Arogyandhra possible with organic farming, says Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan

Vijayawada: Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan has said that Arogyandhra Pradesh would be possible with organic farming and called upon the farmers to avoid use of harmful pesticides and fertilisers in cultivation of crops.

The Governor said the State and Central governments were encouraging organic farming and rendering assistance to buy tools and for cultivation of crops. He visited Rangannagudem village in Bapulapadu mandal of Krishna district on Sunday and personally observed the farm practices of farmers.

Later, interacting with the villagers and farmers, the Governor pointed out that 2.5 lakh acres were covered in the State under organic farming and underlined the need to cover more area to make Arogyandhra Pradesh.

He said our forefathers used to follow organic farming but increase of pesticides and fertilisers started two decades ago to get more production. He said the excess use of fertilisers causes soil erosion and felt it is not good to the country and the health of the people.

Referring to government support, he said both State and Central governments were encouraging organic farming and giving financial support to purchase tools and cultivate crops. He shared his experiences with the farmers and congratulated them for following nature farming.

Harichandan said he came from a family with agriculture background and was delighted to meet the farmers of Bapulapadu mandal in Krishna district in. Krishna District Collector Md Imtiaz said that 18,582 farmers in the district had adopted organic farming in 50 mandals and the cultivated area is 13,700 acres.

Secretary to the Governor Mukesh Kumar Meena, Joint Collector -2 Mohan Kumar, Nuzvid Sub-Collector S Dinakar, Joint Director of Agriculture Mohana Rao and other officials were present on the occasion. Governor personally interacted with local farmers Myneni Bhaskar, Talla Satyanarayana, Movva Ramarao, K Seshaiah, Garikapati Mohana Rao and others.