Farmers’ passion towards agriculture, innovation and sustainability is remarkable: PM
The work done by Tamil Nadu in the paddy sector is unparalleled globally: PM Modi
PM mentions Gujarat’s ‘Cattle Hostel’ concept for clean villages and skilled livestock care
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, yesterday held an interference with farmers at the South India Natural Agriculture Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Shri Modi greeted the farmers engaged in natural farming and observed the banana crop and learned about the use of banana residues. The farmer said that all the items displayed are value-added products made from banana residues. The Prime Minister asked if his products are sold online across India, the farmer’s response confirmed. The farmer further explained that they are representing entire Tamil Nadu through farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and individual contributors. Their products are sold online, exported and also available in local markets and supermarkets across India, he said. Mr Modi asked how many people work together in each FPO, the farmer replied that about a thousand people are involved in it. The Prime Minister acknowledged this and further asked whether bananas are cultivated in only one region or mixed with other crops. The farmer clarified that different sectors specialize in different specific products and he also said that he also has GI products.
Another farmer said that there are four varieties of tea – black tea, white tea, oolong tea and green tea.He elaborated that oolong tea is 40 percent fermented. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, said that these days there is an important market for white tea, on which farmers agreed. The farmers also displayed various types of vegetables and fruits such as brinjal and mango which are grown through natural farming in different seasons.
The Prime Minister then pointed to the moringa or drumstick and asked if the product currently has a strong presence in the market, to which the farmer responded positively. Mr Modi asked about the use of its leaves, to which the farmer said that the leaves of Moringa are processed into powder and exported. The Prime Minister said that there is a lot of demand for moringa powder these days.
In response, the farmer reported that the entire demonstration included GI products from Tamil Nadu, in which 25 items were displayed, including pan leaves from Kumbhakonam and jasmine from Madurai.Shri Modi asked about market access, to which the farmer replied that these products are available all over India and are prominently displayed during every celebration in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister asked if the people of Varanasi also get pan leaves, which the farmer confirmed positively.
Mr Modi asked about the increase in production, to which the farmer replied that he currently has more than 100 products, in which honey is a major commodity. The Prime Minister enquired about the market potential and the farmer confirmed that the demand is very high and his honey products are reaching global markets.
The Prime Minister was further told that he has about a thousand traditional paddy varieties, whose nutritional value is equal to that of mota grains. Shri Modi said that the work done by Tamil Nadu in the paddy sector is unparalleled globally. The farmer agreed to this and confirmed the statement that all paddy, rice and related value added products being exported have been displayed at the venue.
Mr Modi while interacting with another farmer asked if young farmers are coming forward for training.The farmer confirmed that a large number of youth are actively participating. The Prime Minister said that such highly educated individuals, including PhD holders, may have difficulty in understanding the value of this work at first, but once they see its benefits, they start appreciating it. The farmer said that earlier such individuals were considered eccentric, but now they earn Rs 2 lakh per month and are seen as inspiration. The farmer further said that he has trained 7,000 farmers and 3,000 college students under the natural farming scheme in his model farm. The Prime Minister asked if they have access to the market. The farmer replied that they market and export directly to other countries and also add value through products like hair oil, hopra and soap.
Mr Modi said that during his tenure in Gujarat, he had developed the concept of “cattle hostel”. He said that keeping all the cattle of the village at one place keeps the village clean and tidy and only one doctor and four-five support staff are needed for the effective maintenance of this system. The farmer agreed that this system leads to the large-scale production of Jeevamrit, which is later given to the nearby farmers.
Tamil Nadu Governor Shri R. N. Ravi and Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan was also present on the occasion.
