On August 15, the Isha Save Soil Movement organized a grand training seminar titled "Agri Start-Up Festival" for agricultural entrepreneurs in Coimbatore. Held at Brindavan Auditorium in Chinniyampalayam, the event saw the participation of thousands of farmers, members of the general public, and women.
Mr. Muthukumar, the field coordinator of the Isha Save Soil Movement, delivered the welcome address. Swami Srimukha, the project coordinator of the Save Soil initiative, spoke about the purpose of the "Agri Start-Up Festival," saying, "In today's scenario, farmers have the opportunity to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. This opportunity should not be limited to farmers alone but should reach out to youth, women, and homemakers as well."
Mrs. Vijaya Mahadevan, who established the company Vashikara Veda after the age of 50 and achieved success in selling value-added agricultural products, shared her success story. Following her, Mr. A.V. Gyanasambandham, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Development Department at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, elaborated on the government schemes and incentives available for agricultural-related businesses. Additionally, Mr. Thirumala Rao, an official from NABARD Bank in Coimbatore, explained the loan assistance schemes provided by NABARD Bank for farmers looking to start businesses.
Next, Mrs. Subathra, the founder of P.V.R Foods, who earns millions through the sale of millets, spoke about her journey. She said, "We faced various challenges at the beginning of selling millets. However, we continued to visit different places and educate people about millets. Specifically, we visited various industrial establishments in Coimbatore and explained the health benefits of millets to workers and the importance of serving millet-based food in their canteens. Today, our products are used in various companies in Coimbatore. We currently produce over 120 products from millets, including flour for idli and dosa. India is the largest producer of milk globally, but we import whey protein derived from it. Why shouldn't we produce it ourselves? For those who want to start a business, first choose your area of interest, then visit information centers to learn more."
Mrs. Ponnarasi, a female farmer who has succeeded in online sales of value-added Moringa products, Mrs. Archana, the founder of Thai Herbals, who started with zero investment and now earns in lakhs, and Mrs. Annapoorani, the founder of R.P. Cattle Feeds, who earns millions through the production of cattle feed from the IT sector, along with several other agricultural entrepreneurs, achievers, and experts, also shared their experiences at the event.
Additionally, outstanding entrepreneurs were selected and awarded Save Soil Awards. The event featured an exhibition of simple small tools used in agriculture, packaging equipment, and a display and sale of value-added agricultural products.
For the past 15 years, the Isha Save Soil Movement has been promoting natural farming across Tamil Nadu with the aim of enhancing soil fertility. Various training classes on natural farming have been conducted across Tamil Nadu to improve the economic status of farmers.
Through this movement, training has been provided to 25,000 farmers so far, with over 8,000 successfully transitioning to and continuing with natural farming practices.