December :Cauvery Calling is organizing a mega farmers’ seminar titled “Sustainable Tree-Based Agriculture – Plant Once, Earn for a Lifetime” on December 27. *Shri.Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’* Welfare isscheduled to participate in this high-impact event alongside *Sadhguru* . The seminar will be held at Adhiyamaan Engineering College, Hosur, in Krishnagiri district.

The event will bring together leading agricultural scientists from five premier institutes, who will share scientific approaches and advanced techniques for high-income, tree-based agriculture. Progressive farmers from Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states will also present real-life experiences and successful farming models.
A press meet was held today at the Chennai Press Club to share details about the seminar. Speaking to the media, Cauvery Calling Field Coordinator Thamizhmaran said that the rapid decline in soil fertility has become one of the most pressing challenges of our time. He noted that international research bodies have repeatedly warned that continued soil degradation could drastically reduce food production and trigger a severe global food crisis.
“To address this critical challenge, Sadhguru launched the Cauvery Calling and Save Soil movements, aimed at improving farmers’ economic well-being while restoring ecological balance. Through these initiatives, tree-based agriculture and natural farming practices are being widely promoted,” Thamizhmaran said.
Tree-based agriculture has emerged as one of the most effective solutions to replenish soil fertility while simultaneously enhancing farmer incomes, increasing groundwater levels, and supporting long-term environmental sustainability. To raise awareness and offer hands-on guidance, Cauvery Calling conducts seminars, training sessions, and farmer consultations every year. As part of these ongoing efforts, this one-day mega seminar is being organized in Hosur, with arrangements for seating, food, and transportation to accommodate over 10,000 farmers.
Dr. Ravi from the Indian Institute of Wood Science and Technology will explain the full cycle of sandalwood cultivation, from planting and protection to harvesting and market opportunities, while Dr. Kandiyannan from the Indian Institute of Spices Research will discuss pepper varieties, modern cultivation technologies, and methods to maximize yield. Dr. Senthil Kumar and Dr. Sankaran of the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research will offer guidance on globally demanded fruits such as avocado, various minor fruit crops, and long-term sustainable income opportunities.

Entomology expert Selvam will introduce chemical-free pest management practices, and Dr. Sivasubramanian from IIT Madras will present innovations in rainwater harvesting. Palanisamy will explain ways to generate income without cutting trees, and Saravana Anandhan will highlight profitable nutmeg cultivation techniques capable of yielding up to ₹30,000 per tree.

Progressive farmers Swapna C.P. Kallingal, Balu, and Subramanian will showcase successful pepper and nutmeg farming models with income potential ranging from ₹12 lakh to ₹30 lakh per acre. Additionally, Ramesh Baluttiki, who cultivates sandalwood across 100 acres, will share his experience in growing sandalwood with minimal water usage, while farmers Rajakannu and Valluvar will present proven models of multilayer cropping, pepper cultivation, and intercropping within coconut plantations.

The event will also feature a direct marketing exhibition enabling farmers to connect with buyers without intermediaries, alongside stalls showcasing innovative value-added products from natural farming.

A wide range of high-quality saplings will be available for purchase at the venue, including Miyazaki mango, avocado, sandalwood, and 54 other fruit varieties.

Along with Sadhguru and Union Agricultural Minister, the seminar will be graced by several distinguished guests including Members of Parliament Thambidurai and Gopinath; MLA Prakash; Hosur Mayor Satya; former MLA Manoharan; Sanjay Khanna, Director, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited; and Girish Krishnamurthy, Managing Director, Tata Medical & Diagnostics Limited.

Prior registration is mandatory to participate in the seminar. Interested participants may contact 94425 90079 or 94425 90081 for further details on registration.