These are a group of tribal farmers in Tamil Nadu in their monthly meeting who have adopted
organic farming practices in their lands.
This is Siddhi Lingi in Dharmapuri district.
The population here is the Malai Arla tribe, which is the largest tribe in Tamil Nadu.
They are farmers with small land holdings.
The farming system was changed from inorganic to organic practices by the tribals for a
healthy living and improved income.
As a collective initiative, they formed the Siddhi Lingi Organic Farmers Association or
SOFA to promote organic farming among the local tribal farmers.
The society distributes organic seeds, seedlings, fertilizers and helps in marketing the crop
produce.
It also provides the necessary know-how on organic farming.
The society has made a profound impact on the tribal community.
The other thing is that because of the organic farming initiative and the marketability of
organic produce, our farmers are doing very well, there is much more money in their pockets.
None of them are even thinking of committing suicide like farmers in the rest of India.
Right now we are working with 500 organic certified farmers, around 2500 acres of under
organic cultivation.
And also we are working with 300 women entrepreneur members.
Apart from farmers, the society includes women entrepreneurship groups who make value-added
products such as pappards, powdered millet biscuits from agricultural produce which are
sold under the brand name SWAD.
Power interruptions from the grid are very common in the valley, affecting the manufacturing
process.
Cellco, after a detailed study, solar powered the food processing machines that have motors
ranging from 0.5 to 2 HP.
The system is designed to provide 5 hours of backup and can run up a combination of
machines of 4 HP at a time.
The machines connected to the system include a flour mill, a grader de-stoner, a door mixer
and weighing and packing machine.
This intervention by Cellco has reduced the diesel expenditure considerably and regularised
production.
The building houses a garment unit run by the tribals.
The sewing machines in the unit also have a solar power backup.
The availability of constant power supply has resulted in providing more employment opportunities
and increased earnings for the society members.
Today the organic products are sold in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai and also exported
to several countries.
