Cultivating Change: Farmer Exposure Visit to Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Dates: 23–24 April 2025

Location: Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

Participants: 37 farmers from Shankargarh Block, Balrampur District, and 5 NGO staff members

Organising Institution: WASSAN, Andhra Pradesh

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As part of a transformative learning initiative, a two-day exposure visit was organized by WASSAN to Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, for farmers from Shankargarh Block of Balrampur district. This program was aimed at introducing participants to innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, including natural and organic farming, value addition, and market systems.

Purpose of the Visit

The core objective of the visit was to familiarize farmers with practical models of chemical-free natural farming using local resources. Emphasis was placed on the benefits of such practices for enhancing soil fertility, boosting productivity, and increasing income sustainably. Araku Valley was chosen for this exposure due to its successful natural farming ecosystem promoted by WASSAN.

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Day 1 Highlights: Learning from Sanjeevini and Multicropping Innovations

The first day of the exposure visit to Araku Valley commenced with great enthusiasm and curiosity among the 37 farmers and accompanying NGO staff members from Shankargarh, Balrampur. The main objective of the visit was to familiarize the participants with practical models of natural farming, seed preservation, and multicropping systems, which have successfully contributed to sustainable agriculture and improved farmer livelihoods in the Araku region.

The delegation was warmly welcomed at Kiloguda village, where the activities for the day were planned. The first site of the visit was the Sanjeevini Natural Farmer Producer Organization (FPO)—a reputed institution working to promote natural farming and the use of indigenous seed varieties.

1. Visit to Sanjeevini Natural Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO)

The group was received by the President of the Sanjeevini FPO, Mr. P. Debul, who briefed the participants about the history and functioning of the organization. Established in 1993, Sanjeevini evolved from earlier collaborations with Samata Organization and has since been a pioneer in promoting natural and chemical-free farming in the region.

One of the most striking features of the visit was the Seed Bank, maintained meticulously by the FPO. This seed bank houses a remarkable collection of 365 varieties of indigenous seeds, which have been preserved, cultivated, and exchanged over the years by the local farming community. The visiting farmers were fascinated by the rich biodiversity stored in the form of these seeds. They learned how preserving traditional seed varieties can lead to improved resilience against climate variations, reduced dependency on market-purchased hybrid seeds, and higher nutritional value in crops.

Mr. Debul explained the seed-saving techniques, seasonal seed rotation practices, and the importance of community-based seed sharing systems. Farmers were encouraged to reintroduce indigenous seed varieties in their own regions and develop localised seed networks. It was inspiring for the visitors to witness how Sanjeevini had been recognised and awarded by the Central Government in 2012 for its outstanding contribution to indigenous seed conservation.

2. Cattle Urine Collection Model (BRC)

The next point of interest was a Cattle Urine Collection Model, implemented effectively at local Gaushalas (cow shelters). The model consists of a structured setup where cattle urine and dung are collected efficiently through sloped flooring that directs the waste into pipelines connected to an underground tank.

This collected waste is then processed to create Jeewamrit and other organic fertilisers, which are used in natural farming practices. Farmers from Shankargarh were intrigued by the simplicity and effectiveness of this low-cost model. They observed how such a system not only helps maintain sanitation but also converts waste into a valuable farming resource, contributing significantly to soil fertility and crop productivity.

Experts from WASSAN explained the step-by-step process of preparing bio-inputs from cow urine and cow dung, including the mixing of jaggery, gram flour, and microbial cultures to enhance soil microbial activity. This practical demonstration sparked detailed discussions among the visiting farmers on replicating the model in their villages.

3. Demonstration of Multicropping Practices

In the third segment of the visit, the group explored multi-cropping agricultural fields in Kiloguda. Unlike monoculture systems, multicropping involves cultivating multiple crops simultaneously on the same plot of land.

The participants visited fields where farmers practiced diversified cropping throughout the year, adhering to the principle of "365-day green cover". In every plot they saw, there were 15 to 20 varieties of crops growing together—such as finger millet (ragi), chili, carrot, green peas, sunflower, banana, maize, groundnut, tomato, paddy, and wheat.

These fields showcased not only high biodiversity but also excellent natural resource management techniques. The visiting farmers observed systematic irrigation methods and soil conservation practices, such as mulching and crop rotation. These techniques prevent pest outbreaks, enhance soil fertility, and improve overall farm yield.

The farmers interacted with their counterparts in Kiloguda to understand the economic advantages of multicropping. They learned how crop diversification leads to more regular income cycles, reduces risks of crop failure, and enables optimal utilization of land and water resources.

Additionally, women farmers from the village shared their experiences in managing household-level kitchen gardens and commercial plots, offering insights into gender-inclusive farming models.

Reflections and Interactions

Throughout the day, the farmers and NGO staff from Balrampur participated actively in discussions, asked questions, and took notes. The interactive nature of the exposure helped break down technical knowledge into simple, practical strategies that can be implemented in their home regions.

WASSAN facilitators emphasized the holistic benefits of natural farming—from environmental sustainability to human health and financial stability. The delegation appreciated the inclusive approach of the Araku model, which integrates traditional wisdom, community participation, and modern sustainability principles.

