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Latest revision as of 09:28, 25 February 2026
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy (born 08 February 1971) is an Indian farmer from Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. He is widely regarded for implementing advanced, water-efficient agricultural systems, especially micro irrigation combined with fertigation techniques. In 2020, he was presented with an international award by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage in recognition of his contribution to sustainable farming in drought-affected regions.
Early Life and Education
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy was born in Prasannayapalli village of Anantapur district to Mekala Eswar Reddy and Lakshmi Devi. Raised in a farming family, he gained practical agricultural exposure during childhood. He discontinued formal schooling after second standard and committed himself entirely to agriculture. Through hands-on experience, observation, and experimentation, he expanded his cultivation area from five acres to a large diversified farming enterprise, developing his land into a demonstration farm for multiple crops. His family has practiced grape cultivation for three generations, giving him early experience in viticulture and horticultural techniques.
Career
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy began farming in the late 1980s with groundnut cultivation. In 1989, he shifted toward horticulture by introducing crops such as grapes and sweet orange, supported by water storage tank construction and drip irrigation systems. Despite significant groundwater depletion in Anantapur district, his structured irrigation management ensured stable crop performance.
He later cultivated muskmelon across ten acres near National Highway 7 and directly marketed produce to major markets including Delhi, achieving high profitability. His success motivated surrounding farmers to adopt drip irrigation and modern crop planning methods. Over time, he diversified into banana, sweet lime, papaya, figs, roses, pomegranate, grapes, chia, quinoa, watermelon, sun melon, tomato, ridge gourd, Bengal gram, and coconut cultivation.
Innovations in Agriculture
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy integrated scientific agricultural systems such as micro irrigation and fertigation over extensive cultivation areas. He developed 130 acres under pomegranate, 25 acres under muskmelon, and 25 acres under five grape varieties, significantly enhancing productivity while conserving water resources. These practices resulted in more than 50 percent water savings compared to conventional surface irrigation.
His adoption of fertigation reduced fertilizer usage and lowered input costs, while optimized pumping schedules reduced electricity consumption. He also introduced advanced agricultural machinery to improve efficiency and minimize labor intensity.
He developed new farming techniques, crop varieties, and water-saving methods tailored to drought-prone conditions. His structured corporate farming approach allowed systematic crop planning, resource optimization, and sustainable expansion.
Replicable Farming Model and Social Impact
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy created a replicable and scalable farming model suitable for drought regions. His models include structured cultivation systems for grapes, muskmelon, coconut, pomegranate, quinoa, tomato, ridge gourd, Bengal gram, banana, and natural pest control practices.
His model consistently achieved: • Reduction in water usage by 30 percent or more • Reduction in input costs by 40 percent or more • Consistent increase in yield and farm income
His agricultural methods became widely adopted, with many farmers replicating his techniques across the region. He actively educates and guides farmers on irrigation management, crop planning, fertigation, and modern technologies. He encourages farmers to transition toward profitable and sustainable crops suited to local climatic conditions.
Through large-scale training initiatives, he has provided knowledge support to hundreds and thousands of farmers. Agriculture college students regularly visit his farm for practical exposure, research learning, and field-based training. His farm functions as a live demonstration center for innovative agriculture and corporate farming systems.
Achievements
Operating in a drought-prone district, Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy consistently achieved high agricultural returns through efficient planning. He generated a turnover of approximately 1 crore and 40 lakhs from muskmelon cultivation on 20 acres, producing nearly 400 tonnes within a 75-day period.
He is recognized as the first farmer in Anantapur district to cultivate muskmelon commercially, the first farmer in Andhra Pradesh to cultivate chia, and the first farmer in India to harvest quinoa in 2013. He is also recognized as the first farmer in India to introduce and cultivate quinoa on a commercial scale and the first farmer in Andhra Pradesh to introduce structured commercial muskmelon cultivation.
His initiatives created rural employment opportunities, strengthened food security, and improved regional nutrition standards.
Awards and Recognition
- In 2020, he received an international award from the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage for implementing effective water-efficient agricultural practices at farm and community levels.
- In 2015, he was honored with the Outstanding Progressive Farmer Award for excellence in innovative agriculture.
- In 2015, he received the Innovative Farmer Award from the Government of India for agricultural innovation.
- In 2007, he was presented with the Adarsha Rythu Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
Personal Life
Mekala Siva Shankar Reddy is married to Hemalatha. The couple has three children, including a son, Harish Reddy, and two daughters, JayaShanthi and Roopa. His family actively participates in and supports his agricultural initiatives.
