At the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, the Prime Minister calls for a 21st-century agricultural shift powered by soil health, youth engagement, and technology-backed natural farming
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu On a crisp Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed thousands of farmers, scientists, and agricultural innovators gathered in Coimbatore, announcing India’s ambitious goal to become a global epicentre of natural farming. Speaking during the symbolic release of the 21st instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which transferred ₹18,000 crore directly to farmers across the nation, the Prime Minister described natural farming as not just an agricultural technique but “a path deeply ingrained in India’s civilisational ethos.”
His visit marked the inauguration of the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025, a major event organised by farmers’ associations to promote the philosophy of renowned organic farming scientist G. Nammalvar, whose life’s work continues to inspire sustainable agricultural movements across the country.
A Call for Restoring India’s Soil Health
Addressing the crowd, PM Modi emphasized that the transition toward natural farming is essential for 21st-century agriculture, especially as India confronts the long-term effects of decades of chemical-intensive farming.
He stressed that natural farming is no longer a peripheral conversation but a national priority:
“Our goal must be to make natural farming a fully science-backed movement,” he declared, urging agricultural institutions, universities, and research bodies to accelerate innovation in natural fertilizers, soil-health restoration, and chemical-free pest management.
The Prime Minister highlighted the alarming decline in soil quality due to excessive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. According to him, reversing this damage is critical not only for farm productivity but also for long-term food security, environmental safety, and public health.
“Restoring soil health,” he noted, “is not simply an agricultural responsibility it is a national responsibility.”
Natural Farming: A Blend of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
While natural farming is often associated with traditional knowledge systems, Modi clarified that the government envisions a model deeply aligned with modern scientific validation.
He reiterated that India must lead the world in demonstrating how traditional ecological practices can be enhanced, scaled, and adopted globally when scientifically strengthened.
This approach, he said, upholds the legacy of indigenous agricultural practices while meeting the rigorous demands of contemporary farming.
The PM highlighted that India’s natural farming movement is built on three pillars:
1. Traditional Knowledge: centuries-old soil enrichment and crop-care wisdom.
2. Scientific Strength: modern research in soil microbiology, sustainable inputs, and non-chemical agronomy.
3. Government Support: financial incentives, training programs, and ecosystem development.
This triad, the Prime Minister said, would enable India to “show the way in natural farming to the world.”
The G. Nammalvar Legacy: Reviving the Organic Movement in South India
The South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 paid tribute to the late G. Nammalvar, a pioneering figure in Tamil Nadu’s organic farming movement. His teachings, which emphasised natural soil regeneration, seed sovereignty, and farmer-led innovation, have become the philosophical bedrock for South India’s sustainable farming initiatives.
Farmers’ associations organising the summit celebrated his vision through exhibitions, farmer-scientist interaction sessions, and live demonstrations of natural farming techniques.
Modi, acknowledging his contributions, said:
“Nammalvar Ji’s ideas showed us that nature itself is the greatest teacher in agriculture. Today, his philosophy is guiding India toward a healthier, more self-reliant farming system.”
Youth Taking Up Farming: A Sign of Transformation
One of the most encouraging trends, according to the Prime Minister, is the increasing participation of educated youth in agriculture. He described it as a powerful shift that reflects renewed respect for farming as a modern, technology-enabled vocation.
“Today’s young farmers are combining traditional wisdom with digital tools, soil analytics, AI-driven crop monitoring, and innovative natural solutions,” he noted. “Their involvement gives us hope for a more resilient and prosperous future.”
Modi expressed satisfaction that urban graduates, returning to their rural roots, are adopting natural farming methods and proving that agriculture can be both profitable and sustainable.
Natural Farming as a National and Global Opportunity
Throughout his address, PM Modi framed natural farming not merely as an ecological necessity but as a global economic opportunity.
India, he insisted, has the potential to become the world’s largest supplier of:
- organic and naturally-grown products,
- chemical-free fruits and vegetables,
- high-quality natural fertilizers and soil boosters, and
- sustainable farm innovations and technologies.
