The Isha Save Soil Movement organized an 'Agri Start-Up Festival' in Coimbatore on August 15, aiming to inspire agricultural entrepreneurship among farmers, youth, and women. The event featured success stories and information on government schemes and incentives.
Coimbatore: The Isha Save Soil Movement organized a grand training seminar titled "Agri Start-Up Festival" for agricultural entrepreneurs in Coimbatore on August 15. Held at Brindavan Auditorium in Chinniyampalayam, the event saw the participation of thousands of farmers, members of the general public, and women.
Muthukumar, the field coordinator of the Isha Save Soil Movement, delivered the welcome address. Swami Srimukha, the project coordinator of the Save Soil initiative, spoke about the purpose of the "Agri Start-Up Festival," emphasizing that the opportunity to start businesses should not be limited to farmers alone but should reach out to youth, women, and homemakers as well.
The event featured several successful entrepreneurs sharing their experiences. Vijaya Mahadevan, who established Vashikara Veda after the age of 50, shared her success story in selling value-added agricultural products. A.V. Gyanasambandham, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Development Department at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, elaborated on government schemes and incentives available for agricultural-related businesses. Thirumala Rao, an official from NABARD Bank in Coimbatore, explained the loan assistance schemes provided by NABARD Bank for farmers looking to start businesses.
Subathra, the founder of P.V.R Foods, who earns millions through the sale of millets, spoke about her journey. She highlighted the challenges faced in selling millets initially and how they overcame them by educating people about the health benefits of millets. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to choose their area of interest and seek information from relevant centers.
Other successful entrepreneurs who shared their experiences included Ponnarasi, a female farmer successful in online sales of value-added Moringa products; Archana, founder of Thai Herbals; and Annapoorani, founder of R.P. Cattle Feeds, who transitioned from the IT sector to agriculture.
The event also featured the presentation of Save Soil Awards to outstanding entrepreneurs and an exhibition of simple small tools used in agriculture, packaging equipment, and a display and sale of value-added agricultural products.
The Isha Save Soil Movement has been promoting natural farming across Tamil Nadu for the past 15 years, aiming to enhance soil fertility and improve the economic status of farmers. Through this movement, training has been provided to 25,000 farmers, with over 8,000 successfully transitioning to and continuing with natural farming practices.
Muthukumar, the field coordinator of the Isha Save Soil Movement, delivered the welcome address. Swami Srimukha, the project coordinator of the Save Soil initiative, spoke about the purpose of the "Agri Start-Up Festival," emphasizing that the opportunity to start businesses should not be limited to farmers alone but should reach out to youth, women, and homemakers as well.
The event featured several successful entrepreneurs sharing their experiences. Vijaya Mahadevan, who established Vashikara Veda after the age of 50, shared her success story in selling value-added agricultural products. A.V. Gyanasambandham, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Development Department at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, elaborated on government schemes and incentives available for agricultural-related businesses. Thirumala Rao, an official from NABARD Bank in Coimbatore, explained the loan assistance schemes provided by NABARD Bank for farmers looking to start businesses.
Subathra, the founder of P.V.R Foods, who earns millions through the sale of millets, spoke about her journey. She highlighted the challenges faced in selling millets initially and how they overcame them by educating people about the health benefits of millets. She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to choose their area of interest and seek information from relevant centers.
Other successful entrepreneurs who shared their experiences included Ponnarasi, a female farmer successful in online sales of value-added Moringa products; Archana, founder of Thai Herbals; and Annapoorani, founder of R.P. Cattle Feeds, who transitioned from the IT sector to agriculture.
The event also featured the presentation of Save Soil Awards to outstanding entrepreneurs and an exhibition of simple small tools used in agriculture, packaging equipment, and a display and sale of value-added agricultural products.
The Isha Save Soil Movement has been promoting natural farming across Tamil Nadu for the past 15 years, aiming to enhance soil fertility and improve the economic status of farmers. Through this movement, training has been provided to 25,000 farmers, with over 8,000 successfully transitioning to and continuing with natural farming practices.