Barren to Bountiful: Traditional Farming Helps Revive 30 Acres

Gnana Prakasam demonstrates the benefits of sustainable farming to other farmers by successfully cultivating crops in one of the driest parts of Ramnad

- M S THANARAJ @ Ramanathapuram

Land that was left barren for years now stands as a symbol of renewal with its fresh crops, gently swaying in the wind, filling the air with hope.

Who would have thought that the desolate stretch of land, once overrun by the invasive Seemai Karuvelam trees, would be transformed into a thriving paddy field?

It is courtesy of T Gnana Prakasam, coordinator of the Tamilar Agriculture Group! Gnana Prakasam and his team of 30 members embarked on a mission to restore traditional cultivation practices in Paramakudi, one of the largest towns in Ramanathapuram district, which was already struggling with water scarcity.

Last year, the team had successfully converted 10 acres of land, occupied with invasive plants, into productive paddy fields, and this year they have expanded the initiative to 30 acres.

Currently, the team is cultivating paddy, coconut, and banana crops in the area.

Gnana Prakasam, an organic agriculturist in Mayiladuthurai, travelled across Tamil Nadu to carry out awareness programmes among the people about the traditional cultivation methods which can be done with minimal effort.

With modern technologies knocking at the doorstep of farmers and with limited time to serve the consumers with paddy harvest, people tend to forget that traditional ways of cultivation are one of the best and most efficient ways out.