Objective of the visit:
- To learn about sustainable gardening and farming practices.
- To inspire inquisitiveness and interest in gardening and agriculture.
On July 17, 2024, the South District Farmers Federation, in collaboration with the Communication Department of Madurai Kamaraj University, organized a Seed Festival entitled “Vidhai Thiruvizha 5.0” at Roosa Hall, Madurai Kamaraj University. This event showcased an array of traditional seeds exhibited by farmers from various districts in Tamil Nadu. Students from the Food Science and Processing Management program actively participated in the festival, finding inspiration in the remarks made by Farmer Annawayal Kalimuthu, the Coordinator of the Seed Festival. He noted, “Sow the seed. Watch the seed. Even if the sower sleeps, the seeds do not sleep.”
The students engaged with numerous stalls, acquiring valuable knowledge regarding different seed varieties, food products and farming practices. After the event, complimentary seeds were distributed to both students and farmers. In total, 27 students from the first and second years, along with one faculty member, participated and benefited from the festival.
Outcome of the visit:
The students acquired knowledge regarding sustainable farming practices and learned about initiatives aimed at conserving and protecting seed diversity.