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Arutchelvar Arangam Inauguration: Minister Sengottaiyan Stresses Agriculture as National Priority

SimpliCity News Team · 24 Jul 2026

Erode: Tamil Nadu Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management K A Sengottaiyan on Friday stressed that agriculture must never be neglected and urged the younger generation, particularly students pursuing agricultural education, to safeguard the future of farming, describing it as the backbone of India's economy.

He was speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed Arutchelvar Arangam at Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Sakthi Nagar, during a function organised to commemorate the contributions of Arutchelvar to agriculture and farmer welfare.

Presiding over the function, Dr P K Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman of Kumaraguru Institutions, said agricultural students would play a defining role in shaping the future of farming and the nation. Recalling the vision of Arutchelvar, he highlighted his lifelong commitment to farmers, his advocacy of river interlinking to address droughts and floods, and his efforts to promote sustainable agricultural development. He also underscored the importance of increasing tree cover and protecting the environment in the face of climate change.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sengottaiyan recalled Arutchelvar's unwavering commitment to agriculture and farmers. He noted that Arutchelvar had launched Kisan World nearly five decades ago and had championed the concept of river interlinking well ahead of its time. Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's famous words, "Everything can wait, but not agriculture," the Minister reiterated that "Agriculture is Indian Culture" and called upon society to accord the highest priority to the farming sector.

He also appreciated Arutchelvar's initiatives through Sakthi Sugars in supporting farmers and promoting environmental conservation. The Minister emphasized that students of agricultural institutes must take responsibility for preserving and advancing farming practices for future generations.

On the occasion, the Arutchelvar Award for Progressive Farmer was presented to V T Valluvan, the C Subramaniam Award for Contribution to Agriculture through Science was conferred on Sky V Sundarraj of Vanam India Foundation, and the Nammalvar Award for Organic Farmer was presented to M Balasubramanian (Pamayan) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold Arutchelvar's vision of strengthening agriculture, empowering farmers, and promoting environmental sustainability through education, innovation, and community engagement.

agriculture farmer welfare K A Sengottaiyan Kumaraguru Institute Arutchelvar river interlinking sustainable farming agricultural education erode awards

Arutchelvar Arangam Inauguration: Minister Sengottaiyan Stresses Agriculture as National Priority

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