CREATE's 19th Paddy Festival at Thirukalukundram, Chengalpattu
CREATE celebrated its 19th annual Paddy Festival on July 19, 2025, at Thirukalukundram in Chengalpattu District, with the participation of over 200 farmers from across the region.
Before arriving at the event venue, Prof. Dr. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, met with Dr. Solaiyappan, a renowned agricultural scientist. The gathering also fondly remembered the legendary trio of organic farming promotion — Ayya Nammalvar, Ayya Renganathan, and Thiru Jayachandran — who together played a vital role in creating awareness and mobilizing support for organic agriculture in Tamil Nadu.
The event began with a warm welcome by Mr. Gangatharan, a CREATE farmer from RDB village. Prof. Dr. Duraisingam presided over the function and reflected on the 19-year journey of the Paddy Festival and the Save Our Rice Campaign, which has helped revive indigenous paddy varieties and promote seed sovereignty.
Mr. Jayachandran shared his personal experience, tracing back to his participation in the National Seminar at Kumbalangi in 2004, which became a turning point in his organic journey.
As part of the event, six traditional paddy seed varieties were distributed to more than 180 farmers, along with guidance on seed saving and cultivation practices. Veteran organic farmers also shared their stories of successes and setbacks, creating a rich space for experience-sharing, learning, and inspiration for newer farmers.
The event was a celebration of tradition, resilience, and community, and reaffirmed CREATE’s long-standing commitment to sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment.
