Tourism circuit to be promoted to showcase organic farming at Nammalvar farm

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A view of Ponnaniyar dam in the hilly Kadavur region of Karur district. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

Karur district administration has mooted an exclusive domestic tourism circuit with a focus on showcasing the organic farming methods being adopted at Vanagam, where renowned agricultural scientist and social activist late G. Nammalvar lived at Surumanpatti near Kadavur.

Vanagam, a non-profit organisation, collectively formed by people from different strata of society, offers hands-on training courses based on extensive study and research done over a period of several years and propagates ecological principles. To uplift the rain-fed farmers, research has been taken up on millets, pulses, and other rain-fed crops.

The farm, where Nammalvar, who propagated the ideals of organic farming, was buried on January 1, 2014, has been getting a steady stream of visitors. It gets farmers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Keralam. Taking this into account, the Karur district administration, with the involvement of the Department of Tourism, has proposed a domestic tourism circuit. The Ponnaniyar Dam and Inba Seva Sangam at Sevapur near Tharagampatti, which promotes selfless service, brotherhood, and self-reliance, are part of the circuit.

Collector C. Muthukumaran told The Hindu that Nammalvar farm had been getting visitors from different parts of the State. Creation of a tourism circuit by connecting Kadavur, Ponnaniyar Dam, and Sevapur would attract more tourists to the areas. As part of the initiative, tourism infrastructure facilities would be established at a cost of ₹2.5 crore at Ponnaniyar Dam. A proposal had been sent to the State government.

While Ponnaniyar dam, nestled between Perumal Malai and Semmalai, would offer the tourists to explore the sylvan surroundings and the ecology of the region, Vanagam would offer organic farming methods. The tourists could find attraction at Sevapur, which was considered a model village that promotes communal harmony and brotherhood, Mr. Muthukumaran added.

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