The 'South Indian Coconut Festival' under the Save Soil Movement, held in Palladam, was inaugurated by Tiruppur Mayor Dinesh Kumar, witnessing participation from over 2000 farmers.
Coimbatore: The 'South Indian Coconut Festival', organized by Isha's Save Soil Movement, took place today in Palladam, attracting more than 2000 farmers. Tirupur Mayor Dinesh Kumar inaugurated the festival by lighting the traditional lamp.
Mayor Dinesh Kumar, in his speech, highlighted Tirupur's initiatives towards transforming into a leading green city and his commitment to bridge the gap between the farmers and the government. Being from an agricultural background himself, he empathized with the challenges faced by farmers.
Ku. Sellamuthu, President of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Welfare Association, emphasized the importance of protecting the land, stating that safeguarding our soil is as crucial as preserving our professions. He noted the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, particularly in his village Kallimanthaiyam, as a worrying sign of soil degradation.
The festival also featured speeches by leaders from neighboring states. Kannadi, a pioneer farmer, discussed growing Arasampatti coconut in drought conditions, and Rasool Moideen spoke about cultivating jackfruit within coconut farms. Siva Nanjayya Balakai from Karnataka spoke about intercropping and organic farming, while Swapna James from Kerala discussed value addition in coconut farming.
Furthermore, Vivekanandan, who received an award from the President of India for his research, shared insights on the medicinal benefits of coconut water and its potential in treating diabetes and burn wounds.
The event also included a showcase and sale of value-added agricultural products and simple farming tools, reflecting the festival's focus on sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment.
