The Pasumai Vizha Expo 2025 and the inaugural edition of the Pasumai Awards Ceremony were jointly organized by Federal Bank and Radio City FM on Saturday at the CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore.

The event aimed to celebrate and promote sustainable agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. It was formally inaugurated by 'Ganapathi' Rajkumar, Member of Parliament for Coimbatore constituency. He was joined by Dr. Venkatesh Palanichamy, Dean, Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU; Deivasigamani, President, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association; Eqbal Manoj, Executive Vice President, Federal Bank; and Jithesh, Senior Vice President and Zonal Head – Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Federal Bank.

Over 30 stalls were featured at the expo, showcasing a wide range of agro-based, value-added products developed by agripreneurs from in and around Coimbatore. Products on display included millet-based snacks, dairy items, dry fruits, tapioca-starch foods, coconut-based sugar, herbal cosmetics, and more.

Addressing the gathering, Deivasigamani noted that events like this help bridge the gap between farmers and financial institutions. "Farmers usually perceive banks as entities focused solely on debt recovery from them in a harsher manner. However, here, a bank has taken the initiative to organize a meaningful event for their benefit, with focus on agri-marketing," he said. 

He emphasized that while agriculture production is often prioritized by the governments, agri-marketing deserves equal attention. “Events like this can empower farmers with the knowledge and tools to better market their produce,” he added, urging for similar expos across Tamil Nadu.

In his address, MP Ganapathi Rajkumar encouraged farmers to adapt with the times by focusing on value-added products and explore marketing strategies. "Events like Pasumai Vizha can serve as an eye-opener,” he said. 

On the sidelines of the event, when the MP was asked by the press and media about the concerns of farmers about the proposed Sathyamangalam Bypass, fearing several hundred acres of fertile land would be taken up for the project, he said that a review meeting regarding this would be held soon. “Discussions are ongoing to ensure the project progresses without harming farmers' interests,” he said. 

Pasumai Awards 2025 : The Pasumai Awards 2025 recognized individuals and organizations making remarkable contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Manikandan from Kovai Kulangal Padhukappu Amaipu received recognition for his continued efforts in water conservation across Coimbatore. R. Mohanasundaram of SVS Hatcheries was honored for collaborating with farmers to establish Tamil Nadu’s second-largest country chicken farm. P. Saravanakumaran and Sivaranjani from Nagapattinam were awarded for cultivating over 1,000 traditional rice varieties. Murugaselvam was acknowledged for raising over 1 lakh medicinal plants, promoting native tree cultivation, and organizing free medical camps including treatments for eye ailments and cancer. Bernard, representing the Thiruvallur District Fishermen Association Federation, was honored for his work supporting fishermen and facilitating financial aid for their welfare.