Vijayawada, India & Lusaka, Zambia: An innovative natural farming pilot programme, spearheaded by India’s Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), is making waves in Zambia, offering a promising path towards sustainable agriculture in the African nation. The project, launched in September 2024, is demonstrating the potential of chemical-free, climate-resilient farming practices at the Valponasca Learning Farm in Luwingu and the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre in Lusaka.
The RySS initiative, driven by the vision of its executive chairman Vijay Kumar, is seeing Zambian farmers report significant improvements in soil health, enhanced moisture retention, and promising signs of increased productivity compared to conventional farming methods. A team of RySS technical experts, working closely with local partners, is ensuring knowledge transfer and the widespread adoption of these sustainable techniques.
Sister Modester Chansa, director of the Valponasca Learning Farm, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This initiative has opened new possibilities for sustainable farming in Zambia. The Indian natural farming models are not just improving soil fertility but are also poised to empower our farmers and make them self-sufficient.”
Rev. Father Claus Recktenwald, director of the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the unique integration of soil regeneration, water conservation, and biodiversity in the RySS approach. “This could be a game-changer for our food security,” he remarked.
The pilot programme is actively engaging local students from agricultural colleges, who are conducting field research, monitoring plant growth, and studying soil health improvements. They are also learning about bio-stimulants like Jeevamrutham and Drava Jeevamrutham, integrating natural farming principles into their academic curricula.
A study tour at the Kasisi Agricultural Training Center, involving 24 PhD students from the University of Zambia and Wageningen University, further underscored the project’s significance. The tour focused on transdisciplinary approaches to promote food and nutrition security in Africa, with a particular emphasis on dairy farming and climate-resilient natural farming.
Vijay Kumar highlighted the establishment of key natural farming models, including Maize A-Grade, Groundnut A-Grade, and Vegetable A-Grade models, demonstrating the effectiveness of these practices in boosting productivity without chemical inputs. The pilot programme’s results have shown a stark contrast between natural farming plots and conventional control plots, showcasing the potential for transformative change.
This initiative represents a significant step towards fostering sustainable agriculture in Zambia, empowering local farmers, and enhancing food security in the region. The collaboration between RySS and Zambian institutions is a testament to the power of knowledge sharing and international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
