PM Modi Coimbatore Visit saw a ₹18,000 crore PM-KISAN disbursement, a natural farming summit launch, and farmers’ black-flag protest over genome-edited seeds-

Coimbatore, Nov.19,2025:PM Modi’s Coimbatore Visit on Wednesday was marked by equal parts celebration and tension. The Prime Minister touched down in the industrial city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, to inaugurate the South India Natural Farming Summit, drawing thousands of farmers, scientists, and policy-makers to the Codissia Trade Fair Complex.

Security was tightened significantly: around 3,500 personnel, including special protection units and intelligence agencies, were deployed along the 29-vehicle convoy route. Drone usage in key areas was also banned until the evening.

₹18,000 Crore PM-KISAN Disbursement

One of the most striking outcomes of the PM Modi Coimbatore Visit was the release of the 21st instalment of the PM-KISAN scheme, amounting to over ₹18,000 crore.

This monumental transfer went directly into the bank accounts of nearly 9 crore farmers across India, reinforcing the government’s commitment to farmer welfare and financial support.

Under PM-KISAN’s structure, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments.

Natural Farming Summit Inauguration

During his Coimbatore Visit, PM Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit, which runs from November 19–21.

The summit, organized by the Tamil Nadu Natural Farming Stakeholders Forum, is a major event that brings together farmers, organic agriculture experts, innovators, and researchers from across South India.

Modi described natural farming as deeply rooted in India’s tradition, calling it “Swadeshi, native, and traditional.” He emphasized crop diversification, using techniques like Panchakavya and Jeevamrutam, as vital to restoring soil health and countering overuse of synthetic fertilizers.

He also lauded millet cultivation, calling millets a “superfood” that aligns with climate-smart agriculture goals.

Farmers’ Protest Over Genome-Edited Crops

Despite the summit’s green and positive messaging, PM Modi Coimbatore Visit was not without controversy. Several farmer associations, particularly a group of 16 Tamil Nadu farmers’ organisations, staged a black-flag protest.

They accused the government of hypocrisy — promoting “natural farming” on the surface, while simultaneously funding genome-edited crop research. Specifically, they pointed to a ₹500 crore allocation, citing their fear that genome-edited seeds threaten traditional farming practices, soil health, and farmers’ livelihoods.

Farmer leader P. Ayyakannu, at the heart of the protest, claimed that the conference was engineered by corporate interests, not by genuine farmers.

Allegations, Arrests, and Security

The tension turned physical: reports indicate that 83 protestors, including three women, were taken into custody by the police during the anti-Modi demonstration near the Codissia venue.

According to farmer groups, their arrest was unjustified — they argued that their voices were being suppressed just as the government paraded a narrative of inclusive, organic agriculture.

They also charged the government with not delivering on promises: despite earlier assurances of doubling crop prices, they say the promised rates have not materialized.

Modi’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

Amid criticism, PM Modi used his speech to reaffirm his commitment to climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture. He warned against excessive chemical use, calling out long-term soil degradation and stressing natural farming as the answer.

He highlighted how young farmers are increasingly viewing agriculture not just as a way of life, but as a modern and scalable economic opportunity.

By promoting techniques rooted in Indian tradition — like Panchakavya (a bio-input made from cow derivatives) — Modi positioned natural farming as a cultural and scientific approach that bridges heritage with innovation.

Wider Implications and Reactions

The PM Modi Coimbatore Visit underscores broader tensions in Indian agriculture right now

• On one side, there’s state-led financial support for farmers through schemes like PM-KISAN.
• On the other, there are legitimate concerns from farmer groups about the direction of agricultural research and corporatization.

The protest also reflects a deep distrust: many farmers feel that the narrative of “natural farming” could be co-opted by larger corporate interests promoting genome editing.

Analysts suggest that this Coimbatore event could become a defining moment in India’s agricultural policy — pushing the government to genuinely reconcile its public green messaging with its funding priorities.

PM Modi’s Coimbatore Visit was a blend of progress and protest. While he distributed ₹18,000 crore in support to farmers and launched a major summit on sustainable farming, a substantial section of the farming community expressed outrage. The black-flag demonstrations, rooted in fears over genome-edited seed research, spotlight serious questions.