By the end of the day, the participants had gained valuable insights into:

• The preservation and significance of indigenous seed varieties

• Low-cost organic input production using livestock waste

• Multicropping systems as a tool for sustainability and risk management

  
  

The exposure visit concluded with a reflection circle where each participant shared their key takeaways and suggestions. Many expressed a strong interest in adopting and promoting natural farming practices back in Shankargarh.

The first day of the visit to Araku Valley proved to be an eye-opening experience that successfully demonstrated how sustainable agricultural practices can be scaled through grassroots efforts and knowledge exchange. The participants left the fields of Kiloguda inspired, enlightened, and energised for the journey ahead.

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Day 2 Highlights: Field Models in Sustainable Agriculture during Exposure Visit

The second day of the exposure visit continued with equal enthusiasm and a deepening curiosity among the participating farmers. Building upon the learnings of the previous day, the group explored several sustainable agricultural models and integrated farming systems that exemplify ecological balance, productivity, and profitability.

1. Visit to Natural Farming Model Plots in Demudubalsa Village

The day began with a visit to Demudubalsa, a village recognised for its community-based natural farming initiatives. Farmers were taken to a model plot where a wide variety of crops were being cultivated naturally without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

The plot was a living example of biodiversity. The visiting farmers observed a rich mix of crops such as maize, pigeon pea (arhar), ragi (finger millet), tomatoes, ladyfinger (bhindi), radish, pumpkin, bottle gourd, colocasia (arbi), onions, and more. Local farmers explained how they rely entirely on organic inputs like compost, farmyard manure, and jeevamrit to nurture their soil and protect crops.

One key takeaway from this visit was the principle of never leaving the field fallow. Farmers in Demudubalsa continuously rotate and plant seasonal crops, maintaining ground cover throughout the year. The visitors noted that such practices not only improve soil fertility but also reduce weed infestation and help retain soil moisture naturally.

Another noteworthy observation was the widespread use of natural mulching, using dried leaves and crop residues. This method, as explained by the host farmers, helps in conserving soil moisture, moderating soil temperature, and enhancing microbial activity. The Balrampur farmers were particularly impressed by the low cost and high efficiency of this method, and many noted it as a technique to adopt in their own farms.

2. Visit to the Eco-Farm Pond Model

Next, the group visited an innovative eco-farm pond model, a successful example of integrated agriculture. The farmers observed how farm ponds are used not only for water conservation but also for multi-purpose livelihood generation.

In this model, several varieties of fish were being raised in a large pond, providing a steady source of income through aquaculture. Around the pond, fruit-bearing trees such as banana, papaya, coconut, guava, and lemon were planted in concentric rows. The integration of horticulture and aquaculture on the same piece of land showcased an efficient use of space and resources.

One of the most appreciated features of the model was the use of lift irrigation. The pond water was being lifted using pumps and used for irrigating nearby vegetable and grain fields. Farmers were told that even a small pond covering a fraction of the farmland could support irrigation and fish farming, generating income of up to ₹10,000 per farmer annually.

This model strongly resonated with the visiting farmers who face water scarcity issues. They recognized the dual benefit of water storage and income generation, making the farm pond model highly replicable in their home region.

3. Goat Shelter Visit

The third component of the day’s visit was a demonstration of a well-designed goat shelter made of bamboo and wood. The shelter was built with a raised floor, allowing goat droppings and urine to fall through the gaps and preventing diseases due to unhygienic conditions.

This traditional-yet-scientific structure ensured proper ventilation, protection from weather extremes, and cleanliness. Local goat farmers testified to a noticeable improvement in goat health and weight gain due to this housing method. For farmers from Shankargarh, many of whom rear goats, this visit offered practical, low-cost solutions for improving livestock care and productivity.

WASSAN facilitators explained that proper shelter not only prevents infections but also reduces mortality and increases meat yield, thereby making goat rearing more profitable.

4. Visit to Desi Poultry Farming Model

The final field visit for the day was to a desi poultry farming unit located in a forest-like setting, mimicking the natural habitat of free-range chickens. In this model, hens roam freely during the day and return to their shelters at night. The area was filled with native trees, shrubs, and natural food sources that kept the poultry active and healthy.

The farmers were impressed by the low-input, high-return model, as it required minimal investment in feed and medication. Natural treatments, herbal medicines, and traditional care methods were employed to maintain poultry health, avoiding the use of antibiotics or chemicals.

This model not only reduces operational costs but also meets the increasing consumer demand for organic and chemical-free poultry products. The Shankargarh farmers noted that such a system could be easily adopted in their villages using available natural resources.

Reflections and Learnings

At the end of the day, a debriefing session was conducted where participants reflected on what they had observed and learned. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Farmers shared how the eco-farm pond, goat shelter, and poultry systems offered sustainable alternatives to their current practices.

Key insights included:

• Diversification of farming for increased resilience and profitability

• Efficient use of land and water through integration

• Low-cost animal husbandry models for rural livelihoods

• Natural resource management and local innovation

  
  

The second day of the exposure visit built on the foundational knowledge of Day 1 and deepened the farmers' understanding of integrated and sustainable farming systems. They left the fields of Demudubalsa with a renewed vision for self-reliance, ecological farming, and livelihood improvement.

As the team prepared to return home, many farmers expressed a determination to adopt at least one of the demonstrated models in their own villages and spread awareness about the benefits of natural, diversified farming practices.