18th National Paddy Festival at Kilnagar village, Tiruvannamalai
CREATE’s Save Our Rice Campaign in collaboration with Mother Theresa NGO organized the 18th National Paddy Festival at Kilnagar village, Arani block, Thiruvannamalai, on September 25, 2024. This collaborative program marked the seventh consecutive year of the festival, with over 130 farmers participating. Prof. Dr. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, presided over the function. Speaking at the event, he briefly described the evolution of the Save Our Rice campaign in Tamil Nadu, the origins of the first-ever paddy festival, and how it has transformed into a farmer-led initiative across the state, resulting in the revival of more than 200 traditional paddy varieties native to different agro-climatic regions and reaching over 300,000 paddy farmers over the past 18 years. He noted that one major outcome of this effort is the increasing availability of traditional paddy seeds directly among farmers, facilitating the swift exchange of both seeds and knowledge about cultivation practices.
Mr. Kalaiyarasan, former MLA of the Anaikattu constituency, spoke about the importance of farmer unity to secure fair prices for agricultural products and encouraged collective efforts for value addition, processing, and marketing. He also expressed concerns about the reduction in cultivable land due to the conversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes, cautioning farmers to protect their lands.
Mrs. Gowri, the Thasildar of Arani, along with the Block Development Officer, the Manager of the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Bank, and other department officials, emphasized the importance of organic agriculture and traditional rice varieties. They assured support through various schemes, including guidance on obtaining crop loans.
A few leading organic farmers shared their experiences with traditional rice cultivation, discussed building consumer bases for marketing, and their active presence on social media. They encouraged other farmers to develop entrepreneurial skills within the rice production chain and pledged their support to those present.
Approximately seven traditional paddy varieties, including Thanga Samba, Vaasanai Seeraga Samba, Mappillai Samba, Navara, Arcot Kitchali Samba, Thuyamali, and Raththasaali, were distributed to the farmers by the invited dignitaries.
Lunch and snacks made from traditional rice and millets were served to all participants.
