Nandha Kumar, widely recognized as the “Tamil Native Farmer,” is an Indian organic farmer, entrepreneur, and television personality. His journey from a corporate professional to a proponent of sustainable agriculture has inspired many across India.
Early Life and Education
Born on November 10, 1994, in Tiruppattur, Tamil Nadu, Nandha Kumar grew up in a region steeped in agricultural traditions. He pursued higher education at Anna University, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which initially led him to a promising corporate career. However, his roots and passion for agriculture remained ever-present.
Transition to Organic Farming
Despite achieving success in the corporate sector, Nandha Kumar felt a disconnect and yearned for a more fulfilling path. This introspection led him to Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, a place he fondly refers to as “Heaven on Earth.” Embracing organic and sustainable farming, he adopted traditional, chemical-free methods to cultivate crops. Demonstrating his commitment to self-sufficiency, Kumar built a mud house with traditional tile roofing, embodying the principles he advocates.
Nandha Kumar founded Native Foods India, an enterprise dedicated to promoting organic and indigenous Indian produce. The venture aims to highlight the value of traditional crops and support sustainable farming communities across the country. His efforts have been recognized by platforms like Pasumai Vikatan, further amplifying his influence within Tamil Nadu’s agricultural community.
Television Appearances
Kumar’s passion for native ingredients and traditional cooking methods led him to the culinary world. He showcased his talents on MasterChef India Tamil, where he was among the Top 12 contestants. His dishes, emphasizing the flavors of Tamil Nadu’s native ingredients, earned him acclaim for their innovation and authenticity.
In 2025, he further expanded his television presence by participating in Cooku with Comali Season 6, a popular Tamil reality cooking show known for pairing professional chefs with comedians. The show, which premiered on May 4, 2025, on Star Vijay, allowed Kumar to bring his culinary skills and vibrant personality to a broader audience.
Personal Life
Nandha Kumar is married to Kamali, who has been a steadfast supporter of his transition from corporate life to farming. Together, they have embraced a lifestyle centered around sustainability and traditional practices, serving as a testament to the possibilities of alternative career paths rooted in passion and purpose.
Cook with Comali Season 6 Launch Promo 🔥🥳🥳🥳
Variety of contestants & Cook 🥳
Waiting for Raju & #Soundariya combo gonna be interesting 😂😂😂😛#cookwithcomali6 #CookWithComali
pic.twitter.com/Yt0mdyyTYd— BB Mama (@SriniMama1) May 2, 2025
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Media and Public Presence
Active on social media under the handle @tamilnativefarmer, Kumar shares insights into his farming practices, culinary creations, and sustainable lifestyle in Kodaikanal. His authentic storytelling has garnered a significant following, inspiring young Indians to explore agriculture as a viable and rewarding career.
