World Food Day Celebration at Nagercoil on October 16
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CREATE Save Our Rice, APTA (Agriculture Product Producers and Traders’ Association), and the Nagercoil Women Consumer Protection Centre jointly organized a one-day workshop and exhibition at the APTA Marketing center. The event aimed to commemorate World Food Day, gathering more than 200 participants, including organic farmers, government officials, traders, and students.
Key speakers included Mr. R. Ponnambalam, who highlighted the importance of connecting consumers with organic farmers and mentioned the impactful ‘Save Our Rice’ movement initiated by CREATE.
Prof. Dr. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE Trust, detailed efforts in advocating for an Organic State Policy and reviving traditional paddy varieties in Tamil Nadu.
Special guests Dr. Jo Sharma, Associate Professor from University of Toronto, Canada and Ms. Geetha Sukumaran, York University, Toronto, Canada introduced the “Feeding City Lab” concept to connect farmers with urban consumers.
As highlight of the event, 2 women farmers; Mrs. Priya Rajanarayanan and Mrs. Krishnammal have been felicitated by CREATE Trust with late Mr. G. Nammalvar and late Mr. Nel Jayaraman memorial award for their significant contribution in traditional seed conservation and dissemination and traditional paddy cultivation. Mrs. Priya Rajanarayanan from Thiruppur who have save more than 800 rare traditional seeds of vegetables, tubers, greens and fruits through extensive travel across India.
APTA honored three individuals during the event. Dr. Y. Rajkumar of Green Agri Club of India was recognized for training over 50,000 farmers in organic agricultural practices. Mrs. Shoba from Bairavi Foundation was lauded for her work in waste management and converting waste into valuable manure for agriculture. Mr. Senba Sekaran Pillai received accolades for his innovations in creating cost-effective farming tools.
Mrs. Vani, the Joint Director of Agriculture, highlighted various government schemes promoting organic agriculture, including cash awards for high-yield farmers. Mr. Thangasivam, the Food Safety Officer, emphasized ensuring food quality through monitoring systems and encouraged personal food production via backyard and rooftop gardens, sharing his family’s involvement in such activities.
Mrs. Usha Solapani, National Coordinator of Save Our Rice Campaign, emphasized women’s significant role in agriculture, contributing to seed conservation, labor, and family health through sustainable practices. She urged CREATE to ensure gender parity in program participation.
Prof. Dr. Karthikeyan, Associate Professor of Botany at Thiagaraja College, shared experiences in traditional paddy seed conservation and involving students in germplasm research.
Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director of CREATE Trust, discussed the 16-day Global Action for Promoting Agro-ecology, focusing on this year’s theme: “Women, Youth, and Rural Youth demanding Land, Food, and Climate Justice.” The initiative encompassed various events and encouraged organic farmers to share videos showcasing how agro-ecological practices assist in tackling food and climate crises, emphasizing the leadership role of women and youth.
Additionally, a parallel event by Holy Cross College students showcased traditional food recipes made from paddy varieties and millets, with the best three recipes awarded.
Dr. Jasmin Asir, Secretary of Nagercoil Women Consumers’ Protection Council, concluded the event with a vote of thanks
