Policies of the British destroyed India’s self-reliance in agriculture, says Governor

Governor R.N.Ravi took part in the Pongal celebration at the MIT Agricultural and Technology College in Musiri on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Governor R.N. Ravi highlighted the rich agricultural legacy of India and the critical importance of natural farming while participating in Pongal celebrations at the MIT Agricultural and Technology College in Musiri on Saturday.

“Before the British time, our people and our country used to produce a large quantity of food. In 1820, there is a report that in Madras Presidency our rice production used to be about six tonnes per hectare. Our forefathers did not use chemical fertilizers. They did natural farming. But we lost during the British times,” said Mr.Ravi.

Explaining the impact of colonial policies, he said: “The British imposed heavy land taxes, burdening farmers and forcing them to abandon agriculture. They mandated cash crop cultivation for their profit, ultimately destroying our farming system.”

The event, titled ‘Pongal Function of Natural Farmers,’ was jointly organised by the Tamil Nadu Farmer Producer Organisations’ Federation, Vanagam Nammalvar Environmental Centre, and MIT Agricultural and Technology College.

Mr. Ravi expressed concern over decline in rice production in Punjab due to land degradation from excessive use of chemical fertilizer. “Thirty years ago, Punjab’s agricultural production was 2.5 times the national average. Today, it is below average. Farmers are in distress, selling their land. Very pathetic condition,” he said.

Highlighting the Centre’s push for natural farming, the Governor praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our Prime Minister, a great follower of Nammalvar, always emphasises natural farming. Experiments are under way nationwide, and more farmers are adopting it,” he said.

The event concluded with the Governor inaugurating an exhibition of natural farm produce. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University former Vice-Chancellor K. Ramasamy and MIT Educational Institutions Vice-Chairman E. Praveen Kumar were present.