidence, promoting sustainable agriculture, and setting a strong example for others to follow across Andhra Pradesh.
