Kiranmai Tutika  I amaravati

In Andhra Pradesh’s fertile plains, the Rythu Nestham Foundation, based in Pulladigunta, is spearheading a rural revolution through education, innovation, and sustainable farming. Founded by Padma Shri Yadlapalli Venkateswara Rao, a pioneer in organic farming, the organization champions eco-friendly agriculture that benefits farmers financially and environmentally.

Rao, born in Guntur district, shifted from humble beginnings to transforming Indian agriculture. After launching the monthly magazine Rythu Nestham in 2005, focusing on agricultural advice, he established Pasu Nestham and Prakruthi Nestham, emphasizing organic farming and animal welfare. Overwhelmed by farmers' response, the Foundation was formally founded in 2016 to empower farmers with better practices and livelihoods.

Headquartered in Pulladigunta, the Foundation’s Farmers Training Center conducts weekly classes on natural farming, machinery, crop-specific techniques, post-harvest processing, and rooftop gardening. Emphasizing hands-on demonstrations, the program equips farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods and produce market-ready goods.

Recent students from Vignan University shared how the program reshaped their perspectives. Lahari, a final-year agricultural student from Telangana, said, “Learning directly from farmers and practicing organic cultivation was eye-opening.” 

Venkata Durga, from Visakhapatnam and from a farmer's family, expressed hope that organic methods can prove profitable without chemicals. Beyond education, the Foundation promotes entrepreneurship. Farmers learn value addition—making organic oils, pickles, powders, and bio-fertilizers—helping them increase income and create local jobs. Many participants have started small businesses, selling products at organic fairs and online.

To reach wider audiences, the Foundation launched the ‘Rythu Nestham Farming’ mobile app and YouTube channel. Venkateswara Rao advocates for millets and natural foods, emphasizing health and sustainable agriculture. Through its holistic approach, Rythu Nestham is transforming rural Andhra Pradesh into a hub of eco-friendly farming, empowering farmers and students alike to nurture the land and their livelihoods.