Thiruvananthapuram
R. Raveendran of Kochulloor, Thiruvananthapuram, is having a field day. In 2011, he entered the Limca Book of Records for harvesting a giant yam weighing 275 kg. And he’s just grown more successful with every passing year.
Another unique aspect is that Raveendran grows paddy in flower pots on his 1850 sq.ft. terrace. “From 350 sq.ft., I harvested 35 kg of paddy. After reserving some for seed, I got 16-17 kg of grains. I cultivate Uma, a variety that does not need much standing water. The remaining 1500 sq.ft. is earmarked for vegetables,” he explains.
For his Onam sadya, he harvested a part of the paddy and gathered all the vegetables necessary from the terrace garden. He only had to buy cucumber and drumsticks; that too, because the cucumber was planted early. “Ever since I started growing vegetables, we eat only what is seasonal and grown here. We have to buy onions and potatoes, but beetroot, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower are all cultivated. These vegetables are planted in October. Beans, tomatoes, chillies and brinjals can be grown all year round.” Raveendran also cultivates different varieties of chillies, curry leaves, mint, lady’s finger and ginger in grow bags and pots.
Raveedran, who hails from an agricultural family, returned to his roots after working in the Gulf. “I did not want my children to eat pesticide-filled vegetables and fruits. Since my father and my grandfather were farmers, I was familiar with farming methods. All I had to do was put those into practice on my terrace and perfect them through trial and error,” he says. He also makes organic manure called Hridayaamrutham with a mix of jaggery, cow dung, biodegradable waste and green leaves. Raveendran distributes this to people and charges a nominal amount to buy ingredients to make the next batch. “I want people to make it at home, but if they can’t, I give them the mixture.”
However, the man with the green thumb is not resting on his achievements. He hopes to motivate others to set up terrace gardens and cultivate paddy too. “Facebook groups like Adukkalathottam and Krishibhoomi turn to me for advice. I have given the members tips and information on seeds, growing methods, pesticide control, organic conversion of waste into manure… I also take classes for resident associations and colleges and schools. The agriculture department also invites me to take classes for farmers. I don’t charge a fee. My real reward is the number of terrace farms that have come up in the city.”
SARASWATHY NAGARAJAN
Ever since I started growing vegetables, we eat only what is seasonal and grown here
Source : The Hindu
No comments:
Post a Comment