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| George Mathew Aduppukallel, alias, Varkichan, Koruthode, Kottayam |
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Varkichan’s experiments in evolving the ‘Kandankayam method’ of cultivating vanilla has finally entered the Limca Book of Records.
The other prizes and honours that have come his way during this time are: award of the National Innovation Foundation, Eco-friendly Farmers Forum award, awards of Karshaka Vedi, Organic Spices Growers’ Forum and PTD Farmers’ Collective, citations from In Fact Pala, Praksis New Delhi and Kerala Agricultural University as well as an award from the Gandhian Study Centre. In fact when he and his wife journeyed from the jeep-only roads of Kandankayam to fly to Delhi and receive the National Innovation Foundation award from the President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, it was indeed a recognition for a small farmer from Kerala.
George Mathew Aduppukallel, alias, Varkichan, has always tried to ensure the transfer of the finding of his experiments to other cultivators. In ‘Kandankayam method’ the emphasis is on better productivity and a new mode of cultivation.
The first step in the method is preparing the farm for proper ventilation. The other steps include ensuring the growth of the supporting tree, allowing the vanilla stems to hang etc. These methods ensured that the cultivation was profitable.
In this method, the yield can be obtained in the 1st year itself. Since there is sufficient ventilation, plants are more resistant to diseases. Hanging the stems causes more bunches of flowers to bloom. Also it provides more crowns for planting.
He has assisted in the production of a documentary and handbook on vanilla cultivation. The secret of his success is the family involvement in the cultivation. His wife Jessy and children Jency and Jaison assist in the various activities connected with the cultivation.
Every Saturday, hundreds of vanilla cultivators and experts visit the 1½ acre land of Varkichan. In short, the beneficiaries of his cultivation include the jeep drivers of Koruthode also!
Courtesy: Malayala Manorama, April 27, 2003 and Karshakan July 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
