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HYDERABAD, INDIA, November 4, 2004: Farmers in the state of Andhra Pradesh from the village of Punukula have tried a different approach to farming in an effort to make a living. The article explains, “They have raised crops like chilli, pigeon pea and paddy spread over 600 acres minus agri-chemicals, helping the village become pesticide-free and save a lot on input cost.” Avoiding using chemical pesticides, the farmers have been using a non-pesticidal approach to control pests by switching to what the news release calls the use of hormone traps, trap crops, sprays of chilli-garlic, neem seed, cow dung and urine. G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, executive director of the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture says, “The strong no-pesticide, no-pests campaign was effective. It struck the right chord as it obviated the need for using costly pesticides bought on credit from shopkeepers. In return, shopkeepers procured the farm produce at rates lower than the market price, adjusting the same against credit.” Ramanjaneyulu also adds, “It makes better sense for the small and marginal farmer who has labor but not the capital investment. These farmers can compete in most markets due to the low cost of cultivation. The bonus was escape from health hazards inbuilt in spraying of pesticides. Another spin-off was improving the credit-worthiness. He cites the example of how the application for loan of the local women’s self-help group was approved by the bank after turning it down, a year ago.”

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