Teen organic farmer catches UN's attention

Fifteen-year-old organic farmer from the City, Arya Pudota’s work has caught the attenti-on of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

On the occasion of World Environment Day, on June 6, with the help of UNEP, Pudota will distribute 1,000 organically grown hybrid Arka Rakshak tomato plants free of cost to morning walkers in Cubbon Park. A student of National Public School, Indiranagar, Pudota grows over 25 varieties of fruits and vegetables in a family plot measuring 4,000 square feet in Kasturinagar, OMBR Layout.

“My interest in organic farming started three years ago. I would assist my mother in her kitchen garden. This has now became my passion. The organic produce in my farm includes tomato, onion, beetroot, radish, leafy vegetables, brinjal, papaya, banana, mango, pomegranate, guava and avacado. I learnt about UNEP and its work in creating  awareness about environment. I contacted them and they were drawn to my work. They readily agreed to help me. They have also shown interest to visit my farm,” he told Deccan Herald.

In the last three years, Arya’s family has invested about Rs 10,000 to create and maintain the farm in their neighbourhood. He is also investing Rs 10,000 to distribute saplings and promote organic farming, which he said comes from his pocket money.

Pudota has six videos on YouTube educating people about organic farming, titled - ‘My Organic Farm Channel.’ He has also become a guide for his neighbours and fellow organic farmers. He is featured in his school website as a young achiever. He has formed two volunteer groups – one with students from his yoga school and another with schoolchildren to raise funds for various ecological issues. He and his friends also help out Compassion Unlimited Plus Action.