In the scenic village of Seethanagaram, situated in the Gudur mandal of Mahabubabad District, two young farmers are redefining the future of agriculture. Vadde Anil and Vadde Akhil, brothers aged 23 and 22, are not just cultivating crops; they are cultivating hope and resilience in their community. With the support of Caritas India’s U3 program, they have embraced organic farming, transforming their family’s agricultural practices and paving the way for a sustainable future.

For years, the Vadde family struggled with the challenges of traditional farming. With three acres of dry land, they primarily cultivated cotton and faced mounting debts due to the high costs of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Despite their hard work, the yields were insufficient to sustain their family, leading to a cycle of financial strain. However, everything changed when they participated in the U3 program, which focuses on empowering smallholder farmers through sustainable practices.

The U3 program, implemented by the Lodi Multipurpose Social Service Society (LMSSS), provided Anil and Akhil with essential training in organic farming techniques. They learned about the preparation and application of Jeeva amrutham, a natural fertilizer that enhances soil health without the need for harmful chemicals. This knowledge was crucial, as it not only reduced their investment costs but also improved their crop yields.

Motivated by the training, the brothers decided to apply these organic methods across their three acres of farmland. They cultivated cotton on 2.5 acres and dedicated half an acre to Navara Paddy, an indigenous variety of red rice. With the guidance of U3 project staff, they prepared Jeeva amrutham and used herbal sprays to manage pests, significantly lowering their expenses from Rs. 50,000 to just Rs. 2,000 for organic inputs.

The results were remarkable. The organic cotton and Navara Paddy fields flourished, showing better growth and fewer pests compared to their previous chemical farming methods. Anil and Akhil harvested 7.5 quintals of cotton, earning Rs. 56,250, and an additional 5 quintals of Navara Paddy, bringing their total earnings to Rs. 81,250. This success not only alleviated their financial burdens but also instilled confidence in their ability to farm sustainably.

“We are now confident in organic farming,” said Akhil. “We understand the importance of Jeeva amrutham, and the best part is that we learned to prepare it ourselves. We will continue to do this so that we can eat healthy food.”

Their journey has inspired other farmers in Seethanagaram village to explore organic farming. Anil and Akhil have become role models, demonstrating the benefits of sustainable practices and encouraging their neighbors to adopt similar methods. The brothers are committed to sharing their knowledge and experiences, fostering a community-wide shift towards organic agriculture.

The impact of the U3 program extends beyond individual success stories. By promoting organic farming, Caritas India is addressing critical challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including high input costs and environmental sustainability. The program empowers farmers to take control of their livelihoods while contributing to the health of the land and the community.

As Vadde Anil and Vadde Akhil continue their organic farming journey, they express deep gratitude to Caritas India and LMSSS for their support. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of education and community engagement in agriculture, highlighting the potential for smallholder farmers to thrive in a changing world.