AP’s RySS leads natural farming revolution in Zambia  

The Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), an organisation under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh, has launched a transformative Natural Farming (NF) pilot programme in Zambia. Under the visionary leadership of Executive Vice Chairman T. Vijay Kumar, this initiative, which began in September 2024, marks a significant step towards sustainable and regenerative agriculture. The programme is being implemented at Valponasca Learning Farm in Luwingu and Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre in Lusaka. It introduces chemical-free, climate-resilient farming models through the natural farming methodology, benefiting local farmers, agricultural experts, and students by demonstrating effective and practical farming techniques.
RySS has collaborated closely with local partners to ensure seamless knowledge transfer and the successful adoption of sustainable farming practices. The pilot programme features key natural farming models, including Maize A-Grade, Groundnut A-Grade, Vegetable A-Grade, ATM (Any Time Money), and Pre-Monsoon Dry Sowing (PMDS). These models have shown remarkable success, with PMDS and A-Grade Natural Farming models achieving 100% germination rates, minimal pest issues, and strong crop resilience—all without the use of chemical fertilisers or irrigation. In contrast, conventional farming plots exhibited poor germination, with only five crops surviving compared to 27 out of 30 in the natural farming plots.
Natural farming techniques, such as crop diversification, the use of biostimulants like Beejamrutham, Ghana Jeevamrutham, and Drava Jeevamrutham, and maintaining a year-round green cover, have enhanced soil microbial activity and improved plant health.
Sr. Modester, Director of Valponasca Learning Farm, said, “This initiative has opened new possibilities for sustainable farming in Zambia. The Indian Natural Farming models are not only enhancing soil fertility but also empowering our farmers to achieve self-sufficiency. We are excited to see the long-term impact.” Fr. Claus, Director of Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, Lusaka, noted, “We have seen many farming models, but the way RySS integrates soil regeneration, water conservation, and biodiversity is truly unique. This could be a game-changer for our food security.”
Local students from Evergreen College of Agriculture, Super Shine College of Agriculture, Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, and Valponasca Learning Farm are actively engaged in the pilot project. They are conducting field research, monitoring plant growth, and studying improvements in soil health. They are also learning about biostimulants such as Jeevamrutham and Drava Jeevamrutham, integrating Natural Farming principles into academic curricula and agricultural research.
The success of the RySS Natural Farming pilot programme in Zambia underscores the potential of sustainable, chemical-free agriculture to improve soil fertility, boost productivity, and reduce dependence on irrigation. The adoption of intercropping and crop diversification within the A-Grade models has been a key factor in enhancing soil health and fertility.