Fellowship and Awards for Agripreneurs

List of Fellows


2024

Fellowship

Smt. S. Vasanthi

Smt. S. Vasanthi of Adigathur Village, Thiruvannamalai district, has dedicated her life to uplifting marginalised communities through unwavering determination and quiet strength. Born into an Irula tribal family, Vasanthi faced poverty and discrimination, which fueled her passion for advocating for the rights of underserved groups. As a Village Development Officer and Non-Official Member of the Widows and Destitute Women Welfare Board, she demonstrated exceptional leadership in promoting inclusivity and sustainable development. Her work in securing land pattas and caste certificates has improved access to education and welfare for tribal people. Vasanthi now envisions creating an herbal farm to manufacture traditional oils and powders, preserving her ancestral knowledge.

Fellowship

Shri. S.M. Manimaran

Shri. S.M. Manimaran, a metallurgist by training, transitioned from the industrial sector to become a passionate farmer and environmental advocate. Motivated by a desire to reduce industrial pollution, he sought to reconnect with nature and promote environmental sustainability. Inspired by his interaction with Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, Mr. Manimaran emphasised the importance of not just planting trees, but also caring for them. Through the Thilakavathy Foundation, he has planted and nurtured over two lakh trees, prioritising community involvement in their care. Since 2021, Manimaran has been growing rice, groundnut, vegetables, and millets using natural farming methods, while also revitalising barren lands and establishing plant nurseries in his village.

Fellowship

Shri. R. Arun Kumar

Shri. R. Arun Kumar and Smt. A. Saranya, founders of Sabari Natural Foods, embody resilience, passion, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Their journey reflects dedication to organic farming principles, achieving remarkable success in cultivating diverse crops and inspiring others to embrace sustainable agriculture. By continually innovating and adapting, they have developed value-added products that nourish both the body and local communities. Through Sabari Natural Foods, Arun Kumar and Saranya have created a sustainable and equitable food system, forging strong partnerships with local farmers and suppliers, and promoting community empowerment and rural development.


2023

Fellowship

Smt. P. Manimozhi

Manimozhi, from Soraputhur village near Vandavasi, was married early as the eldest of five siblings. Taking a keen interest in agriculture, she experimented with organic farming on 50 cents of land, and its success motivated her to expand. After her husband's demise, she resolved to pursue farming independently. In 2007, she attended a village meeting that deepened her interest in organic farming. Despite challenges and criticism, Manimozhi converted all seven acres of her land to organic farming, applying various techniques she had learned. Her perseverance and support from her children helped her grow the Vandavasi Natural Farmers' Group, inspiring others to adopt organic practices and providing essential materials to fellow farmers.

Fellowship

Smt. A. Kumari

Kumari comes from a family with deep roots in agriculture. Trained in natural farming by Shri Nammazhvar, she worked as a field officer with the Village Community Development Trust (2005-2009) and contributed to tsunami rehabilitation programs for farmers in Marakanam. Kumari promoted organic farming in Tirukoilur and nearby areas and attempted to start a traditional seed bank, which faced challenges due to limited farmer cooperation. Undeterred, she formed a group of 22 farmers, trained them via Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and secured incentives of ₹12,500 each. Kumari has influenced over 150 farmers across Tamil Nadu to adopt natural farming, offering consistent guidance and support to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Fellowship

Shri. N. Murugan

Murugan, married in 2006, struggled with infertility for over a decade. Despite extensive medical treatments, he remained childless and developed diabetes as a side effect. Inspired by Shri Nammazhvar's principle "உணவே மருந்து" (Food is Medicine), Murugan turned to natural farming and organic food consumption. After training in organic farming, he adopted natural methods on his two-acre land to produce food for his family. His health improved, curing his diabetes, and he is now blessed with two sons. Murugan actively spreads awareness about the health benefits of organic food and runs a seed bank for traditional paddy and vegetable seeds in his village.