https://csim.in/conversations/CSIM_Conversations_June2011.pdf

Nammalvar, a pioneer who re-introduced the concept of organic farming in Tamil Nadu was born in a farmer’s family at Elangadu near Thanjavur. He pursued his graduation in Agriculture, and as an Agricultural Scientist was involved in numerous experiments regarding seeds, soil, and farming techniques. He was bestowed with an honorary doctorate in 2007 by the Gandhigram Rural University for his expertise in the field of natural and organic farming. 

Recently, he conducted a three-day training Programme on organic farming in which CSIM students participated. A visit to his farm at Vanagam, in Karur district, revealed the reason why he is a role model for thousands of farmers today. 

Nammalvar was cycling his way back to his cottage transporting a bag full of coir compost. The heat did not seem to deter him from his work. He greeted us with his warm smile and led us to his farm. “This coir is used as mulch for the plants. Let’s keep talking as we get ourselves trained,” he quips.

The trainees and I followed him diligently. He gave some stem cuttings and told us to plant them in the nursery bags that were kept ready. At first, it seemed to be a simple exercise. But, very soon we realized that farming is not easy as it appears to be.  

After planting the stem cuttings and adding mulch to the nursery bags, he took us around his farm which was spread over 55 acres, in which 6 acres was cultivated. “This land was barren and was not cultivated for over twenty years. It is only for the past ten months, I am working on converting this into a model farm,” he proudly says. 

It was a pleasant sight to see greenery and mountains surrounding us. Having adopted mixed cropping pattern, a variety of vegetables and trees were planted in the farm. The ladies finger seemed to be larger than usual, and likewise did the tomatoes and gourds. “All these crops are grown the organic way. You will find these vegetables to taste better than the ones you would find in the city,” he adds. 

“Why are the neighboring lands not cultivated?” I ask impulsively while looking at the large stretch of waste lands that hit a contrast just besides his farm. “These lands were given by the government to the villagers on a 20 year lease. But, they have not been able to cultivate due to lack of water sources. This is now being used to graze cattle,” he replies.

Nammalvar uses different mulching techniques to retain the soil moisture and make optimum use of water. He follows a mixed cropping system, which results in daily harvesting, and hence the labourers are engaged on a permanent basis. 

Retreating back to his cottage, he continues the dialogue. Sensing my curiosity to know more about his journey in organic farming, he shares tit bits of his youth and the challenges he faced. 

“While working in an Oxfam funded project during the 80’s, I was inspired by articles written by Paulo Freire on conscientization and extension. Paulo Freire has said: ‘education is a two-way communication process. If you want to do development for the people, you should also participate in the process.’ Vinoba Bhave, who also wrote an article in this magazine said: ‘Pure theoretical education is not education at all. This set the beginning for me to launch the organic farming movement,” says Nammalvar.

Distracted by few trainees who were not attentive, he says brushing his long white furry beard, “I had the opportunity to attend a five-day training programme titled ‘Paulo Freire on communicative behavior’. In this, I realized that I lacked the quality of active listening, an important trait for a learner. In these five days of training, I did not have time to shave my beard. I said to myself, ‘I did not lose any friends, because I did not shave my beard. So why do it anymore?” 

He continued saying, “While developing my farm at Pudukottai, my father had given me three acres of land. At that point of time, my father-in-law was about to sell his land due to non-repayment of debts. I sold my land, relieved his debts, and transferred his land in the name of my wife, so that she could be independent. She still cultivates this land, but does not follow organic farming methods. When I asked her to give me a portion of it to prove that organic farming is more productive, she refused. What more do you need to learn? It is a challenge to convince farmers to change their farming practices.”

“People need to see in order to believe. It does not suffice for them to hear alone. Hence, I formed a trust along with few of my friends called ‘Nammalvar Ecological Foundation for Farm Research and Global Food Security Trust’, and started creating model farms. Agriculture is location specific. Crops and farming methods should be changed based on the availability of natural resources.” 

“The model farm launched in 1990 at Keeranur in Pudukottai is now a training centre. We implemented organic farming practices using locally available materials. Our intention was to increase the knowledge amongst the farmers and encourage them to make optimum use of locally available materials. This concept was well received by the farmers, and we now have more than 75 model farms spread all over Tamil Nadu,” he says enthusiastically. 

Nammalvar explained how nature provided Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) to the plants which were the three main ingredients in Chemical fertilizers. He showed samples of nodules in leguminous plants and explained how a groundnut sapling could fix nitrogen in the soil, which is more effective than the chemical fertilizers. This was the basis of Permaculture—a sustainable farming practice which enhance the soil fertility and provides all the nutrients necessary for the growth of plants. This is the method of farming that he prescribes! 

Questioning the trainees, on the reason why a farmer should engage in agriculture, and not convinced with any of their responses, he says, “I believe that the objective of farming should be happiness. Agriculture is a culture in itself, which should be respected by each individual involved in farming. It should not be viewed as a commercial or business activity. That’s why we call it ‘Agriculture’. Just like other cultural forms, a person involved in agriculture should be creative and in tune with nature.” 

Taking a break from the dialogue, we were all served lunch. The sambhar tasted extraordinary and so was the broad beans curry. “These are all made from vegetables grown in our farm,” he says tasting the drumstick. 

While speaking about his childhood, he nostalgically says, “When I was ten years old, my mother died after a prolonged illness. My father too died when I was young. My elder sister was very influential. She used to tell me not to believe in everything what others say. My brothers wanted me to study science. I wanted to be helpful to the farming community, and so I pursued my graduation in Agricultural Science at Annamalai University.” 

Nammalvar’s family lives at Thanjavur. Both his grand-daughters are computer engineers, one of them recently married. “My life revolves around this farm. We have another farm which is spread over 10 acres nearby. My daughter, sisters and brothers are proud of my achievement in organic farming. But, my wife is still not convinced about my approach. I did not let this bother me, and I started working with people who believed in sustainable agriculture. To learn to live a life without grief is happiness. This is the life I am leading,” concludes Nammalvar.

Nammalvar plans to organize short-term courses on organic farming. He wants to create model farms along the outskirts of Chennai that would produce organic vegetables. Through his organization, he is willing to offer technical support in managing the farm and also market the produce in Chennai.