Technology

Pondicherry University hosts fest organic farming practices in U.T. and Tamil Nadu

AnyFans 2025-10-04

By The Hindu Bureau

Pondicherry University recently hosted a “Traditional Organic Farmers Festival 2.0” aimed to promote organic farming practices across 50% of Puducherry and neighbouring Tamil Nadu by 2030.

The event was held in association with Puducherry Natural Organic Farmers and Local Farmers Cooperative Society (PNOFLFCS), and the Association for Promoting Sustainability in Campuses and Communities (APSCC), a press note said.

P. Prakash Babu, Vice-Chancellor of Pondicherry University, who inaugurated the meet also launched the implementation brochure of the FAO’s Global Soil Doctors Programme for farmers and APSCC’s Global Young Soil Scientists Programme for students.

These initiatives, spearheaded by APSCC, focus on promoting soil health and sustainability across India.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Prakash Babu urged the students and youth to adopt healthy dietary habits that can prevent lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. He also commended the women self-help groups for showcasing their locally-made nutritious products and emphasised on the principle that “food is medicine.”

Golda A. Edwin, Executive Director of APSCC, noted that soil protection programmes would sow the seeds of innovation and sustainability.

B. Charumathi, Director, Atal Community Innovation Centre-Pondicherry University StepUp Hub emphasised the collaborative role of ACIC-PUSH, in driving these programmes for regional sustainability.

The festival brought together over 600 participants, including students, farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, institutions, and policymakers, with the shared mission of strengthening organic traditions in the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Veerappan, PNOFLFCS president, chaired the programme and felicitated the dignitaries.

The festival featured exhibition stalls set up by the Horticulture Wing of Pondicherry University, various educational institutions, the Puducherry Central Prison, Self-Help Groups, traders, organic farmers, and entrepreneurs.

The stalls were inaugurated by P. M. L. Kalyanasundaram, MLA.

The plenary sessions were led by experts from academia, government, corporate sectors, and entrepreneurial communities.

Narayanaswamy Sangeetha, Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, M. Nandivarman, Coordinator, office of the green campus, Pondicherry University, and M. Nadesan, Secretary of PNOFLFCS, also participated.