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| K.R.Jayan, Avittathur, Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur |
In Avittathur near Irinjalakkuda where he lives, people call him ‘Plavu Jayan’. The reason is quite straightforward. K.R.Jayan has taken upon himself the mission of preserving jackfruits by planting as many saplings as possible. He claims to have planted about 10000 saplings across the State. Further, he has written a book titled ‘Plavu’ which is now in its third edition.
12 jackfruit trees, most of them heavy with fruits adorn the 20 cents of land where he has constructed a house. And in his nursery there are about 4500 saplings of about 20 varieties of the tree. Jayan would plant them by the roadside, or vacant plots - or in private land and business premises if the owners are receptive to his ideas. Recently the authorities had him plant a few saplings in the compound of Medical College, Thrissur.
Why this love for jackfruits? During his childhood days of stark poverty, it was a Nitya Varikka jackfruit tree which bears fruits for 10 months a year that saved the lives of his 11-member household. This made him think of doing something to his benefactor in return. And hence this mission to plant and nurture as many jackfruit trees as possible.
He wishes to tell the world that here is a tree that can go a long way in ensuring food security. It is ideally suited for the State and does not need chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Whether the world heeds his words or works, he goes on with his mission to plant 1 lakh jackfruit saplings in his lifetime.
“To be able to walk under the branches of a tree that you have planted is a special feeling,” he says.
Courtesy:
K.Santhosh (text), K.C.Sowmish (photo),
The Hindu, June 10, 2012
Contributed by: Administrator
