VT Valluvan, a 59‑year‑old farmer from Vettaikaranpudur, Pollachi in Coimbatore district, earned global recognition when the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) placed him third in its “Soil Hero Guardian” contest – a first for India.

From Monoculture Losses to a Thriving Ecosystem

Between 2006 and 2009 Valluvan cultivated a single‑crop on 7.5 acres, enduring three consecutive years of loss. In 2009 he transformed the land into a multi‑level, multi‑crop, tree‑based system. Today he manages more than 14 crop varieties, has planted 9,600 trees on 32 acres, and increased soil organic carbon to 1.56 %.

Core Steps for Farmers

Valluvan stresses that every farmer should begin with comprehensive soil, water and land surveys, even if they are familiar with their fields. The next logical move is drip irrigation, a technology the government subsidises, which reduces capital outlay and water use when planned before the monsoon.

If coconut groves are present, he recommends inter‑cropping. Partnering with a team from Isha, Valluvan selected 14 crops of varying heights, including tubers, bananas and coconuts. He applies cow dung and urine as organic inputs, while mulching preserves soil moisture.

Economic and Social Impact

High‑value crops like banana and coconut begin generating revenue in the first year, while other crops compound returns over time. “Traditional agriculture was self‑sustaining; natural and tree‑based farming revives that principle,” Valluvan asserts.

His son, a medical doctor, now assists on the farm, symbolising a generational shift toward sustainable practices. Since 2017, Valluvan has trained over 7,000 farmers, accelerating the adoption of natural farming across the region.

His message is unequivocal: protect soil health, conserve water, and embrace ecological farming for enduring profitability.