In an era where modern agriculture increasingly relies on hybrid crops, chemical fertilizers, and quick‑fix solutions, one farmer from Tamil Nadu has chosen a radically different path. Salai Arun, hailing from Trichy, has dedicated his life to preserving India’s indigenous vegetable seeds — a mission rooted in soil, heritage, and responsibility. His extraordinary journey across the country, covering nearly 80,000 kilometers, has turned him into a guardian of biodiversity and a symbol of sustainable farming.

A Mission Born of Concern

Arun’s mission was simple yet profound: to preserve what modern farming was slowly forgetting. Over the years, he collected more than 300 rare native seed varieties, traveling from village to village and farm to farm. His work was not just about seeds; it was about exchanging stories, traditions, and agricultural wisdom with local farmers, ensuring that knowledge passed down through generations would not disappear.

The Turning Point

His commitment deepened after meeting G. Nammalvar, the renowned pioneer of organic farming, in 2011. That encounter transformed Arun’s personal interest into a nationwide movement for sustainable agriculture, inspiring him to think beyond his own farm and dedicate himself to protecting India’s food heritage.

The Journey of 2021

In 2021, armed with just ₹300, Arun set out on his long journey across mountains, plains, and remote rural landscapes. With little financial backing but immense determination, he documented, preserved, and freely shared traditional seeds with farming communities. What he saved was not only biodiversity but also generations of agricultural wisdom, ensuring that native crops would continue to thrive despite the dominance of hybrids.

Karpagatharu: A Living Archive

Today, Arun’s farm, Karpagatharu, stands as a living archive of India’s rich food heritage. It nurtures dozens of native vegetables — from multiple varieties of bottle gourd and beans to rare tomatoes and chilies. Each seed carries a story of resilience, tradition, and adaptation to local climates. His farm is not just a place of cultivation, but a museum of living biodiversity, offering future generations a chance to reconnect with their roots.

Why It Matters

Arun’s journey is a powerful reminder that true progress does not erase the past — it protects it. By saving seeds, he is safeguarding India’s future food security, one native crop at a time. His work resonates with global concerns about biodiversity loss, climate change, and the dangers of monoculture. As The Hindu and Down to Earth have reported, seed preservation is critical for resilience against pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather patterns.

A Farmer’s Legacy

Salai Arun’s story is not about fame or wealth. It is about responsibility, vision, and courage. His journey shows that one individual, armed with conviction and humility, can spark a movement that protects both heritage and the future.

References (plain text):

• The Hindu – Coverage of seed preservation movements in Tamil Nadu (2024)

• Down to Earth – Reports on biodiversity and the importance of native seeds in India (2025)

• Indian Express – Profiles of grassroots farmers leading sustainable agriculture initiatives (2025)

• BBC News – Global perspective on seed banks and food security (2023)

👏 Salai Arun’s 80,000‑km journey is a testament to resilience — proving that saving seeds is saving the future.