Anantapur to host conference on drought, natural farming on June 17

Anantapur District Collector O. Anand. File | 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. Published - June 15, 2026 01:54 pm IST