With global markets increasingly demanding sustainably grown food, India’s vast agricultural network could leverage this trend for major export advantages.
PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Direct Support to Farmers
The event also marked the symbolic release of the 21st instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, transferring ₹18,000 crore directly into farmers’ bank accounts. Modi reiterated that the initiative aims to ensure that no farmer is left unsupported during the country’s agricultural transformation.
He emphasised that the government will continue to:
- invest in natural farming research,
- create farmer training centres,
- strengthen rural infrastructure, and
- provide incentives for adopting chemical-free practices.
The PM mentioned that a strong, supportive ecosystem is essential for farmers to transition smoothly and confidently.
South India’s Growing Leadership in Natural Farming
With Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana already advancing sustainable farming initiatives, South India is rapidly emerging as a leader in the natural farming revolution.
The Coimbatore summit showcased:
- natural fertilizers derived from cow dung, seaweed, and herbal extracts,
- soil microbiome restoration techniques,
- non-chemical pest management approaches,
- micro-irrigation and climate-adaptive cropping systems, and
- tech-driven tools that help farmers monitor soil moisture, crop stress, and nutrient cycles.
Farmers shared success stories of reduced input costs, improved soil structure, higher resilience to drought, and better long-term yields under natural farming.
A New Chapter in India’s Agricultural Future
The Prime Minister’s speech set a larger tone for India’s agricultural narrative: one that positions the country not only as a global supplier of food but as a leader in sustainable, nature-aligned farming systems.
With agriculture contributing significantly to the livelihoods of millions, the shift toward natural farming carries massive socio-economic implications.
He articulated that natural farming is:
economically viable: reducing dependence on costly chemicals,
environmentally necessary: restoring soil carbon, water purity, and biodiversity,
health-oriented: offering chemical-free food to consumers,
future-ready: aligned with global climate and sustainability norms.
Challenges Ahead: and the Government’s Strategy
Even as natural farming gains momentum, challenges persist, especially in regions where chemical-based farming is deeply entrenched. Farmers often express concerns about:
- initial yield fluctuations during the transition,
- lack of market linkages for natural produce,
- insufficient training, and
- limited access to organic inputs.
PM Modi acknowledged these challenges and assured that the government is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to address them:
1. Expanding Natural Farming Clusters
Large-scale clusters will be developed across states, enabling community-led learning and market linkages.
2. Strengthening Research Collaboration
Agricultural universities will be encouraged to partner with research organisations to enhance scientific validation.
3. Building Value Chains
Dedicated natural farming value chains will create stable markets and better prices for farmers.
4. Certifications and Branding
Simplified certification systems will help promote India’s natural and organic produce globally.
Farmers React: Hope, Confidence, and Curiosity
Farmers attending the summit expressed optimism about the government’s push toward natural farming.
Many appreciated the focus on soil health, often describing degraded soils as one of the biggest threats to long-term productivity.
Others welcomed the inclusion of scientifically validated methods, which boost their confidence in the transition process.
Younger farmers, in particular, resonated with the idea of blending traditional methods with modern digital tools.
The event saw farmers exchanging seeds, sharing field experiences, and participating in live demonstrations creating an environment of cooperation and collective problem-solving.
India Steps Forward as a Champion of Sustainable Agriculture
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address in Coimbatore marks a pivotal moment in India’s evolving agricultural landscape. By placing natural farming at the centre of national policy, the government envisions a future where India becomes a global model for sustainable, chemical-free, and scientifically-backed agriculture.
With the combined energy of farmers, youth innovators, scientists, and government institutions, India is positioning itself to lead a global transformation — one rooted in the belief that farming in harmony with nature is not just environmentally wise, but the only sustainable path forward.
If the vision articulated at the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 translates into widespread action, India could soon emerge as a world leader in natural farming practices, setting new standards for agricultural prosperity, soil preservation, and ecological balance.
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