Organic-certified and sustainable farm SAVE ANNAPURNA FARM
On 13 August 2025, a letter flew into our inbox from the current Office of the Secretary, Auroville Foundation, and the Governing Board-backed town planning team. We are amazed how far things have gone out of hand by now. Here an extract:
“It has been decided to allocate 100 acres of Auroville land at Annapurna for the IIT Sustainability Campus project. Consequently, Annapurna Farm will need to relocate its operations to the western portion of the land parcel, comprising approximately 34 acres.”
18th August 2025 - Update
Dear friends,
We decided after receiving the email invitation on 13 August to write back and request some basic information (for example MoU terms, timing) before a meaningful meeting could take place. We did not receive a reply. It was shared with us today, 18 August, that there were some people waiting in the meeting room. It would seem they did not understand our request.
More soon….
20th August 2025 - Update
On 19 August we were informed that an associate arranged for a rescheduled meeting. That meeting took place in the morning on 20 August. Before the meeting, on 19 August, we sent an email confirmation with an explanation of organic farming, Annapurna Farm land use figures by acre, and a detailed map.
One critical point that was clarified in the meeting is that the proposal to relocate the farm to the ‘Western’ portion of the Annapurna Farm plot is now off the table. It is now said that the farm should be relocated to Auroville’s Green Belt, and added to an existing, struggling farm. We asked for a timeline, and were told this has to start happening ‘asap’. We were told to put in writing our needs, including relocation costs. We were assured there is money for this.
We put forth that the land at Annapurna is critical (nay irreplaceable) for the food needs of the community; we asked if they are considering agricultural needs of a growing population. We were invited to give our advice.
They said, “It’s a done deal.”
They said, “Just collaborate.”
We said, ‘We have a different opinion on this matter.’
More soon …
20th August 2025 - Meeting Notes
Dear friends and well-wishers,
Here are the 20 August meeting notes written by the ATDC. One can get a sense of the focus, intent, and direction of the current administration.
We made a couple requests for revisions, which were finally incorporated.
We move on …
3rd September 2025 - Update
Hello everyone,
We are moving ahead. We are in contact with the Farm Service. They have sent us a list of 5 small plots to consider. The plots are between 3.5 to 11 acres, which have poor or no access, and 1 plot is mostly submerged in the monsoon season.
We have suggested dates and times to look. This is one small piece of a huge puzzle.
Otherwise, we are struggling to wrap our hearts and minds around the demand to ‘relocate’ this wonderful 135 acres of black cotton soil we call Annapurna Farm. How do we ‘relocate’ a farm with its fertile fields? How do we transport 50 million litres of irrigation water capacity catchment ponds? How do we (re)move many kilometres of irrigation pipes?
What about the grain storage with over 60 tons of grains in there, and the banana plantations, and the 26 cows with their sheds? Not to forget our trained staff which live near this farm. And so much more. How, really …
Is it even …..
15th October 2025 - Update
What’s going on at Annapurna Farm? Follow this link to read the newsletter 29.
21rst October 2025 - Update
Summary of the meeting called by GB FAMC Follow this link
6th March 2026 - Update
Unexpectedly, around February 18, there was an engineer of the PWD (Public Work Department) on the farm path asking for the main gate to be opened because they had to bring in equipment to start the soil testing for a boundary wall for the IIT campus. At the same time, Auroville Town Planning Department made a call with the same request.
The farm on the map
Below is the map of the farm — a total of 134 acres (outlined in red).
The white area (containing all the farm’s infrastructure) is the 100 acres designated for IIT.
The yellow area is where initially we were told to relocate. In our 20 August update you will read that this is no longer an option. Click on one picture to enlarge.
Initiatives in support
The Petition
A petition has been launched to support the farm and raise awareness about this project. We extend our gratitude to the petitioner and to all who sign.
Write to IIT Madras
An email template that you may use to contact individuals currently at IIT Madras, associates, and / or alumni of IIT Madras. You are welcome to change wording, but please do not change facts and dates.
Media Release
Our RA Working Committee and Auroville Media Liaison are actively engaged in support. They have issued a press release with detailed information.
Welcome to Annapurna Farm
In 1966 the UNESCO passed a unanimous resolution commending the “Auroville Project” in Tamil Nadu, India as a project of great importance for the future of humanity, thereby giving their full encouragement. Today, more than 50 years after its inception with a population of nearly 3000, Auroville is recognized as the first and only internationally endorsed ongoing township experiment, anticipating the unity of man. Auroville’s holistic thinking includes the principles of organic and sustainable agriculture; around 20 organic farms grow food for the community.
With its 135 acres Annapurna Farm is the community’s largest certified organic farm. The farm was started 34 years ago on a barren tract of land. Today Annapurna produces rice, sesame, fruits and dairy products for the community. Besides that, it functions as the granary of Auroville by storing and processing grains grown on other Auroville farms and organic farms from the bio-region.
While growing food for the community the farm is exploring ways to improve and adjust to the ongoing challenges of the everyday reality. Many questions about sustainability, nutrition, efficiency, economics, wild life, water scarcity and much more are the daily challenges the farmers have to deal with. For this reason the farm keeps track of ongoing activities of which data is being collected and informs both farm stewards as well as volunteers and students.
Besides the ground reality, the farm has a spiritual base in which individual growth and development has space to flourish. Working on the farm is more than getting the job done; it is a means to develop ones being.