NATIVE SEED FESTIVAL

NATIVE SEED FESTIVAL

The Organic Delta Farmers Association of Nagapattinam, along with TEDE Trust, Kudumbam, an NGO in Pudukottai, and CREATE will conduct a native seed festival at Thandalam near Arakkonam on June 7 ,2014,to highlight the diversity of traditional seed varieties and the need to preserve them.Speaking to The Hindu, TEDE Trust secretary R. Ranganathan said: “Every year, we are conducting such festivals in different parts of the State. On May 30 and 31, we will conduct a festival at Thiruraipoondi, where a large number of farmers and those interested in agriculture are expected to participate. Last year, we conducted two such festivals, and nearly 3,000 farmers attended.”

Besides stalls that will showcase different seeds and organic produces from self-help groups, 10 leading organic farmers from different districts will share their experience in the cultivation of crops, and fish and animal rearing and take part in a discussion with the audience.The Thandalam Yogakshema Trust will host the event, and 1,000 people are expected to attend.N. Ravi, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu; Devinder Sharma, International Food Policy Analyst; K.Ramasamy, Vice-Chancellor, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University; and T.K. Rajendran, ADGP, are expected to address the audience.About 64 traditional varieties of paddy, vegetables and millets will be exhibited.The Thandalam Yogakshema Trust has been training farmers in organic practices for growing crops and has established women self-help groups that have been making cooking condiments. This apart, it has been making and marketing Panchagavya through many outlets in the region.The one-day function is expected to be inaugurated at 8.30 a.m.For details, contact the Thandalam Trust on 07708683195 and 98404 18400

Prof.John Kurakar