Padma Shri awardeeYadlapalli Venkateswara Rao speaks to Kiranmai Tutika at the Pulladigunta training center

How did you get interested in farming?

I was around 10 years old. I watched my father grow paddy and cotton and became interested in the magic of how a seed sprouts and grows green. Later, I noticed how chemicals were degrading the soil. That made me curious about better, healthier ways to farm.

How did Rythu Nestham magazine come about?

In 2005, I felt there was a knowledge gap. Farmers needed reliable, regional information in Telugu. I started Rythu Nestham as a monthly magazine to share success stories, practical tips, and expert advice. It became very popular, and later we added Pasu Nestham for animal welfare.

What led you to establish the Rythu Nestham Foundation?

The magazine was helping people think differently, but I wanted them to see and practice the methods. In 2016, we turned it into a Foundation with proper training programs. We also started giving awards to farmers, and young innovators that contributed to organic farming. Now we train farmers, students, and entrepreneurs, on soil health, machinery, organic inputs, rooftop gardens, and value-added products.

What is your advice to today’s farmers?

A: Learn continuously. Don’t be dependent on middlemen or big companies. Your land is your strength, treat it with care. Switch to natural inputs, understand your ecosystem, and diversify crops. Don't just be producers, be processors, marketers, and teachers too. Farming is not just a job. It’s a Culture— our own culture, and it’s a way of life. Respect the soil, respect the seed, and you’ll find both profit and peace.

Many students now train here. How do you see their role?

I’m very happy to see youth interested in agriculture again. Students come here and realize farming is not backward, it’s an art and science. I encourage them to blend modern tools with natural methods. Some have even started micro-enterprises based on what they learned here.

What does the Padma Shri award mean to you?

A: I didn’t expect it. I was just doing my duty. But when I got the call from the Government of India in 2019, I felt that our efforts were finally recognized. It belongs to all the farmers who believe in natural farming and fight for a better tomorrow. The award increased my responsibility.