Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to change crop cultivation strategies to suit the conditions arising from El Nino, and asked them to examine the scope for crop diversification.

At a review meeting on the agriculture, horticulture and aqua sectors at the Secretariat on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), Mr. Naidu told officials to guide farmers on growing agricultural, commercial and horticultural crops, and to focus on shifting to natural farming on a much larger scale.

He said farmers should adapt to the situation arising from the growing global focus on the certification of seeds and of agriculture and horticulture produce.

The Chief Minister said farmers should be educated on scientific cultivation methods and helped to deal with problems in growing chilli, tobacco and mangoes, particularly Totapuri.

He told officials to draw up plans for growing pulses, which were in high demand in the market, to benefit farmers, and to hold meetings with aqua farmers and aqua feed manufacturers to resolve their problems.

Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and other senior officials were present.

The Accion Fraterna-Ecology Centre in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, will hold a one-day conference and exhibition on “Drought, Climate Change and Experiences of Natural Farming Farmers” on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday (June 15, 2026), AF Ecology Centre Director Y.V. Malla Reddy said the programme would be held at the Integrated RDT High School, Y-Junction, Kadiri Road, from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nearly 500 participants are expected.

Dr. Malla Reddy said Anantapur district had long faced recurring droughts, land degradation, and climate variability. “The conference aims to bring together farmers, scientists, government officials, voluntary organisations, and development practitioners to discuss sustainable solutions and share successful experiences in natural farming and climate-resilient agriculture,” he said.

A special exhibition will showcase natural farming models, watershed development work, farm technologies, machinery, and other sustainable practices that help farmers conserve resources and improve livelihoods.

District Collector O. Anand will visit the exhibition and address the gathering. Conservator of Forests R. Yasoda Bai, Territorial DFO T. Chakrapani, and Social Forestry DFO Guru Prabhakar will also take part.

Dr. Malla Reddy called for collective action to tackle drought, desertification, and climate change through sustainable farming systems and community participation. He invited farmers, researchers, and civil society groups to attend.