KASHMIR, 7 July 2025: In a determined effort to raise awareness about organic food and sustainable agriculture, Gaurav Tyagi, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, has set out on a 4,000-kilometre foot march from Srinagar to Kanyakumari.
The campaign, named Bharat Ann Shuddhi Padyatra, aims to highlight the benefits of chemical-free farming and the dangers posed by excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Tyagi, who began his journey on June 26 from Srinagar, reached Jammu on Saturday, where he was warmly felicitated by senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta at the Press Club.
Speaking to reporters, Tyagi explained that the mission is dedicated to every Indian who deserves clean, organic food. “The increasing use of chemicals in agriculture is harming our health, degrading soil quality, and affecting future generations. If we want to protect our health and our land, we must return to organic and traditional farming methods,” he said.
He added that the padyatra is not limited to encouraging citizens to choose organic food and reduce junk food intake but also aims to inspire farmers to move away from chemical-based cultivation. “Throughout my journey, I am meeting farmers and urging them to embrace organic methods. This is not just about health — it’s about securing the future of our nation,” he stressed.
Tyagi’s padyatra will pass through multiple states, carrying messages of food purity, environmental protection, and responsible consumption. He envisions a healthier, more self-reliant India rooted in sustainable farming practices.
Praising the initiative, Kavinder Gupta described Tyagi’s mission as timely and crucial. “A healthy India is the foundation of a prosperous India. We often talk about becoming a global economic power by 2047, but that cannot happen without ensuring the health of our citizens. Gaurav Tyagi’s padyatra is more than a journey — it is a nationwide call for change,” Gupta said.
He lauded Tyagi’s focus on reviving traditional farming practices and educating farmers about the hazards of chemical farming, adding that the padyatra’s message resonates with national priorities like Natural Farming and the POSHAN Abhiyaan, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gupta further noted that spreading the message of sustainable farming is essential to build a healthier and more resilient society. He called upon communities, farmers, and policymakers to extend their support to Tyagi’s movement.
Tyagi’s 4,000-kilometre march will continue in the coming weeks, stopping at villages and towns along the route to hold awareness meetings and farmer interactions. The campaign seeks to create grassroots momentum for organic and chemical-free farming, in line with the government’s larger push to reduce harmful inputs and preserve soil health.
As he moves southwards, Tyagi plans to collaborate with local agricultural officers, farming cooperatives, and voluntary groups to mobilise farmers and promote traditional, organic cultivation methods.
“Organic farming is not just about food,” Tyagi told the gathering. “It is about sustaining our culture, our communities, and the environment for the next generation.”
His padyatra is expected to conclude in Kanyakumari later this year, after covering thousands of villages and interacting with countless farmers and citizens across the country.
Image credit: Rakesh Bakshi, Daily Excelsior
