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| Sibi Jacob, Illimoottil, Kurumbanad, Changanassery, Kottayam |
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Although peas are commonly cultivated in Kerala, a fungus infection has had a devastating effect on it for the last few years. By developing a disease-resistant variety of the plant, Sibi Jacob has brought a ray of hope to many.
2 years ago, the technical team of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kerala visited his farm of fungus-devastated farm. What they observed was the healthy growth of just 2 creepers in the midst of the ruins. In order to assess the disease resisting capacity of these 2 plants, an involved research was carried out.
The experimental and control units of the legume were cultivated side-by-side and subjected to the same parameters of growth. By the onset of monsoon, the ordinary peas were affected by fungus and died a mass death while the experimental variety gave good yield after withstanding the fungal attack. Even during monsoon cultivation, the same effect was observed.
Other farmers are also making use of Siby’s discovery now. In addition, Siby has done few other experiments in agriculture. Organic pesticide in the form of soap, value added bananas etc are few such ones.
He is a good trainer too and has won the best trainer award organised by the K.H.D.P at district level in 2002. The award carried a citation and a cash prize of Rs.10000.
Courtesy: C.Joe Jose, Malayala Manorama, May 9, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
