Agriculture for Healthy Life | Mr.Mavuram Mallikarjuna Reddy | TEDxParamita High School

Mavuram Mallikarjun Reddy, a natural farmer, shares his journey into agriculture, which began not in the field, but from observing widespread health problems and the dire hospital situations in Hyderabad. He realized that food, as medicine, is crucial for health, and a lack of nutrients in food contributes to illness. This led him to research and choose natural farming as a solution. His farming method is based on three principles: natural farming, growing regional varieties, and understanding the nutritional value of local crops. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of soil health, human health, and water quality, believing that strong soil is fundamental for strong seeds, which in turn produce food that enhances human health. Over the past decade, he has focused on improving crop quality, soil health, environmental health, and human health by increasing soil microbes. He learned from scientists the importance of good bacteria for humans and how to enhance microorganisms in the soil. To improve his land's health, he adopted various practices, recognizing that a tablespoon of soil contains billions of microbial diversity. He understood that chemical farming destroys these microorganisms, leading him to embrace natural farming and integrate cow-based farming and dairy farming into his system. He noted that previous generations, 30-40 years ago, did not experience the same health issues as today's youth, attributing many modern ailments to air pollution. Believing that food is the ultimate medicine, he focused on making his land fruitful by improving its organic matter, understanding that healthy land yields healthy crops and a healthy society. He chose regional crop varieties over hybrids, realizing that local varieties are more resilient to weather disasters and crop damage. His farm practices crop diversification, cultivating pulses, oilseeds, and medicinal plants alongside fruits, rather than monoculture systems. This approach not only supports the farmer's financial security during adverse weather but also ensures a diverse food supply for his family, aligning with his philosophy of growing one's own food. Seed sovereignty is another key aspect of his farming. He advocates for collecting and growing one's own seeds, as strong seeds come from healthy soil, rather than relying on external companies. He has successfully grown varieties adapted to his local weather conditions, increasing his own seed stock. His agricultural practices also prioritize water conservation. He uses an "alternating and wetting and drying" method to grow more crops with less water, which also promotes the development of microorganisms and earthworms in the soil. He scientifically monitors water usage in his rice fields, employing a "wet crop method" that reduces water consumption by 30% and controls methane emissions, a significant environmental benefit. He has calculated the precise amount of water needed per acre for a crop season, providing scientific data to experts. Rainwater harvesting is integral to his water management strategy. He stores rainwater on his land in ponds and recharges groundwater by installing side wells and bore wells near open wells, ensuring that water infiltrates the ground and recharges surrounding wells. To control evaporation loss and fix nitrogen in the well water, he grows Azolla, a fern-like moss plant. He also spreads Azolla in his fields as a nitrogen-fixing agent and weed killer, providing 20% of the nitrogen requirement for his crops. His farm serves as a model, adopting an integrated agricultural approach. He has devised a method to directly send liquid organic manure from the well to the field for 365 days, using a self-made device instead of a conventional venturi. This continuous application of organic liquids has increased his soil organic carbon from 0.5 to 1.5 over 10 years, a finding corroborated by scientists who test his soil and crop nutrients. He prioritizes quality over quantity in production, striving for quality through integrated farming methods, minimal water, and resource usage, all without harming the environment. He believes in protecting the earth and natural resources to provide healthy, non-toxic food for society and future generations. He continuously learns and improves his methods each season, overcoming challenges and expanding his agricultural area. He also acts as a role model, sharing his knowledge with other farmers to promote their financial security.