Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presenting the awards at the Secretariat in Chennai on Friday (May 2, 2025)
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Three farmers, one each from Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Nagapattinam districts, received the Tamil Nadu government’s Nammazhvar award for excellence in organic farming for this year. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presented the awards at the Secretariat in Chennai on Friday (May 2, 2025).

G. Sampathkumar from Coimbatore district secured the first prize, while T. Jagadeesh from Tiruppur district and V. Kalidoss from Nagapattinam district received the second and third prizes, respectively. The first prize carries a cheque for ₹2.5 lakh and a medal, the second prize a cheque for ₹1.5 lakh and a medal, and the third prize a cheque for ₹1 lakh and a medal.

The Tamil Nadu government has been promoting organic farming in the State, and awareness campaigns were launched as part of its efforts to ensure chemical-free foodgrain production. It also organises exposure visits for students of higher secondary schools and colleges in 386 blocks in the State to organic farms.

It may be recalled that the Tamil Nadu government had also launched the Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom scheme to promote organic farming, enhance soil fertility, and ensure pesticide residue-free food, and to encourage farmers to transition to sustainable agricultural practices.

The Nammazhvar award encourages and honours farmers who practice and promote organic farming and handhold fellow organic farmers. Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and senior officials were present on the occasion.