People who walked into Express Avenue on Saturday afternoon were surprised to see paddy sheaves and a tractor in the atrium.
In a short while, many of them vowed to become friends of farmers and try their hand at gardening. They carried home a small kit that contained seeds and an instruction manual.
‘Farm Dost’, an initiative that sought to raise awareness about farmers’ contribution and encourage people to try farming, was launched at the mall.
It is an initiative of TAFE, one of the leading manufacturers of tractors.
It was only apt for S. Nagabhushanam, who has been cultivating her land near Siruseri, to be part of the launch.
“I was born into a family of farmers and that encouraged me to take up cultivation. My vegetable garden helped raise my children,” said Ms. Nagabhushanam, who supplies greens and vegetables to supermarkets and regular customers.
T.R. Kesavan, chief operation officer (product strategy and corporate relations), TAFE, said the initiative is to allow people to experience the joy of cultivating and respect farmers’ contribution.
