Jaivik India Award 2025
In a remarkable achievement for sustainable agriculture, 25-year-old Arika Ravindra from Duggi village in Seethampeta mandal, Parvathipuram-Manyam district, Andhra Pradesh, has been honored with the Best Farmer Award in the Natural Farming/Organic Farmer category for the South Zone at the 5th Jaivik India Award ceremony held in Bengaluru. This prestigious recognition, which includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, underscores Ravindra’s dedication to organic farming practices and his significant contributions to promoting environmental sustainability.
Ravindra’s Journey into Organic Farming
Facing financial constraints and health challenges, Ravindra discontinued his Bachelor of Arts degree to support his family through agriculture. Over the past three years, he has transformed four acres of land, including 20 cents under the Any Time Money (ATM) model, into a thriving organic farm. Guided by district natural farming, agriculture, and horticulture officials, as well as the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Ravindra has successfully adopted natural farming methods.
His diverse cultivation includes vegetables, leafy greens, tubers, climbers, paddy, millets, pulses, pineapples, turmeric, and ginger as intercrops. By eschewing chemical fertilizers and pesticides in favor of organic manure, Ravindra has enhanced soil fertility and reduced input costs. He actively markets his produce in neighboring villages and raises awareness about the environmental and health benefits of organic farming.
The Jaivik India Awards: Celebrating Organic Excellence
The Jaivik India Awards, presented by the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), recognize and honor stakeholders for their unique initiatives and immense contributions to the organic sector in India. In its 5th edition, the awards span 12 categories, including Farmers in Organic & Natural Farming, Government Agencies with Pro-Organic Policies, Exporters of Organic Products, and more. The selection process is transparent, with a jury comprising eminent members from government, progressive organic farmers, researchers, and industry representatives.

Andhra Pradesh’s Commitment to Natural Farming
The Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), spearheading natural farming initiatives in Andhra Pradesh, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. At the national level, RySS secured six Jaivik India Awards in five categories out of 54 entries, with Andhra Pradesh clinching first place in the Governments/State Governments/Agency/Pro-Organic Policies category.
In the Parvathipuram-Manyam district alone, approximately 55,068 farmers are practicing natural farming across over 65,955 acres. District Project Manager for Natural Farming, Shanmukha Raju, emphasized the benefits of natural farming, noting that input costs are significantly lower as farmers need not purchase fertilizers or pesticides. This approach allows for good income with reduced expenditure while enhancing soil fertility through the use of manure.
Inspiring a Sustainable Future
Ravindra’s recognition serves as an inspiration for other farmers to embrace organic farming. Reflecting on his journey, Ravindra stated, “Farmers often use fertilizers and pesticides excessively to achieve quick yields, which harms soil health and increases losses over time. Realizing this, I opted for natural farming methods with support from district natural farming officials. I have been preparing the organic manure on my own and using the same in my cultivation. I felt very happy to get the prestigious Jaivik India Award as the best organic farmer. I felt this award for organic farming has increased my responsibility towards the society.”
His success story highlights the potential of sustainable agriculture to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and promote health.As more farmers adopt organic practices, the cumulative impact can lead to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system in India.
The Jaivik India Awards not only honor individual achievements but also encourage a collective movement towards sustainable farming practices.By recognizing and celebrating the efforts of farmers like Ravindra, these awards play a crucial role in promoting organic agriculture and inspiring future generations to continue the journey towards a healthier planet.