80-year-old grows 52 crops

Taking to the social media platform X, the Chief Minister expressed deep admiration for the farmer’s efforts and described his journey as a powerful example for the farming community. “I offer my respects to farmer Roshaiah, who treats the soil like a mother and is creating wonders through natural farming,”

In an inspiring story of resilience, dedication and sustainable agriculture, an 80-year-old farmer from Andhra Pradesh has captured the attention of the state leadership for demonstrating how natural farming can transform small holdings into thriving ecosystems. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has praised veteran farmer Roshaiah from Attota village in Guntur district for his remarkable achievements in natural farming.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Chief Minister expressed deep admiration for the farmer’s efforts and described his journey as a powerful example for the farming community. “I offer my respects to farmer Roshaiah, who treats the soil like a mother and is creating wonders through natural farming,” Naidu wrote, adding that the octogenarian’s success story is truly inspirational.

Roshaiah, a resident of Attota village in Kollipara mandal of Guntur district, owns just 75 cents of agricultural land, yet he has transformed this small plot into a vibrant, diversified farm. Using natural farming techniques, he cultivates as many as 52 different varieties of crops, creating a highly productive and sustainable agricultural model. Despite the limited land area, Roshaiah manages to earn more than Rs 20,000 per month, proving that innovative farming practices can significantly enhance productivity even on small holdings.

The veteran farmer adopted natural farming practices after being inspired by initiatives launched by the Andhra Pradesh government in 2016 to promote chemical-free agriculture. Since then, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the soil using eco-friendly methods, avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Instead, he relies on traditional farming knowledge, organic inputs and crop diversity to maintain soil health and improve yields.

Visitors to Roshaiah’s field are often astonished by the variety of crops growing side by side, ranging from millets and pulses to vegetables and fruit-bearing plants. The farm resembles a living ecosystem rather than a conventional monocrop field, demonstrating the potential of natural farming to enhance biodiversity and sustainability.

Agriculture experts say Roshaiah’s model highlights how diversified cropping can reduce risk for farmers while ensuring steady income throughout the year. By growing multiple crops simultaneously, farmers can maintain soil fertility, minimise pest damage and ensure continuous harvest cycles.

Chief Minister Naidu noted that Roshaiah’s success reflects the transformative potential of natural farming initiatives introduced in the state nearly a decade ago. “Roshaiah garu’s achievements are an ideal example for other farmers,” he said, extending heartfelt congratulations to the veteran cultivator.

For many in the farming community, Roshaiah’s journey is more than a story of agricultural innovation, it is a reminder that passion for the land, combined with sustainable practices, can turn even a small patch of soil into a source of dignity, livelihood and inspiration.