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| 'Team Farmers', Kollangode, Palakkad, |
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7 years ago, 7 young men with confidence as the capital hit upon the idea of becoming farmers with a difference. Today the 44 member Team Farmers of Kollangode, Palakkad, have only success stories to tell about their forays into agriculture.
They drew inspiration from the example of Kamprath Challa, a place of wild plants and tamarind trees that turned into a haven of mangoes in the span of 10 years. They dreamt of cultivating grapes and vegetables, mangoes and coco, arecanut and coconut.
Kalathil Mohan wanted a change to the concept of a well-kept coconut farm. He let the natural vegetation grow in the farm and let the medicinal plants supplement the natural outgrowth. And the result: a cool farm where sunlight doesn’t fall on the ground even during summer days. ‘Pathimukham’ is grown in abundance in the farm without the aid of chemical fertilizers.
Those who grew mangoes reaped benefits. With the enthusiasm of the Team, the Muthalamada Agro Producers’ Society has been formed to market mangoes. These farms are the first ones in India where mango ripen every year.
2 years ago, they marketed 1.25 lakh tender coconuts in collaboration with Kudumbasree Project. The mobile tender coconut parlour designed by them was approved by the Coconut Development Board for use in different States.
Since the last 3 years, the students of Kerala Agriculture University spend time in these farms as part of their work experience.
The 44-member Team is a symbol of cooperation. Individual farmers do their own cultivation. The team members are always ready to help each other. Every month they meet at a farm to discuss and share.
Although the increasing number may have reduced the warmth among members, their will to learn new things and to reap success through unity has not decreased a wee bit.
The original 'Team' members
Courtesy: Geordy George, Karshakan, April 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
