Minister for Housing and Information & Public Relations, Kolusu Parthasarathi announced on Wednesday a personal initiative to lease 40 acres (10 acres in each of four mandals) in Nuzvid constituency for natural farming at his own expense, distribute the harvest free to farmers, and set a model for chemical-free agriculture. He directed natural farming officials to supervise the project.

Addressing the “Raitanna Meekosam” program in Nekkalam Gollagudem (Agiripalli mandal), the Minister urged farmers to shift to profitable commercial crops (palm oil, cocoa, maize), adopt drip irrigation, inter-cropping, and mechanization using subsidized rotavators, drones and tractors (50-90% subsidy). He stressed reducing chemical fertilisers and attending awareness sessions.

Contrasting with the previous regime, which “gave not even Rs 1 to farmers as crop loans”, he said the present  government deposits paddy payments within 24 hours, filled every pond in the constituency this Kharif, and invested Rs 200 crore in 18 months on roads, tanks and buildings. The Chintalapudi canal will soon be completed to make the constituency fertile, he said.

The minister encouraged a balanced approach to farming, reducing chemical fertilizer use in favor of natural and modern techniques. "Decisions are made only after thorough research by experienced scientists," he assured, urging farmers to adapt for long-term benefits. He also mentioned the "Anna Data Sukhibhava" scheme, which provides Rs. 20,00 per acrre to farmers, and advised mango growers to address pest issues four months in advance. Minister Parthasarathi also stressed the importance of water conservation, recommending drip irrigation to reduce usage while boosting yields. He advocated for shifting to high-demand commercial crops like palm oil, cocoa, and maize, alongside intercropping, to enhance profitability.