Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy

	Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy
Born	8 February 1971, Prasannayapalli, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Farmer, Agricultural Innovator
Years active	1980s–present
Known for	Introduction of quinoa cultivation in India, drip irrigation, sustainable agriculture
Spouse	Hemalatha
Children	Harish Reddy, Jayashanthi, Roopa

Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy (born 8 February 1971) is an Indian farmer and agricultural innovator from Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. He is known for adopting water-efficient agricultural practices such as drip irrigation and fertigation in drought-prone regions. He is also associated with the early introduction and promotion of quinoa cultivation in India, along with diversification into high-value horticultural crops.

Early life and background

Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy was born in Prasannayapalli village in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh, to Mekala Eswar Reddy and Lakshmi Devi. Raised in an agricultural family, he developed an early interest in farming.

He discontinued formal education after completing the second standard and dedicated himself to agriculture. Through practical experience and continuous experimentation, he expanded his farming operations from five acres into a large diversified agricultural enterprise.

His family has been engaged in grape cultivation for three generations, providing him with early exposure to horticulture and viticulture practices.

Career

Reddy began his agricultural career in the late 1980s with groundnut cultivation. In 1989, he shifted towards horticulture by introducing crops such as grapes and sweet orange. In 1993, he adopted drip irrigation, becoming an early adopter of water-efficient irrigation systems in the region.

In 2000, he introduced sunmelon cultivation in Andhra Pradesh on a commercial scale. He later expanded muskmelon cultivation across large areas and marketed produce directly to major markets including Delhi.

Over time, he diversified into a wide range of crops including banana, sweet lime, papaya, figs, roses, pomegranate, grapes, chia, quinoa, watermelon, tomato, ridge gourd, Bengal gram, and coconut.

Quinoa cultivation

Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy is associated with the early cultivation of quinoa in India. In 2012, he successfully harvested quinoa, demonstrating its adaptability to Indian climatic conditions, particularly in semi-arid regions.

His efforts contributed to promoting quinoa as a high-value, climate-resilient crop and encouraged its adoption among farmers.

Agricultural innovations

Reddy has implemented scientific agricultural techniques such as micro irrigation and fertigation across extensive farmland.

His cultivation includes:

Approximately 130 acres under pomegranate
Around 25 acres under muskmelon
About 25 acres under multiple grape varieties

These practices have resulted in significant water conservation, with reported savings exceeding 50% compared to conventional irrigation methods.

He focuses on achieving high yields while maintaining soil health through natural and sustainable practices, including efficient nutrient management and reduced chemical usage.

Mechanization and optimized irrigation scheduling have also helped reduce energy consumption and improve farm efficiency.

Exotic fruit research and diversification

Reddy manages a farm of around 180 acres, where he conducts experimental cultivation of 30–40 exotic fruit crops to identify varieties suitable for drought-prone regions.

The farm includes species such as:

Persimmon
Lychee
Longan
Macadamia
Snake fruit (Salak)
Milk fruit
Egg fruit (Canistel)
Lovi-lovi

This initiative serves as a research and demonstration platform, promoting diversification into high-value horticulture crops and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Replicable farming model and social impact

Reddy has developed a farming model focused on efficient water usage, crop diversification, and sustainable practices. His model has demonstrated:

Reduction in water usage by over 30%
Reduction in input costs by over 40%
Increased productivity and farm income

Through his guidance and practical support, many farmers in Anantapur district have shifted toward horticulture cultivation. This transition has contributed to the region being informally referred to as the "Fruit Bowl of Andhra Pradesh".

Several individuals who previously worked under his supervision have become independent farmers and employers, particularly from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

He has also mentored educated but unemployed individuals, encouraging them to adopt agriculture as a sustainable livelihood and contributing to rural development.

Achievements

Reddy has achieved notable success in commercial agriculture despite operating in a drought-prone region. Notable outcomes include:

Generating approximately ₹1.4 crore turnover from muskmelon cultivation on 20 acres
Producing nearly 400 tonnes of muskmelon within a 75-day crop cycle

He is associated with several pioneering initiatives:

Early adopter of drip irrigation in the region (1993)
Introduction of sunmelon cultivation in Andhra Pradesh (2000)
Early cultivation and promotion of quinoa in India (2012)

Awards and recognition

2020 – Recognition from the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)
2015 – Outstanding Progressive Farmer Award
2015 – Innovative Farmer Award, Government of India
2007 – Adarsha Rythu Award, Government of Andhra Pradesh

Personal life

Mekala Shiva Shankar Reddy is married to Hemalatha. The couple has three children: Harish Reddy, Jayashanthi, and Roopa. His family is actively involved in agricultural activities.

External Links