Isha Agro Movement

'Of all economic activity that happens in a nation, agriculture is the most fundamental and also of paramount importance. A nation that neglects its farmers is bound to dislocate its basic life sustaining infrastructure.'
- Sadhguru

The Isha Agro Movement (IAM) has been created by the Isha Foundation to address the deepening crisis currently occurring within the Indian agricultural community. Agriculture, which depends on increasingly erratic weather conditions, employs 68% of India's workforce. This workforce, however, is becoming increasingly desperate as the combined forces of climate change, inappropriate use of chemicals, de-forestation and land degradation take their toll on the productivity of once fertile lands.

Combining agro-forestry and organic farming techniques with comprehensive training and re-education programs, IAM aims to support and assist the farmers of Tamil Nadu to re-establish the ecological balance of their lands.

A regional Isha Agro Movement inauguration and seminar on organic farming was held in Pudukottai, with the involvement of Dr.Nammalvar, Agricultural Scientist, Smt. Janaki Shanmugam, Special Panchayat President and Mr.Maram Thangaswamy on June 16th, 2009. 170 farmers from the surrounding villages of Keeramangalam participated and 30 Isha volunteers from other districts also helped in organizing the event. As a second level to IAM, intensive practical training will be offered in July for a group of 30 farmers. Mr. Arunachalam, an organic farming consultant will provide the training.

In addition, the “Organic Farming Trainers’” training was offered to 15 field officers and project volunteers on June 8th, 2009, at the Keeramangalam Office. Organic growth promoters and pesticides were practically demonstrated during the training.