A significant movement towards sustainable agriculture unfolded in Tamil Nadu as more than 10,000 farmers assembled in Hosur on Saturday. They gathered for a large-scale seminar focused on tree-based agricultural practices and strategies to derive a consistent livelihood from them.
Leaders Advocate for Farmer Freedom and Policy Support
The event, orchestrated by the Cauvery Calling initiative under Isha Outreach, saw prominent figures from spiritual and political spheres share the stage. Isha Foundation founder Sadhguru addressed the core challenges faced by cultivators, strongly criticising the existing regulations that govern tree cultivation on private land.
He emphasised that farmers should possess the autonomy to manage trees they have nurtured, without requiring government approval for harvesting or sales. "The purpose of politics is to serve people. When it comes to the source of our life, we all should not be differently opinionated…Now all of us are on one stage, on the same page, it is very fortunate," Sadhguru told the attentive crowd.
Government Open to Scaling the Model
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, highlighted the dual benefits of adopting tree-based farming on a large scale. He pointed out its potential to not only boost farmer incomes but also significantly improve water availability in regions.
Demonstrating the government's interest, Minister Chouhan invited the organisers to formally share their insights and field experiences with the agriculture ministry. These inputs are slated to inform future policy discussions aimed at supporting agricultural transformation.
Scientific Backing and Farmer Testimonials
The seminar provided a platform for knowledge exchange beyond leadership addresses. Agricultural scientists from national research institutions presented their findings, lending scientific credibility to the tree-crop integration model.
Furthermore, farmers from several states took to the stage to share real-world success stories. They offered practical examples of tree-crop farming systems and explained firsthand how this approach has led to tangible economic benefits and greater resilience on their farms.
The massive turnout in Hosur signals a growing farmer interest in diversifying beyond traditional crops. The convergence of spiritual advocacy, political willingness, scientific evidence, and grassroots experience at this event marks a pivotal moment in the push for an agricultural model centered on ecology and income stability.
