Puducherry: Pondicherry University (PU) in collaboration with the Puducherry Natural Organic Farmers and Local Farmers Cooperative Society (PNOFLFCS) and the Association for Promoting Sustainability in Campuses and Communities (APSCC) organised the Traditional Organic Farmers Festival 2.0 on its campus to promote sustainable farming.

The festival, attended by over 600 participants including students, farmers, researchers and policymakers, aims to scale up organic cultivation to 50 per cent of Puducherry and adjoining Tamil Nadu by 2030.

Inaugurating the festival, Vice-Chancellor Prof P Prakash Babu said promoting healthy dietary habits and organic food consumption was key to tackling lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. He commended women self-help groups for showcasing locally made nutritious products and stressed the need to avoid unhealthy processed food.

As part of the event, Prof Babu launched the FAO's Global Soil Doctors Programme for farmers and the Global Young Soil Scientists Programme for students initiated by APSCC. These initiatives focus on enhancing soil health and sustainability across India.

The festival featured exhibition stalls set up by Pondicherry University's horticulture wing, self-help groups, organic farmers, traders, educational institutions and even the Puducherry Central Prison. The stalls were inaugurated by MLA P M L Kalyanasundaram.

Plenary sessions with experts from academia, government and industry also took place. The programme was coordinated by Prof B Charumathi, Director of ACIC-PUSH, along with faculty members Prof Narayanaswamy Sangeetha and Dr M Nandivarman.

PNOFLFCS president Veerappan chaired the inaugural session, while secretary M Nadesan proposed the vote of thanks.