Fellowship and Awards for Agripreneurs

List of Awardees

 

2024


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award for for Vettiver entrepreneur

Fellowship

Mrs. Nirmala

Smt. S. Nirmala of Thirupuvanam, Sivagangai District, exemplifies resilience, innovation, and perseverance in her journey from a self-help group member to a visionary entrepreneur. Through her unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence, she has turned challenges into opportunities. Nirmala is a passionate vetiver farmer, producing a wide range of vetiver-based products like soaps, garlands, and mats. Her innovative solutions, including herbal mosquito coils and other vetiver-based products, have garnered widespread recognition. Nirmala's dedication to sustainability and community empowerment inspires others, showcasing the potential of sustainable entrepreneurship to make a meaningful impact.

Fellowship

Shri. Sendhurvelan

Shri. S. Sendhurvelan of Mochikadu, Cuddalore District, has transformed the agricultural landscape in his community with his unwavering dedication, resilience, and innovative spirit. Driven by a passion for farming, Sendhurvelan courageously pursued his dream, defying conventional career paths. His pioneering efforts in Vetiver cultivation have revitalised rural economies and unlocked the economic potential of this remarkable plant. Despite challenges such as market fluctuations and logistical hurdles, Sendhurvelan's steadfast commitment to promoting Vetiver's profitability and versatility has inspired countless individuals in his community. His leadership has paved the way for agricultural innovation and sustainable development in the region.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award for Innovators in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Dr Yamuna Devi

Dr. M. Yamunadevi Sureshkumar, the founder of Iyarkai Vaazhbagam, has revolutionised the use of agricultural by-products through visionary leadership and a deep commitment to sustainability. By repurposing agricultural waste into essential oils and herbal products like herbal tea drops and Aroma Tea, she has created valuable resources that promote environmental stewardship and holistic health. Her innovative creation of the 'Nakshatra Vanam' garden, a sanctuary for positive energy, further showcases her dedication to fostering cosmic connections. Through grassroots marketing and building genuine customer relationships, Dr. Yamunadevi has inspired a community of individuals dedicated to sustainable living and well-being.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award - Trendsetters in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Shri S. Balaji

Shri S. Balaji, Founder of Indiana Farms, Cheyyur, transitioned from a successful IT career to traditional organic farming, driven by a profound empathy for cancer-afflicted children. Over five years of unwavering dedication, Balaji revolutionized conventional farming practices, making Indiana Farms a beacon of sustainable agriculture. His focus on soil revitalization, organic fertilizers, and direct marketing has elevated the quality of produce, earning the trust of over 1,500 families. Balaji's visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability have garnered recognition from agricultural organizations and communities, serving as an inspiration for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Fellowship

Shri Gokulnatha Natesan and Smt. Vinodha

Shri. Gokulnath Natesan and Smt. Vinodha G of Kazhani Native Farms, Chennai, have revolutionised farming practices with a strong commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. Their innovative approach includes fostering community involvement, promoting chemical-free produce, and advocating for direct farmer-consumer relationships. This has earned them recognition from both local and international agricultural organizations. Kazhani Native Farms has become a symbol of sustainable agriculture, inspiring both farmers and consumers to adopt eco-friendly practices. As we celebrate their achievements, we acknowledge the profound impact Gokulnath and Vinodha have had on the agricultural landscape, leaving behind a legacy of sustainability and empowerment for future generations.

2023


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award for Invigorators of Natural Farming

Fellowship

Mrs. G Kiruba Sankari

Kiruba has worked across 70 villages in Tamil Nadu, engaging deeply with farmers on all aspects of agriculture. She ensures farmers receive government support and services, from land tilling to harvesting, while gaining firsthand insights into their challenges and aspirations. Kiruba emphasizes the importance of real-time financial assistance, educating farmers about government schemes for agricultural engineering, soil-water conservation, and machinery training. Advocating for farmers' financial security, she promotes pension schemes, subsidies, and policies to foster independence. Kiruba believes agriculture sustains life and must be seen as humanity's collective responsibility, encouraging everyone to grow their own food amidst dynamic climatic challenges.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award for Innovators in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Shri. D. Gowri Shankar

