Soil Trekker: One Man’s 4,000 km March to Detox India’s Plate

In a mission towards organic food and green farming, Uttar Pradesh's social worker Gaurav Tyagi initiated a 4,000 km foot march, Bharat Ann Shuddhi Padyatra. The foot march was kicked off in Srinagar on June 26 and will end in Kanyakumari, passing through several states and thousands of discussions on the need to return to organic farming.

Awareness Highlights

The padyatra is aimed at enlightening citizens regarding the danger posed by food laced with chemicals and the benefits of organic, traditional cultivation.

Tyagi is reaching out to farmers directly, asking them to abandon synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

He emphasizes that it is not just a health movement, but a national cause to save soil, food, and future generations

The program complements national programs like Natural Farming and POSHAN Abhiyaan

Ground Realities

Tyagi's journey is decidedly personal—triggered by his own illness problems with pesticide-contaminated food

He believes that while social media makes people aware, real change comes from a dialogue with farmers and communities themselves.

His padyatra tried to speak for organic farmers, who are usually ignored by commercial interests

Community Involvement

In Jammu, Tyagi was received by the then Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Kavinder Gupta, who received the initiative as a call for a healthy India

At every halt, Tyagi discusses food safety, soil health, and mindful consumption with the local farmers, agricultural officers, and citizens

The padyatra is also a chance to dissuade junk foods and promote local grain and seasonal food

Vision for the Future

Tyagi dreams of an autonomous India where not only is food plenty, but clean and healthy

He aims to inspire a new generation of farmers to adopt organic farming and consumers to insist on chemical-free vegetables and fruits The journey is a symbolic and literal step toward a healthier, poison-free agricultural future

Sources: Daily Excelsior, Kashmir Pulse, Excelsior News, The Kashmir Monitor, Krishi Jagran