No One Goes Hungry: Nammalvar’s 10-Tree Plan for Self-Sufficiency

Nammalvar a pioneer in organic farming, environmental activist from Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, proposed a simple plan to prevent anyone from going to bed hungry. To address this at the grassroots level, he proposed a simple solution: plant 10 types of trees around every home.

His plan was deeply rooted in the local ecology of Tamil Nadu but holds relevance for anyone seeking basic food security and self-sufficiency.

Here is Nammalvar’s recommended tree plan:

• Veppa Maram (Neem Tree) – begins flowering in 4 to 5 years, full seed production by 10 to 11 years. Provides medicinal leaves, natural pest control and organic fertilizer through neem cake.
• Murungai Maram (Drumstick/Moringa Tree) – First yield can be obtained within 6 to 8 months, produces pods and leaves within the first year. It is a rich source of nutrition; leaves, pods and seeds are edible and beneficial for health.
• Pappali Maram (Papaya Tree) – Fruits within 6 to 12 months, continuous fruiting after the first harvest. Vitamins-rich fruit.
• Vazhai Maram (Banana Tree) – Fruits in 10 to 11 months, harvested around 18 months after planting. It is a versatile plant and all parts are edible. The leaves are used as plates for eating.
• Thennai Maram (Coconut Tree) – Starts flowering in 6 to 10 years, hybrids are available which can flower much earlier. Fruits mature around 12 months after flowering. Water, oil, coir and food from a single source.
• Ezumichai Maram (Lemon Tree) – begins fruiting in 3 to 6 years. Fruits take about a year to mature. Rich in vitamin C, used in cooking and as a refreshing drink.
• Under the shade of the Lemon Tree, plant Karuvapillai (Curry Leaves) – planted in the shade of the lemon tree. Harvestable within 6 months, regular leaf harvesting is possible after establishment. It is essential ingredient in South Indian Cuisine.
• Nelli Plant (Indian Gooseberry/Amla) – Fruits in 3 to 4 years, peak production around 10 years, can yield up to 70 kg per tree annually. High in vitamin C and a lot of by-products can be obtained.
• Sita Pazham (x4) (Custard Apple Tree) – sweet, seasonal fruits planted along the fence. Fruits in 2 to 3 years, produces 80 to 150 kg per tree annually. It is drought tolerant and suitable for arid regions.
• Ma Maram (Mango Tree) – the king of fruits for both taste and nutrition. Fruiting begins in 3 to 6 years, fruits mature 3 to 5 months after flowering.

If there is additional space around the house, he recommended growing Suba grass for feeding goats and using goat manure to naturally fertilize the trees, creating a closed-loop, regenerative system.

Though this model is tailored for Tamil Nadu’s climate and conditions, its core idea – using native plants to create food security and ecological balance – can inspire similar efforts across different regions.