Farmers of Purimetlu village in Mundalamuru Mandal in Prakasam district including Umareddy Venkateswara Reddy, had never grown any crop other than tobacco and chilli due to low groundwater table.
The Agri Business Centre established in the village enabled them to hire water pipes for critical irrigation which also improved their crop yield. Umareddy adopted zero budget natural farming. He dug a pond and adopted drips and sprinklers, while adding cow dung and urine to improve soil fertility.
In convergence with the Agriculture Department, he made use of crop protection measures. He was also advised to plant trap crops such as castor, marigold and establish border plantations of millets such as jowar and bajra. With these plant protection measures, his yield from cash crops, millets, vegetables, trap crops and fruit crops improved along with enhanced income.
The bio-diversity on his farm is evident. His daily earning is on an average INR 1500 a day and is a source of inspiration for enthusiastic farmers eager to change their fortunes.
