History of the Natural Farming Movement of Tamil Nadu

This study traces the historical evolution of the natural farming movement in Tamil Nadu, situating it within the broader agrarian, ecological, and socio-economic transformations experienced by the state since the Green Revolution. It documents how input-intensive, chemical-based agriculture led to declining soil health, increased farmer indebtedness, ecological degradation, and the gradual erosion of farmer agency, particularly from the 1960s onwards.

The report places special emphasis on the pivotal role played by Dr. G. Nammalvar, a former agricultural officer who rejected Green Revolution practices and emerged as a central figure in shaping a bottom-up, civil society–led natural farming movement. Through grassroots engagement, farmer education, writing, and public advocacy, Nammalvar promoted farming as a sustainable lifestyle rather than a purely commercial activity. His work emphasized traditional seeds, livestock integration, soil regeneration, and low external input agriculture, countering the commodification of farming inputs.

The study systematically examines the impact of globalization, urbanization, and liberalization on Tamil Nadu’s agriculture during the 1990s and early 2000s, highlighting land-use changes, water stress, deagrarianization, and growing farmer distress. It also documents how the natural farming movement expanded through informal networks, farmer collectives, and ecological institutions, despite limited state support.

Post-2013, the report assesses the continuing influence of Dr. Nammalvar’s legacy, noting the growth of organic markets, farmer networks, and renewed interest in indigenous knowledge systems, livestock conservation, and decentralized food systems. The study concludes by arguing for localized, agro-ecological development models rooted in community decision-making, ecological sustainability, and Gandhian principles of rural self-reliance.

Keywords

Natural farming, Organic agriculture, Tamil Nadu agriculture, Dr G. Nammalvar, Green Revolution impacts, Agro-ecology, Farmer movements, Deagrarianization, Sustainable agriculture, Indigenous farming practices, Gandhian principles of rural self-reliance.