August 6, 2025

In an effort to engage the youth with the agricultural sector, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) alongside We The Leaders Foundation hosted the Youth Farming Conclave 2025 at the IITM Research Park. This significant event marked the introduction of the Youth Farming Internship Program, a remarkable initiative aimed at transforming operational farms into interactive learning environments for students. This program, supported by eight leading organic farmers from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu, seeks to merge rural farming expertise with the curiosity of urban students through immersive experiences. The internship program offers two formats: a full-time 7-day internship that provides in-depth exposure to regenerative agriculture and a 2-day weekend module designed for those seeking shorter engagement. The conclave emphasized a strategic reimagining of agriculture as not just a necessity but a realm for innovation and enterprise. It gathered a diverse group of young farmers, students, agri-entrepreneurs, and institutional leaders, all dedicated to piggybacking on youth-led agricultural transformations that can bring about sustainable changes in the industry. In his keynote address, Manoj Kumar, CEO of Naandi Foundation, highlighted the critical need for ethical, profitable, and sustainable farming practices. He recounted the foundation’s success in converting a million farmers to organic farming across several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh and Punjab, and expressed a desire to replicate this impact in Tamil Nadu. Kumar challenged attendees to reflect on crucial questions such as the safety and quality of the food they consume and the profitability of farmers. He shared insights from successful organic farming models like Araku Valley, where Naandi has pioneered comprehensive organic farming value chains. K. Annamalai, a former IPS officer and the Chief Mentor of We The Leaders Foundation, introduced the Youth Farming Internship, describing it as a "seed-planting initiative" for young Indians. He noted the significant societal benefits that could result from connecting students with farmers who are embracing organic practices. Annamalai further pointed out the increasing demand among the middle class for healthier food alternatives as an opportune moment for promoting organic agriculture. He also commended IIT Madras’ director, Prof. V. Kamakoti, for personally leading efforts in organic farming, setting a standard for others. Prof. Kamakoti shared his story about transitioning his family’s farm in Vishnupuram to organic practices after installing solar-powered irrigation systems. He noted a reduction in fertilizer costs and improved yields, emphasizing how their crops withstood heavy rains better than conventional farms. His remarks served to illustrate the technological advancements IIT Madras is exploring in agriculture, such as the Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture (RASA), which investigates tech-driven solutions like automated farming and lightweight equipment. He stressed that agriculture must regain its allure for the youth to inspire future generations. David Hogg, Chief Agriculture Advisor at Naandi Foundation, shared insights into natural farming practices, while several young farmers recounted personal motivations behind their journeys into regenerative farming, often triggered by health challenges within their families. The conclave also facilitated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Amul-Richplus Organic Farming Initiative and We The Leaders Foundation to enhance market connections and promote organic practices in Tamil Nadu. A panel discussion dubbed 'The Future of Agriculture: How Can Youth Explore, Engage & Empower?' focused on scaling this initiative to benefit the entire state. The Youth Farming Conclave 2025 symbolizes a unified effort to blend grassroots wisdom with institutional support, driving a significant shift in how agriculture is perceived in India. This initiative aims not only to address pressing sustainability issues but also to inspire a new generation to consider farming as a viable and rewarding career path.

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Tags: Youth farming, Internship program, Organic farming, Agriculture, Iit madras,