IIT Madras launches Youth Farming Internship Programme with We The Leaders Foundation

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras or IITM) organised the Youth Farming Conclave 2025 in collaboration with We The Leaders Foundation. The event saw the launch of a Youth Farming Internship Programme for young farmers. A panel discussion on the topic “The Future of Agriculture: How Can Youth Explore, Engage & Empower?” was held at the IITM Research Park today.

The internship programme is a “pioneering” initiative that will begin with eight identified Lead Farmers in the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. These farmers have volunteered to offer their farms as classrooms for the youth, to promote “immersive farm-based learning” with “rural wisdom”.

The voluntary internship model will soon be expanded to other districts of Tamil Nadu. IITM aims to create a “decentralised” network of learning farms and community mentors to guide young farmers, students, and agri-innovators.

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IIT Madras: Farming internship

The Youth Farming Internship Programme will be offered in two formats:

• 7-day internship: The full-time experience involving natural farming, rural innovations, and regenerative agriculture
• 2-day internship: The short-term weekend farming experience for a “refreshing and purposeful” rural exposure

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Speaking about the internship programme, K Annamalai, former IPS officer and current chief mentor of We The Leaders Foundation, said that, “The ‘Internship for Farmers’ initiative will provide an exposure to those interested in agriculture. Eight organic farmers have come forward to open their doors to youngsters interested in learning about agriculture. The objective is to plant the seed of farming in the minds of youngsters while they are pursuing studies. The benefits of such initiatives will be felt in the generations to come.”

During the IIT Madras conclave, an agreement was signed between Amul-Richplus Organic Farming Initiative and We The Leaders Foundation to promote organic farming practices and enhance market linkages.