District Collector O. Anand said that Anantapur district can lead Rayalaseema region in becoming a model for natural farming for the entire country at a conference held by Accion Fraterna Ecology Centre on the occasion of ‘World Day to Combat Drought and Desertification-2026’ here on Wednesday.

Addressing farmers from Sri Sathya Sai and Anantapur districts, Mr. Anand expressed happiness at the efforts being made by farmers and NGOs to promote climate-resilient agriculture and natural farming in the district. He expressed hope that the current 85,000 acres under natural farming would increase to 2 lakh acres by next year.

“The government has set a target of 2 lakh acres in Anantapur district for pre-monsoon dry sowing so that natural farming can be taken up in these lands, and another 35,000 acres of barren land will be brought under cultivation during the current crop year,” the Collector added.

Accion Fraterna Ecology Centre director Y.V. Malla Reddy said the nature of rainfall had become erratic and that seasons and climate were not in the control of farmers. Therefore, he stressed that they should adapt to the new climate change scenario and adapt their agricultural practices to these new realities.

Conservator of Forests, R. Yashoda Bai, urged farmers to plant trees wherever possible, and informed that 10 lakh saplings were made ready by the Forest Department for planting from July 1. “Plant trees to support natural farming, she said, adding that without trees like Neem or Kanuga, it was not possible to make bio-fertilisers or bio-pesticides.

Meanwhile, demonstrative agriculture plots were displayed in the open ground to showcase how climate-resilient agriculture could become a reality. Nearly 500 farmers attended the event. Mr. Anand and Ms. Yashoda Bai went round the stalls and exhibition on cropping patterns.

Divisional Forest Officer (Social Forestry) Guru Prabhakar, District Agriculture Officer N. Salu Reddy, District Horticulture Officer Uma Devi and others also attended.