He expressed concern over soil degradation caused by chemical farming and its adverse effects on plant, human, and environmental health. Drawing from CREATE’s field experiences, he reassured farmers that traditional organic methods can yield better results than chemical-intensive practices. He urged farmers to unite, address production and marketing challenges collectively, and build their capacity to set fair prices for their produce.

Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director of CREATE, highlighted the organization’s journey from a consumer rights initiative to a holistic platform working for both farmers and consumers. He described CREATE’s collaboration with the Save Our Rice Campaign and its success in reviving over 200 native paddy varieties across Tamil Nadu, alongside farmer training programs and exposure visits.

Six farmers shared firsthand accounts of their experience in cultivating traditional paddy varieties, explaining how they expanded seed diversity, adopted marketing strategies, and improved incomes through value addition, processing, and collective action.

Former MLA Mr. Kalaiyarasan distributed seeds of 11 traditional paddy varieties at 2 kg per farmer and commended CREATE’s leadership in reviving ecological farming knowledge. He encouraged farmer unity and the development of strong bargaining power, particularly in setting fair prices. He also called on the State to realistically assess crop losses due to natural disasters and ensure appropriate compensation.

The festival concluded with a traditional organic lunch prepared using Vasanai Seeraga Samba, Thuyamalli, and Black Karuppu Kouni rice varieties.