A farming revolution modernizing and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices is underway in SPS Nellore District. Led By IAS Himanshu Shukla, a 2013 batch officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre and currently posted as the District Collector of SPS Nellore District has launched the Champion Farmers Programme. A community driven initiative that uses local farmers themselves to spread scientific, sustainable and market-oriented practices.

Agriculture in Nellore has traditionally been dominated by paddy cultivation, sometimes even accompanied by excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, low levels of mechanization and limited market linkages. These Structural challenges have not only affected farm productivity but also restricted farmers income. Recognizing these issues a multifaceted initiative ‘Champion Farmers’ was designed to promote better farming techniques at the grassroots level.

Under the programme, one Champion Farmer is identified in each Gram Panchayat and positioned as a Guide/local change leader. These farmers are trained and supported by agricultural experts and government departments enabling them to demonstrate improved practices directly in their fields

At the heart of this is a simple idea “Seeing is Believing” meaning when neighboring farmers observe successful results in nearby farms, they are more likely to adopt similar practices. By demonstrating improved techniques on their own fields, these farmers make new practices more visible, practical and easier to trust.

Built on several key pillars. The programme encourages farmers to try different crops such as millets, pulses and oilseeds along with paddy. Demonstration plots have been set up to show better methods of farming, including direct sowing, proper use of fertilizers and improved pest control methods.

Another focus of the initiative is the use of modern farming equipment. Demonstrations of machines like Power Weeders (Save 90% of time and 30% of costs compared to traditional methods), Paddy Drum Seeders (Allows a single person to cover large areas easily), drone spraying and others are being conducted in villages. These machines can help farmers save time, reduce labour and improve productivity

In addition to this Proper training sessions and exposure visits are organized to help farmers understand soil health management, seed selection and post-harvest practices.

Under Shukla’s leadership there has been strong progress- Champion Farmers have been identified across all Gram Panchayats, demonstration plots have been set up and regular training sessions and field interactions are being conducted. Field days and millet melas are also helping reach more farmers. Notably, the initiative is also linking crops like maize to ethanol projects, creating new market opportunities.

Beyond the field, the initiative provides a structured support backbone through WhatsApp and dedicated digital dashboard where farmers receive real-time weather alerts, pest advisories and market intelligence.

The initiative isn't just about growing crops it’s also about selling them by improving market awareness and access. By linking farmers directly to buyers and markets the programme helps them get better prices. Additionally several departments and banks are also working together to support farmers by providing loans for machinery.

By setting strong local examples and handholding farmers, IAS Himanshu Shukla is creating a model in Nellore that boosts productivity, improves incomes and promotes environmentally responsible farming practices.