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Hand-Harvesting Traditional Paddy – Reviving a Lost Celebration
In our village, hand-harvesting paddy was once more than just agriculture — it was a grand celebration. Before and during the British era, the entire village would come together during harvest season, marking a joyful occasion that ensured food security for the year ahead.
However, with the rise of modern, chemical-based agriculture and machinery, this vibrant tradition slowly faded away. In an effort to preserve and relive our cultural heritage, we at Richhariya Farms recreated a traditional hand-harvesting event. This not only brings back the forgotten joy of collective farming but also reconnects us to our roots — to the land, the people, and the way our ancestors lived.
Experience the spirit of community, tradition, and sustainability — one harvest at a time.
Creating Awareness about Traditional Natural farming among Local Villagers & Farmers.
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Grassroot Awareness on Traditional Farming & Seeds with local Farmers at Komarlingam village;
Recently, a local Farmer Producer Company organized an awareness event on organic farming in our village, Komarlingam. Our dedicated team member, Karthik, actively participated and shared insights about our ongoing efforts in reviving traditional rice varieties and promoting chemical-free cultivation at Richhariya Farms.
During the session, villagers listened intently as we discussed the health risks of chemically-grown food and the long-term impact of inorganic farming. One elderly woman reflected, “Earlier we worked hard without any health issues. Now, even walking is a struggle for us.”
This heartfelt feedback made it clear — the disconnect between food policy and rural health is growing. While government and experts often design food policies from afar, the real stories and needs of our farmers and rural communities remain unheard. We believe it's crucial that policymakers visit villages and engage directly with the people before shaping national food and health frameworks.
Farm Visit for Local Farmers – Learning from the Land
Reviving Hope: Farm Visit to Inspire Traditional Organic Farming
Across India, a common sentiment echoes among farmers:
“Let the misery of agriculture end with me. I don't want my children to suffer the way I did.”
This powerful statement reflects a harsh reality. Since the onset of the Green Revolution, the farming population has been steadily declining. What was once seen as a noble livelihood has now become a burden—plagued by low income, rising debts, and a loss of dignity.
For most farmers today, organic farming feels like a distant dream—an "elite" concept. Years of chemical usage have depleted their soil, and the lack of training or financial support leaves them hesitant to take risks. A key reason for this crisis is simple: farmers don’t get fair prices for their produce. That’s why demands for Minimum Support Price (MSP) are growing louder. Unfortunately, a colonial mindset in policymaking and bureaucracy continues to worsen the situation.
Our Initiative: On-Farm Learning for Local Farmers
In response, we organized a farm visit at our Richhariya Farms for farmers from nearby villages. The goal was to offer hands-on exposure to organic cultivation and showcase how indigenous seed varieties can be successfully grown without synthetic chemicals.
During the visit:
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Farmers walked through our farm, observing real-time practices of traditional paddy farming.
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They interacted with our team, learning about natural pest control, soil health, and market access.
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Many expressed surprise and hope, realizing that traditional farming is possible—even today.
One farmer shared candidly:
“We are eager to return to farming. But when the price of our farm produce is so low, we’re forced to give it up. Even thinking of organic farming feels unaffordable.”
This statement underscores the gap between awareness and action—a gap caused not by unwillingness, but by a broken system.
Our Vision
We believe change is possible—when farmers see proof, not just promises. Events like these empower them to reimagine agriculture, not just as a livelihood, but as a sustainable, dignified, and healing profession.
To support this mission, consider:
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Sharing our story with your networks.
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Buying directly from organic farmers.
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Demanding fair pricing policies from policymakers.
Your Every action here counts in rebuilding India’s food and farming future.
Our Awareness Webinar on, Genetically Modified Food
🎯 Objective of the Webinar
The session aimed to educate participants about the science behind GMOs, their health and environmental implications, and the policy frameworks that govern them. With growing concern around food safety and biodiversity, understanding the risks and responsibilities surrounding GM crops is more important than ever.
🧠 Key Topics Discussed
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What are GMOs? – A basic understanding of genetically modified organisms and how they are created.
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Health & Environmental Risks – An overview of scientific studies and global concerns about the safety of GM food.
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Regulatory Gaps – Insights into how GMOs are regulated in India, and the challenges with enforcement, transparency, and labeling.
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Threat to Indigenous Seeds – Discussion on how GM crops may endanger traditional farming systems and native biodiversity.
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The Role of Civil Society – How farmers, consumers, and youth can participate in decision-making and advocacy.
🌱 Conclusion
Participants left the session with a stronger understanding of:
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The hidden presence of GMOs in daily food items,
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The need to safeguard traditional and organic farming,
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And the importance of policy advocacy and informed choices.
We thank everyone who joined and contributed to the discussion. Together, we can promote healthier food systems and protect agricultural diversity.
This webinar is organised in association with Yugma Collective and Sapacc
To Watch the Full Webinar, click here
Awards and Recognizations
We were Recognized by TIUK, a Confluence of Natural farmers Organisations:
Our Farmer, Selva Karthik, received Star of Hope Award for conserving traditional paddy farming practises of their village, Komarlingam.