Through our KVK-led organic certification programme, 28 tribal villages have transitioned to completely chemical-free farming — boosting both health and profits.
28 Villages, Zero Pesticides: The Organic Farming Revolution in Araku Valley
The lush hills of Araku Valley have long been known for their coffee plantations. But beneath the coffee canopy, a quieter revolution has been taking place. Through our Krishi Vigyan Kendra's organic farming programme, 28 tribal villages across the valley have completely eliminated the use of chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
The Motivation
The shift to chemical agriculture in the 1990s brought short-term yield increases but long-term devastation. Soil health declined, water sources were contaminated, and farmers found themselves trapped in a cycle of debt as input costs spiraled. Health surveys revealed alarming rates of pesticide-related ailments, including skin diseases and respiratory problems.
Our KVK team launched the organic transition programme in 2020 with a simple proposition: we would provide technical support, certified organic inputs, and market linkages if farming communities committed to going fully chemical-free within three years. Twenty-eight villages accepted the challenge.
The Transition Journey
The first year was the hardest. Yields dropped by an average of 15-20% as soils began their recovery. Farmers grew anxious. Our team provided intensive handholding — weekly visits, demonstration plots, and peer learning exchanges with established organic farmers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
By the second year, soils were visibly healthier. Earthworm populations — a key indicator of soil health — had tripled in most plots. Beneficial insects returned, reducing pest damage naturally. By the third year, yields had recovered to pre-chemical levels, with some farmers reporting even higher output owing to improved soil fertility.
Economic Impact
The real game-changer has been pricing. Organic produce commands a 30-50% premium in the market. Our farmer producer organizations (FPOs) have established direct relationships with organic retailers in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. In 2025, the 28 organic villages exported their first consignment of organic turmeric to Europe, earning ₹450 per kg compared to ₹120 per kg for conventional turmeric.
Total farm-level income across the programme has increased by an average of 45%. But the benefits go beyond money — farmers report fewer health issues, cleaner water, and a renewed sense of pride in their traditional farming knowledge.
We are now working to achieve PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) organic certification for all 28 villages, which will further enhance their market access and credibility.