Narendra Modi interacted with farmers at the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu yesterday. Greeting the farmers engaged in natural farming, Shri Modi observed the banana produce and inquired about the use of banana waste. The farmer explained that all displayed items were value-added products made from banana waste. The Prime Minister asked whether their products were sold online across India, to which the farmer affirmed. The farmer added that they were representing the entire Tamil Nadu through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) as well as individual contributors. He informed that their products were sold online, exported, and also available in local markets and supermarkets across India. Shri Modi asked how many people work together in each FPO, and the farmer responded that around one thousand individuals are involved. The Prime Minister acknowledged this and further asked whether banana cultivation was done exclusively in one area or mixed with other crops. The farmer clarified that different areas specialize in different exclusive products and added that they have GI products as well.
Another farmer explained that there are four varieties of tea—black tea, white tea, oolong tea, and green tea. She elaborated that oolong tea is 40% fermented. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that white tea has a significant market these days, to which the farmer agreed. The farmers also displayed a variety of vegetables and fruits like brinjal, mango grown through natural farming across seasons.
Prime Minister Shri Modi then pointed to Moringa or drumstick and asked whether the product had a strong market presence currently, to which the farmer responded with affirmation. Shri Modi asked about the use of its leaves to which the farmer explained that Moringa leaves are processed into powder and exported. The Prime Minister noted that Moringa powder is in high demand these days, and the farmer affirmed this. Shri Modi further inquired which countries primarily import the product. The farmer responded that major markets include the United States of America, African countries, Japan, and parts of Southeast Asia.
The farmer then informed that the entire display comprised GI products from Tamil Nadu, with 25 items showcased, including Kumbakonam’s betel leaves and Madurai’s jasmine. Shri Modi asked about the market reach, to which the farmer responded that these products are available across India and are prominently featured during every function day in Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister asked whether people from Varanasi also sources the betel leaves to which the farmer confirmed affirmatively.
Shri Modi asked about the increase in production to which the farmer responded that they currently have over 100 products, with honey being a key item. The Prime Minister inquired about the market potential, and the farmer affirmed that demand is very high, with their honey products reaching global markets.
The Prime Minister was further informed that they have nearly a thousand traditional paddy varieties, with nutritional value comparable to millets. Shri Modi remarked that the work done by Tamil Nadu in the field of paddy remains unmatched globally. The farmer agreed and affirmed the statement, adding that all paddy, rice, and related value-added products being exported have been displayed at the venue.
Interacting with another farmer, Shri Modi asked whether young farmers are coming forward for training. The farmer confirmed that a large number of youth are actively participating. The Prime Minister remarked that such highly educated individuals, including PhD holders, might initially struggle to understand the value of this work, but once they see the benefits, they begin to appreciate it. The farmer explained that earlier such individuals were considered eccentric, but now they earn ₹2 lakh per month, and are seen as an inspiration. The farmer further shared that they have trained 7,000 farmers at their model farm under a natural farming scheme, along with 3,000 college students. The Prime Minister asked if they have access to a market. The farmer responded that they directly market and export to other countries, and also undertake value addition through products like hair oil, copra, and soap.
Shri Modi shared that during his tenure in Gujarat, he had developed the concept of a "cattle hostel." He explained that by housing all village cattle in a common facility, the village remains clean, and the system requires just one doctor and four to five support staff for effective maintenance. The farmer agreed and added that the setup supports mass production of jeevamrit, which is then supplied to nearby farmers.
Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri R.N. Ravi and Union Minister, Dr. L Murugan were also present.
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