In a candid conversation, Tamil Nadu’s former Minister Natham R. Viswanathan shared insights into his deep-rooted passion for agriculture, tracing back to his ancestors. For Viswanathan, whose hometown is Natham in Dindigul district, agriculture was a tradition passed down from his grandfather, who cultivated tamarind and groundnuts. Over time, changing conditions, such as severe drought and declining groundwater levels, required him to adapt his farming practices, shifting from tamarind to crops like mango and coconut.
Currently, Viswanathan maintains a farm spread over 25 acres with around 1,000 coconut trees and 500 mango trees. “The income from these trees is more consistent compared to tamarind,” he noted. His mango farm includes popular varieties like Kalami, Kesar, and now Imam Pasand. Practicing natural farming, he uses organic manure such as cow dung and composted organic matter for fertilization.
In the earlier days, he recalls, the lush green fields were full of people working in sync with nature. Plowing, planting, weeding, and harvesting were done by hand, and everything was organic. However, today, labor shortages and the high costs of alternative jobs draw people away from agriculture, leaving farms less populated with workers. This shift, he remarked, has presented a significant challenge in the present agricultural landscape.
On his farm, he uses a drip irrigation system, drawing water from bore wells. “In the past, water was easily available at about 30 feet below the surface, but now, even 1,000 feet doesn’t guarantee groundwater,” he explained. Like many farmers, Viswanathan’s family has adapted to water scarcity, preserving water carefully and focusing on sustainable farming methods.
Beyond his own dedication to farming, Viswanathan’s wife, Selvarani, shares his enthusiasm. She personally tends to the Kangeyam cattle on their property and proudly supports the family’s tradition of using natural fertilizers. Her commitment to natural farming methods, rainwater harvesting, and environmental conservation highlights her integral role in their agricultural endeavors.
In a heartfelt moment, Viswanathan expressed, “For my wife, farming is life itself.” Her knowledge of the farm’s ecology, from the importance of rainwater harvesting to fostering a sustainable environment, is extensive. This strong partnership reflects a broader truth about Indian agriculture: the significant role of women. Whether working in the fields or managing the technical aspects of farming, women’s contributions are invaluable.
As we concluded our conversation, it was clear that Natham Viswanathan’s commitment to natural farming and his affection for native cattle underscore a deep respect for the land and tradition. Even though his political career places him in white attire, he proudly embraces the soil stains on his clothes as a mark of his identity as a farmer. With this memorable experience in his serene natural surroundings, we left with a renewed appreciation for Viswanathan’s unwavering passion for agriculture.
M. Umapathi
