This has been in the works since the last two months, with the jury nominating , writing up profiles , finally discussing and deciding on the awardees.
We are humbled and elated by the awardees and believe that each one of you will love these awardees and their work .
The awards was across six categories with seven awardees.
Veteran Organic Farmer : SR Sundararaman
A veteran who has been in organic farming for almost 3 decades, plant doctor, trainer, mentor, entrepreneur, guru, active and on the go at 84,Sundararaman ayya, known as Ayya is a much respected figure in Tamil Nadu organic farming circles.
Organic Farming Champion.: Usha Kumari S
Usha, with decades of work against pesticides and GMOs, to promote organic farming, and above all, to have run the most successful paddy conservation campaign in the country, is an inspiration to many many of us. Quiet, and self effacing, she is a champion for organic farming & much more, and a much beloved Usha chechi or Usha teacher for 100s inspired by her.
Organic Seed Conserver : Leneesh K
Leneesh, journalist, documentation specialist, who became a farmer and seed saver inspired by the stories he documented is an expert paddy seed conservationist. A farmer scientist, with skill, patience and perseverance, these expert farmers are a rare breed and we salute them.
Organic Farmer Couple : Pavithra A & Rinas M
Pavitra & Rinas, friends, partners in life and farming, complementing each other, supporting each other in their risky decision to become organic farmers and to support themselves. Who jumped directly into organic farming, constantly experimenting with machines to make it easier, simpler and more doable. May we see many more such couples who will make farming desirable and aspirational.
Woman Organic Farmer : Kavitha Ramasamy
Kavitha, an organic farmer for over 17 years, farming in the dryland region of Pudukottai, leading by example, inspiring women like her, experimenting with crops & techniques, saving and sharing seeds and changing over to an organic lifestyle; we are bowled over by her dynamism & abilities.
Young Organic Farmer : Saravanababu R
Saravana Babu, all of 27, the youngest, serious, from an underprivileged background who overcame challenges and graduated, instead of migrating for a job in a city, he leaves that opportunity to farm organically,and to lead and inspire other youth in his village. Fighting for saving water, struggling against quarries, part of the struggle to protect reserve forests in their water starved region, we are humbled and moved.
Nandri Nandri Nandri
