Organic farmers feted at Tulsi Mahotsav

The Pioneer,
November 25, 2008

It was rare moment for the Kailashnath Singh, the 90-year-old farmer from a remote village Kamhenpur in Azamgarh. Though unaware of things unfolding at the Tulsi Mahotsava, Singh could not hold back his tears when US-national Bharat Mitra (formerly Yoav lev) touched his feet.

Kailashnath was the first farmer who was associated with ORGANIC INDIA, the decade old organization engaged in promoting organic and herbal products. When Bharat Mitra tried to convince the villagers at Azamgarh about the benefit of Tulsi and its future demand, several of them turned him down fearing it to be another 'East India Company'.

However, Kailashnath came forward and offered a portion of his two acre land. It was a tough decision as shifting from traditional crops towards organic farming of 'Tulsi' was seen with apprehension among fellow villagers. A decade down the line, the company is exporting tulsi tea to European union countries, Israel, USA, England, Australia and Japan.

Kailashnath, who was felicitated by the company is not alone as the number of farmers engaged in 'tulsi' cultivation at Azamgarh has increased to nearly 275 with 300 acres of land under cultivation. They grow tulsi which in a buyback arrangement fetches them good revenue. Several others as Tara Devi and Bacha Devi too started the venture and are reaping good returns. Their status from marginal farmer has outgrown with a cash crop in hand. Deputy General Manager, ORGANIC INDIA, Dr. BN Singh, claimed that the number of farmers was increasing and those who were engaged in organic farming were leading a pious life away from the vices, a perfect need for Azamgarh at this juncture.

Adding glamour to the event was actress Shabana Azmi who admitted that she was cured of her asthama problems due to herbal products. Expressing her feelings, Azmi said "The people of Azamgarh are hard-working and they have shown the way for organic farming to the nation." In the meantime, the villagers fancied themselves with foreigners clicking their picture and making them feel important.

Earlier, during the Tulsi Mahotsav, eminent naturopath Joseph Mercola from USA announced that his company mercola.com would tie-up with ORGANIC INDIA for promoting its product. The mercola.com is the leading seller of organic and herbal products online across the globe. He too was all praise for the enthusiasm of the native villagers. Company's officials including CEO Bharti Dev, K Gupta and Dr. NP Singh highlighted the importance and virtues of 'Tulsi'.