Men of the soil sow seeds of change this international men’s day

Hyderabad: Ever imagined having a family farmer on the lines of a family doctor? Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a group promoting organic farming, is developing a unique model that connects families with their own family organic farmers on the lines of a family doctor.On the occasion of International Men's Day on Nov 19, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (meaning the world is one family), which comprises organic farmers, consumers and enthusiasts, is working on the model, featuring men from diverse backgrounds such as IT, banking and education sectors. This year's men's day theme aptly highlights the importance of men as "positive role models". These farmers maintain close relationships with the families, delivering fresh produce directly to them. Many members of this group have shifted to farming. The initiative began in 2021 after a meeting organised by two professionals. "During a discussion, our mentor Dr Srujana highlighted that girls are entering puberty as early as 8 or 9 years due to the diet. This motivated us to become role models in organic farming. We recognised the importance of ensuring that families receive the right produce, fostering a direct and trustworthy relationship between farmers and consumers," explained Narsimha Murty Gonapa, a software engineer and part-time organic farmer.Naalam Venkata Subba Rao, an architect, shared his personal journey into organic farming, which began with a need for quality milk for his child. "Seven years ago, I set up a small dairy for our family's use. Initially, we didn't supply to others, but we realised that this limited approach needed to expand," he said. After leaving his lucrative banking career, Ranga Prasad, a former banker, ventured into organic farming without prior knowledge, relying heavily on consultants. However, he emphasises the importance of self-sufficiency. He points out that agricultural studies often concentrate on maximising yields but overlook the economic aspects of farming. He believes that farming can provide a stable income, even if it doesn't lead to crores of rupees if economic practices are involved. "I first ventured into chemical farming. When I saw the chemicals, I was shocked and turned to organic farming. I am transforming my farm in Nagarkurnool into a biodiversity farm," he said.B Madhav Varma, a part-time farmer and associate professor in Vizianagaram, is part of the group. "I started my career in teaching, and I believe that adapting organic farming is crucial now," he shared.Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam held numerous awareness meetings to engage various professionals in organic farming. "We are currently in talks with a leading tech company to secure a permanent venue for hosting workshops, meetings, and gatherings for techies interested in organic farming," Narasimha Murty said.