Ongole Farmers Encouraged To Adopt Bio-Fertilisers To Cut Cultivation Costs
In a push towards eco-friendly and affordable agriculture, farmers in Ongole are being urged to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers by transitioning to bio-fertilisers and organic alternatives. District officials, during a recent awareness event, highlighted the long-term financial and environmental benefits of sustainable inputs. The initiative aims to cut cultivation costs, boost soil fertility, and prepare the region’s farming community for a greener agricultural future aligned with national sustainability goals.
Efforts to educate and empower farmers on sustainable farming methods gained momentum in Ongole as local authorities launched a targeted campaign to popularise bio-fertilisers. The district administration, recognising the burden of rising chemical input costs on small and marginal farmers, is actively promoting a shift towards more affordable and eco-conscious agricultural practices. Officials emphasised the twin benefits of bio-fertilisers: reducing cultivation expenses and improving long-term soil health. Experts present at the event reinforced that environmentally degrading chemical fertilisers are no longer viable in a future marked by climate uncertainty and degrading farmlands. The move forms part of a broader policy direction that supports low-cost, climate-resilient agriculture while protecting farmer livelihoods and food security. The awareness campaign marks a shift in local governance priorities, with environmental sustainability becoming a central concern in the region’s rural development agenda.
District officers at the event reassured farmers that bio-fertiliser supplies would be made accessible, especially during critical sowing periods. The campaign featured practical demonstrations of organic fertiliser use and showcased nature-based solutions like herbal extracts, fermented plant-based compost, and microbial inputs. Farmers attending the initiative were shown evidence of reduced dependency on synthetic products leading to better yields and soil restoration. Agricultural officers also highlighted that adoption of such methods could bring long-term savings and insulate farmers from unpredictable price fluctuations of industrial fertilisers. Beyond cost efficiency, the shift towards bio-fertilisers is also seen as a response to climate vulnerabilities affecting crop productivity. With erratic rainfall and degraded soil becoming common in many parts of Andhra Pradesh, farmers are increasingly open to trying alternative practices that promise greater resilience.
Participants in the awareness drive were presented with data-backed comparisons of yield performance and cost benefits between chemical and natural methods. Farmers also discussed market trends for organically grown produce and expressed optimism that such initiatives could open new economic avenues. Encouraging early adopters, officials highlighted that natural inputs not only rejuvenate the land but also enhance the nutritional value of crops—a growing demand among urban consumers.
The district’s campaign also echoes larger national efforts to promote chemical-free farming under sustainable agriculture missions. Local administrators believe that with the right support infrastructure—subsidised organic inputs, training sessions, and market access—farmers can transition smoothly and profitably. Community-level training and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange are being planned to scale the adoption of bio-fertiliser methods beyond demonstration events. By embedding sustainability at the grassroots level, Ongole is positioning itself as a model for low-input, high-efficiency farming practices that respect both ecological boundaries and the economic pressures faced by rural communities.
