In a spirited call for a return to sustainable agricultural practices, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi addressed a gathering at the Natural Farmers Pongal celebration held at the Musiri Institute of Technology and College of Agriculture Technology (MIT-CAT) in Trichy. The event, which took place on Saturday, served as a platform for the governor to advocate for organic farming methods, urging farmers to abandon chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Ravi emphasized the historical roots of natural farming in India, reminding attendees that for thousands of years, traditional practices sustained the agricultural community. “Natural farming is not something new to our people,” he stated, advocating for a decisive shift away from chemical-based cultivation. He expressed a vision where India could not only meet its own food needs but also supply the world sustainably through these methods. “If we can feed our people happily and the rest of the world through natural farming, the whole world will listen and follow it,” he asserted.
Reflecting on the historical context of agriculture in India, the governor recounted how colonial policies disrupted traditional farming practices. He highlighted the detrimental impact of British taxation and the promotion of cash crops, which shifted focus away from local needs and led to a decline in sustainable agriculture. This historical perspective underscored his argument for a return to organic methods, as he praised the late organic farming advocate G Nammalvar for his contributions to sustainable practices.
Ravi also addressed the consequences of modern farming techniques reliant on chemical inputs. He pointed out that while chemical fertilizers and pesticides initially boosted production, they ultimately led to soil degradation and health issues. Citing Punjab as a cautionary tale, he noted the state’s fall from being an agricultural powerhouse to a region now dependent on rice imports. “Chemical fertilizers spoiled the land,” he remarked, highlighting the urgent need for a reevaluation of farming practices.
In addition to advocating for organic farming, the governor recognized the potential of modern technology in enhancing sustainable practices. He encouraged the use of drones and other technological innovations, provided they align with sustainable farming principles. “The only thing is it has to be sustainable technology,” he clarified, positioning technology as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional methods.
The event also featured cultural performances by students, a visit to the goshala, and the honoring of local farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs, reinforcing the community’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. As the governor and his wife participated in the festivities, the celebration underscored a collective vision for the future of farming in Tamil Nadu—one that embraces tradition while integrating responsible innovation.
This push for organic farming not only aims to revitalize local agriculture but also seeks to inspire broader environmental consciousness among farmers and consumers alike, potentially reshaping the agricultural landscape in Tamil Nadu and beyond.
