KANTHALLOOR: LAND OF APPLE CULTIVATION
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| Krishna Pillai, Kanthalloor, Idukki |
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Thanks to the 30-odd farmers of Idukki, a Keralite need not go to Ootty or Kashmir to see cultivation of apples. A veritable land of fruits and vegetables, Kanthalloor sports farms full of ripe apples, plums, pomegranate etc. not commonly seen in Kerala.
5000
ft above sea level, Kanthalloor offers congenial atmosphere for the
cultivation of apples. Although
its skin is a bit thick, the Kanthalloor apples are quite sweet.
The cultivation is done with minimum use of chemical fertilizers.
It all began when Krishna Pillai, one of the earliest cultivators of apple, planted seeds of 2 varieties. While one variety was a disappointment, the other sprouted.
According
to farmers, apple cultivation can be a profitable venture if Government
gives a helping hand. However,
the concerned department is yet to realize the potential, they say.
Guava,
gooseberry, orange, eggfruits, peach, passion fruit etc are grown aplenty
here.
Non-Kerala
vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, carrot, beans, potato, beetroot,
garlic etc are also cultivated here.
The produce is taken to wholesale centers in Tamil Nadu from where
they are distributed to different markets in Kerala.
View of Kanthalloor apples
Courtesy: Prasad Ambatt, Karshakashree, July 2002 & Tiki Rajwi, The New Indian Express, August 12, 2003
Contributed by: Administrator
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