Shankar, from a traditional weaving family, observed tensions between farmers and weavers in his region, as toxic dyes polluted irrigation canals. This inspired him to create an ethical and sustainable fashion market using plant-based natural fibers. In 2015, he founded Faborg, an eco-business that manufactures fabric from Calotropis Gigantea and Calotropis Procera (Erukam Poo in Tamil). Prioritising environmental sustainability, Shankar employs minimally invasive methods to extract fibers, weave fabric, recycle residues, and use non-toxic natural dyes. He innovated Weganool, a vegan wool derived from Calotropis plants, envisioning wasteland cultivation to create jobs, promote sustainable textiles, and combat water pollution nationwide.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award - Trendsetters in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Shri. G. Seenuvasan

Seenuvasan began his career as a Computer Science lecturer but was troubled by the lack of opportunities for rural youth. In 2012, he founded the "எல்லோருக்கும் எல்லாம்" (Everything for Everybody) Education Foundation, offering 42 vocational training programs to empower youth and make them self-reliant by 18. He also trained interested youth in vegetable cultivation, chicken rearing, and rabbit farming. Seeing farmers in Mailam abandon agriculture due to poor returns, Seenuvasan left his job in 2021 to work full-time as a farmer. He established the Maduram Farmers Producers Association with 289 farmers, enabling better online marketing and increased revenue for their produce.

Fellowship

Smt. N. Mahalakshmi

Mahalakshmi was deeply affected by the loss of her cousin, who died of cancer while in 11th standard. Saddened by the rise in heart ailments and mortality among youth due to chemicals in food production, she pursued training in natural farming under Shri Nammazhvar and worked with his organization until 2011. Returning to her hometown, she purchased five acres in Malayan Kulam village, Uthramerur, and practiced organic farming under the guidance of her relative, 90-year-old Rathina Naicker. Mahalakshmi founded the International Organic Farmers Foundation, training over 500 women across Tamil Nadu and conducting natural farming workshops in Sri Lanka's Batticaloa, Neduntheevu, Mullai, and Arasadi Islands.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award for Impactful FPOs

Fellowship

Mr.Ganesan Arunasalam

Ganesan Arunasalam, originally from Kotagiri, Nilgiris, had a successful career in the computer industry, working in major cities in India and Toronto. Returning to India in 2018, he was drawn to natural farming after realising the adverse health impacts of chemicals on local villagers, including chemical residue in mother's milk and rising breast cancer rates. In 2019, he bought a 50-acre coffee estate and adopted natural farming, cultivating 40 vegetable varieties and involving 30 women. As CEO of SPD Women Farmers Producer Company, Ganesan supports over 100 women farmers, ensuring fair prices, organic manure, and market access while promoting continuous training and eco-friendly farming practices. He also manages the Water Energy for Food project and partners with THOFA.


Karmayogi P. N. Devarajan Award - Leader in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Mr.P.Sakthivel

Sakthivel, deeply connected to countryside life, embraced agriculture to stay close to nature. Initially influenced by chemical farming trends, he faced financial losses due to rising costs of fertilizers, labor, and machinery, eventually mortgaging his land. Disheartened, he turned to organic and natural farming, understanding their distinctions and benefits. His expertise led him to form a Farmer Producer Group, addressing farmers' issues and serving as a resource person for organic farming. Sakthivel has trained farmers in over 10 villages, helping them access government subsidies. Through "உழவன் சக்ததி" radio, his podcasts now reach 10,000 farmers, promoting group farming and traditional rice varieties.


Surapala Award for Trainer in Natural Farming

Fellowship

Shri. Manna Egambaram

Ekambaram grew up witnessing his father's struggles with farm loans and low crop yields, deeply impacted by farmer suicides in his community. Disenchanted with city life, he dropped out of college to pursue his passion for agriculture. Trained by Shri G. Nammazhvar in organic farming, Ekambaram now trains farmers across India, promoting sustainable techniques. Through participatory learning, he builds model farms in Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam, focusing on local herbs and materials to create natural soil tonics and pest repellants. His work at Shri Nammazhvar Natural Agriculture Center inspires farmers, advocating for organic farming as the future of agriculture.