A farmer's decision to grow differently

Why V. Vetrichelvan walked away from chemical farming

In 2012, Mr. V. Vetrichelvan — a farmer from Puducherry — made a bold decision. Concerned about the long-term harm of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he chose to convert his 2-acre plot to natural farming, aiming to produce chemical-free food while protecting soil health for future generations.

It wasn't a decision made lightly, or alone. He sought out and learned from some of India's most respected voices in sustainable agriculture — Subhash Palekar and G. Nammazhvar — attending workshops and engaging directly with practicing experts to understand what natural farming would really require.

A working farm, and a training ground for others

Today, the centre is both a functioning natural farm and a place where other farmers come to learn. Vetrichelvan's message to fellow farmers and entrepreneurs is direct: reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers, lean on organic inputs like cow dung and natural preparations, and trust that low-cost, sustainable methods can be both environmentally sound and financially rewarding.