Farmers Are Real Doctors: Shift to Organic Farming!

Farmers are the true healers capable of establishing a disease-free society, according to food and nutrition specialist Khadar Vali. He asserted that the rise in lifestyle diseases is directly linked to contemporary food production methods and dietary habits. Vali championed organic cultivation, particularly of millets, vegetables, and leafy greens, as a pathway to significantly enhance public health.

He encouraged adopting millet-based diets and reducing intake of rice, sugar, and wheat for at least three months to experience health benefits. Vali warned against agricultural practices solely driven by commercial interests, urging farmers to prioritize healthy food production and avoid corporate dependency. He projected that widespread sustainable and organic farming could considerably lower disease prevalence nationwide within five years.

Federation of Farmers' Organisations State president Kurubur Shanthakumar highlighted the critical need for environmental conservation, specifically restoring lakes and water bodies. He noted the potential of using nutrient-rich soil from desilted lakes to improve agricultural fertility, decrease reliance on chemical inputs, and bolster groundwater recharge, crucial for ecological balance and water security.