Namma Nellu is an initiative by the Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems (CIKS) focused on preserving, documenting, and promoting the cultivation of Traditional Rice Varieties (TRVs) in Tamil Nadu. Our vision is to conserve agro-biodiversity to ensure food and nutritional security for everyone. Our mission includes conserving and enhancing the cultivation and marketing of at least 100 nutritionally and therapeutically significant TRVs from Tamil Nadu, while also ensuring the decentralized availability of quality germplasm and establishing a supportive network.

The main activities undertaken in this programme are-

  • Conservation, documentation and maintenance of TRVs at the CIKS Technology Resource Centre.
  • Seed production at the CIKS TRC and through our network of farmers.
  • Scaling up of production and facilitation of marketing through CIKS farmers’ network and partner agencies.
  • Capacity building for various activities including sustainable organic cultivation, seed production, value addition, and input production.
  • Studies and research based on field requirements, including shelf life and germination of TRVs, wildlife conflict management, nutritional analysis of TRVs, etc.
  • Educational efforts, networking and raising awareness through participation in expos and exhibitions and hosting visitors.

Currently these initiatives are made possible through the support of various CSR donations including TURBO Energy, WOKA Foundation, Supraja Foundation, Shri AMM Murugappa Chettiar Research Centre, individual contributors from diverse backgrounds, and farmer partners such as self-help groups, joint liability groups, Farmer Producer Companies and our marketing partner Sempulam Sustainable Solutions Private Limited Company (www.sempulam.com).

For details of ongoing activities of this programme, you can visit www.nammanellu.com.