During the vibrant Pongal celebrations at the MIT Agricultural and Technology College in Musiri, Governor R.N. Ravi emphasized the historical agricultural prowess of India and the urgent need to return to natural farming practices. Speaking to a gathering of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts, he reflected on the pre-colonial era when India was self-sufficient in food production, particularly highlighting the impressive rice yields of the Madras Presidency in 1820, which reached about six tonnes per hectare without the aid of chemical fertilizers.
Mr. Ravi attributed the decline in traditional farming methods to the colonial policies imposed by the British, which drastically altered the agricultural landscape. He explained how heavy land taxes and the enforced shift to cash crop cultivation for British profit led to a systemic breakdown of local farming practices. This historical context serves as a critical reminder of the long-lasting impacts of colonial exploitation on India’s agricultural heritage.
The Governor’s remarks also touched on the contemporary challenges faced by farmers, particularly in Punjab, where the overuse of chemical fertilizers has resulted in significant land degradation. He pointed out that Punjab’s agricultural output, once 2.5 times the national average thirty years ago, has now fallen below the average, leading to widespread distress among farmers who are increasingly compelled to sell their land. This situation underscores the pressing need for a shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, which Governor Ravi noted is gaining momentum thanks to the government’s initiatives promoting natural farming.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to this cause, Mr. Ravi highlighted that the government is actively encouraging farmers to adopt natural farming methods, inspired by the principles of Nammalvar, a revered figure in sustainable agriculture. The event culminated in the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing natural farm produce, symbolizing a hopeful step toward revitalizing India’s agricultural legacy.
The collective efforts of the Tamil Nadu Farmer Producer Organisations’ Federation, Vanagam Nammalvar Environmental Centre, and MIT Agricultural and Technology College in organizing the event reflect a growing movement towards sustainable agriculture. As the nation grapples with the consequences of industrial farming practices, the emphasis on natural farming not only seeks to restore ecological balance but also aims to empower farmers economically and socially.
