A Small Farmer's Cow-Based Organic Farming Approach Gets Praise From PM Narendra Modi

In a heartening tale of grassroots success, Reddyvari Batthi Reddy, a small farmer from T.M.V. Kandriga in Srikalahasti Mandal, Tirupati district, has caught the attention and praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his exceptional efforts in advancing cow-based organic farming techniques. The remarkable journey of Batthi Reddy began with the establishment of the Kalahasteeswara Farmer Producer Company Limited, an agricultural cooperative that has made significant strides in the realm of palm oil cultivation through innovative and sustainable practices.

Batthi Reddy's endeavours have not only yielded profits for the cooperative but have also become a beacon of inspiration for farmers across the nation. Prime Minister Modi applauded his pioneering efforts in educating fellow farmers about the benefits of the central government's cow-based organic farming scheme, leading to enhanced agricultural sustainability and inclusive growth.

The saga of Batthi Reddy's success began with the formation of the Kalahasteeswara Farmer Producer Company Limited in 2020. Starting with 310 farmers as shareholders, the cooperative adopted a collective approach to crop cultivation, realizing that working together could lead to higher profitability compared to individual efforts. They embraced cow-based organic farming techniques, which not only fostered healthy agricultural practices but also yielded commendable profits. These profits were equitably distributed among the shareholders, showcasing a model of sustainable development.

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The success story attracted more farmers to join the cooperative, swelling its membership to 550 shareholders presently. Bolstered by their achievements, the cooperative ventured into diversification by establishing a groundnut oil mill. They secured loans of 12.50 lakhs through schemes extended by the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) to fund the mill's creation. The mill has flourished under their guidance, achieving an annual turnover of 19 lakhs and a net income of 80,000. This remarkable success has led to the equitable distribution of the first equity among all shareholders, with applications for the second equity underway.

The cooperative's exceptional performance and potential caught the attention of officials from the central agriculture department, who prepared a comprehensive report that was submitted to the union government. This report subsequently came to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who extended an invitation to Batthi Reddy to participate in the Independence Day celebrations in the national capital. Additionally, a luncheon meeting with the Prime Minister was arranged to acknowledge and celebrate his contributions. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen health issues, Batthi Reddy was unable to attend the meeting. However, he expressed gratitude for the invitation and emphasized the need for further initiatives to promote holistic development among farmers throughout the country.

Reddyvari Batthi Reddy's journey stands as a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable farming practices. His story underscores the transformative impact that a single individual, armed with dedication and a vision for progress, can have on an entire community and the nation at large. As India strives for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector, Batthi Reddy's achievements shine as a guiding light for farmers across the nation.

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