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Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
IIT Madras launches youth farming internship to bridge rural wisdom and urban curiosity
MUMBAI: In a push to reconnect the country's youth with agriculture, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and We The Leaders Foundation jointly hosted the Youth Farming Conclave 2025 at the IITM Research Park. The conclave marked the launch of the Youth Farming Internship Program, a pioneering initiative that transforms working farms into living classrooms. The program, backed by eight lead organic farmers from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu , aims to bridge rural farming knowledge with urban student curiosity through immersive, hands-on experiences. Two formats are being offered: a 7-day full-time internship for deeper exposure to regenerative agriculture, and a 2-day weekend module for shorter engagement. Calling it a 'strategic reimagining of agriculture as a space for innovation and enterprise,' the conclave brought together young farmers, students, agri-entrepreneurs, and institutional leaders to shape the future of youth-led agricultural transformation. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Delivering the keynote address, Manoj Kumar , CEO of Naandi Foundation, underlined the urgent need to bring ethical, profitable, and sustainable practices to farming. 'We helped convert one million farmers to organic farming across Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Now, we're looking to bring the same impact to Tamil Nadu,' he said. Kumar emphasized the need to ask critical questions: Is the food on my plate good for me? Has the farmer profited? How much damage has the process done to the planet? He called for making safety-tested, quality food the norm, referencing successful pilot models like Araku Valley where Naandi has helped create end-to-end organic farming value chains. Former IPS officer K. Annamalai, now Chief Mentor of We The Leaders Foundation, formally unveiled the Youth Farming Internship and called it a 'seed-planting initiative' in the minds of young Indians. 'Eight organic farmers have come forward to open their farms to students. The benefits of such a shift will be generational,' he said, adding that the time is ripe for organic agriculture given the middle class's growing demand for healthier alternatives. He also acknowledged the organic farming journey of IIT-M Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, praising him for leading by example. Speaking at the event, Prof. Kamakoti shared how his own village farm in Vishnupuram shifted to organic methods after installing solar-powered pumps. 'Our fertiliser costs dropped, yields improved, and when heavy rains came, our fields survived while others didn't,' he said. He also highlighted IIT Madras' work on a Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture (RASA) exploring tech-led solutions like electrified tractors, automated farming, and lightweight equipment. 'Agriculture must become aspirational for youth again,' he added. David Hogg, Chief Agriculture Advisor at Naandi Foundation, provided insights on natural farming practices, while young lead farmers spoke of personal journeys into regenerative farming—some prompted by health crises within their families. The event also saw the signing of an MoU between Amul-Richplus Organic Farming Initiative and We The Leaders Foundation to enhance market linkages and promote organic practices across Tamil Nadu. A panel discussion titled 'The Future of Agriculture: How Can Youth Explore, Engage & Empower?' explored models to scale the initiative statewide. With its mix of grassroots wisdom and institutional support, the Youth Farming Conclave 2025 signals a broader shift—where sustainable agriculture becomes not just a necessity, but an inspiring career path for India's next generation.
New Indian Express
03-08-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Youth farming internship launched at IIT-M
CHENNAI: We The Leaders Foundation has launched a Youth Farming Internship Programme, inviting students and youngsters from urban areas to experience organic farming firsthand. Participants can spend either two or seven days on organic farms managed by farmers. This initiative aims to bridge rural agricultural wisdom with urban curiosity through immersive, farm-based learning. The programme was launched during the Youth Farming Conclave organised along with IIT-M Research Park on Saturday. The one-day event explored how modern technology, sustainable practices and traditional farming knowledge can come together. Talking about the 'Internship for Farmers' initiative, K Annamalai, former state president of BJP and chief mentor of We The Leaders Foundation, stated, 'This internship provides valuable exposure to agriculture for interested youths. Eight organic farmers have volunteered to open their farms to curious learners. The goal is to inspire young students to consider farming as a viable, innovative career while they are still pursuing their studies.'
United News of India
02-08-2025
- General
- United News of India
IIT-Madras organises Youth Farming Conclave
Chennai, July 2 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT Madras) in partnership with We The Leaders Foundation organized Youth Farming Conclave 2025 in collaboration with several organizations. This conclave marks a major step forward in youth-led agricultural transformation in Tamil Nadu. The event was held at IIT Madras Research Park to demonstrate how modern technology, sustainable practices, and traditional farming knowledge can come together. This one-day conclave brought together young farmers, students, agri-innovators, and institutional leaders to collectively reimagine agriculture as a space for innovation, regeneration, and youth-led enterprise. Addressing the event, Mr. Manoj Kumar, CEO, Naandi Foundation, said the Foundation has managed to convert one million farmers to organic farming. "Most of our work is in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. We might want to start in Tamil Nadu also". In the last 25 years, the entire focus of the Foundation has been to make people ask three questions --Has the farmer, who made this food that has come to my plate, made profits or is he loss-making? Is this food good for me? By the time this food has come to my plate, how much has it damaged this planet?, he said. Mr. Manoj Kumar said 'How do we ensure that everyone always eat quality food? We have tests to ensure that every food is safe and we should make it the normal. If we want the planet to be regenerated, like the cells in our body, that is the correct way to grow food. We have successfully implemented this in Araku Valley. The only way we can do all of this is if the country decides to go back to its roots.' Speaking about the 'Internship for Farmers' initiative launched during the conclave, former IPS Officer K. Annamalai, who is the Chief Mentor, We The Leaders Foundation, said the 'Internship initiative will provide an exposure to those interested in agriculture. Eight organic farmers have come forward to open their doors to youngsters interested in learning about agriculture. The objective is to plant the seed of farming in the mind of youngsters while they are pursuing studies. The benefits of such initiatives will be felt in the generations to come, he said. MORE UNI GV 1540
