Retirement often means slowing down, but for 67-year-old Remesan T K, it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Trading his chalk and blackboard for seeds and soil, this former professor of zoology and fishery sciences at Natika SN College embarked on a mission to revolutionize farming in Kerala.
A Flourishing Organic Farm
Today, Remesan’s two-acre farm in Vadakekkara and Chendamangalam panchayat, Paravoor, stands as a testament to the power of organic agriculture. Showcasing exotic crops like butternut squash and employing innovative pest control techniques that prioritize sustainability, his farm is a model of ecological farming practices.
Passion Turned Profession
Remesan has always been passionate about farming but became fully engaged in 2012 after his retirement. Initially relying on traditional farming methods with locally sourced seeds, his scientific background soon inspired him to integrate advanced techniques such as drip irrigation with mulching and fertigation.
Dedicated to organic practices, he only uses natural fertilizers like cow dung, chicken droppings, and earthworm compost. “My approach to agriculture is strictly organic; I use organic pesticides and fertilizers, avoiding chemicals entirely,” he explains.
Breaking New Ground with Butternut Squash
One of Remesan’s significant achievements is the successful cultivation of butternut squash, a crop not commonly found in Kerala. However, it was the cultivation of indigenous snow-white cucumbers that led him to gain recognition among the locals and beyond. Yielding an impressive 10,000 kilos annually, these cucumbers became the cornerstone of a new venture during COVID-19.
The Birth of the Snow White Agriculture Group
To stay active during the lockdown, Remesan and ten of his retired friends formed the Snow White Agriculture Group. This initiative provided them with a meaningful way to spend their time and allowed them to contribute to the local food supply during a challenging period.
Community Collaboration and Support
Remesan’s farming success is not just a solo endeavor; it is sustained by significant community collaboration. The Snow White Agriculture Group works closely with the women of Kudumbasree, who offer helping hands in the field for an additional source of income. “They help with farming and also assist in selling our produce locally,” he notes.
Vadekekkara and Chendamangalam Krishi Bhavans, both panchayat-level government initiatives, have also supported Remesan’s farming initiatives. “Implementing drip irrigation, for example, was initially costly, amounting to about Rs 50,000 per acre. However, Krishi Bhavan covered around Rs 30,000 of this cost. They also provide organic fertilizers at subsidized prices and offer invaluable advice on crop cultivation. Their support has been crucial in maintaining the farm’s productivity,” Remesan adds.
Innovative Pest Control Techniques
Pest control is a significant challenge in Kerala’s agriculture and Remesan tackles it with ecological engineering, an innovative technique developed by the National Institute of Plant Health Management in Hyderabad. This method involves planting species alongside the desired crops to attract beneficial insects and repel harmful ones. For instance, sunflowers and sweet corn are planted to attract helpful pests like spiders, which help control enemy pests naturally. “This sustainable approach reduces the need for chemical pesticides, thereby reducing monetary losses and providing additional plants for sale,” he explains.
Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
Kerala relies heavily on Tamil Nadu for its produce, but these vegetables often come laden with chemical fertilizers and pesticides. “The prevalence of diseases like cancer can be linked to the intake of chemically-treated vegetables,” Remesan explains. Organic farming solves this problem by eliminating harmful chemicals from the food supply, promoting healthier lifestyles, and reducing disease incidence. Remesan’s commitment to organic practices showcases the potential for a self-sufficient Kerala, where local produce is not only abundant but also safe and nutritious.
