Thiruvananthapuram Farmers Shine Bright at 'Kerala State Farm Awards 2022': Story Behind the Winners

Three exceptional farmers from Thiruvananthapuram have received the prestigious Kerala State Farm Awards 2022 for their remarkable contributions to agriculture. These farmers, SV Sujith, Shraddha Sharad Patil, and Vijaya Bhaskar, were honored for their dedication and innovative approaches to farming, showcasing their green expertise.

SV Sujith: The Visionary Behind Naaden Agro

SV Sujith, the recipient of the Haritha Mithra award for the best vegetable farm, operates Naaden Agro on a 22-acre leased plot within St. Xavier's College, Thumba, located 13 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. Sujith's journey into agriculture began eight years ago when he left his well-paying job in Bengaluru. Motivated by health concerns and a passion for farming, he embarked on this transformative path.

Sujith employs open-precision farming techniques, which leverage technology and data-oriented tools to enhance crop production. His farm boasts a diverse range of crops, including amaranthus, brinjal, bitter gourd, snake gourd, and long beans. To combat pests, he strategically cultivates yellow and orange marigolds and maize as barrier crops.

Determined not to be discouraged by initial setbacks, Sujith persevered through financial difficulties. His farm brand, Naaden, was established and operated outlets in the city and Kollam. Today, Sujith focuses on need-based production to minimize waste and ensures that all necessary components like cocopeat, cow dung, poultry manure, and vermicompost are locally sourced for sustainable farming.

His commitment to community involvement is evident through collaborations with educational institutions like St. Xavier's College and Mar Baselious College, offering students internships and further development opportunities. Sujith's dedication to agriculture and sustainable practices has earned him well-deserved recognition.

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Shraddha Sharad Patil: Cultivating Ornamental Beauty at Orchiroids

Shraddha Sharad Patil, a visionary in her own right, manages the hi-tech nursery Orchiroids, located in Vavarambalam near Pothencode, 20 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. The two-year-old nursery specializes in propagating over a dozen ornamental plant varieties, including phalaenopsis or moth orchids, agloenema sanisivieria, philodendron, alocasia, fittonia, ferns, ficus, and palms.

Shraddha's inspiration comes from her family, particularly her father, Sharad Patil, who was a rose farmer in Kenya, exporting roses to the Netherlands. After completing her post-graduation in plant science from the Netherlands, Shraddha established Orchiroids with state-of-the-art facilities, including climate-controlled greenhouses, shade nets, and advanced monitoring systems.

The nursery prioritizes soil-less cultivation methods and employs technology to monitor humidity and temperature, particularly crucial for the delicate phalaenopsis varieties. While currently engaged in the wholesale business, Orchiroids has plans to expand and introduce flower blooming facilities, with one farm located in Pune.

Vijaya Bhaskar: Nurturing a Terrace Farming Haven

Vijaya Bhaskar, a dedicated homemaker, has transformed her 1,100 sq ft terrace at her Aruvikkara home into a flourishing garden that yields a variety of vegetables and greens. Her journey into terrace farming began nine years ago when she decided to shift from growing flowering plants to vegetables due to concerns about pesticide-laden produce in the market.

Guided by expert R Raveendran, Vijaya started with six grow bags and six types of vegetables. Today, her terrace and surrounding areas are adorned with approximately 800-900 pots that grow an array of crops, from cabbage and dragon fruit to paddy and lettuce. Excess produce is sold at the farmers' market in Thycaud every Saturday, where Vijaya also imparts knowledge and distributes seeds for free.

For Vijaya, tending to her plants is akin to caring for her children, spending dedicated hours in the morning and evening to ensure their well-being. Her commitment to terrace farming and her ability to nurture a thriving garden exemplify her dedication to sustainable agriculture.

The Kerala State Farm Awards 2022 celebrate these outstanding farmers who have not only sowed the seeds of success but have also cultivated a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape of Thiruvananthapuram. Their stories serve as inspiration for future generations, highlighting the significance of innovation and determination in agriculture.

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