Sowing seeds of success

Almost a year into their ambitious green initiative, the women of Gramasree self-help group (SHG) in Chittumala block panchayat are a happy lot. The seven-member team, who have been successfully raising quality seedlings in the rain shelter installed at the office compound, now boasts of a strong clientele.

“We supplied around 2,000 seedlings today and there are times we struggle to keep up with the demand. People come from far off places and often, we have to give seedlings with just the first signs of green,” says Thulasi Bhai, one of the members.

The Chittumala block panchayat launched the project last year in a bid to avoid chemical-laced vegetables and promote organic farming in every household. “Hybrid seeds were procured from College of Agriculture, Vellayani, to ensure 100% germination. All the seven women underwent training at a seed farm where they were taught how to grow seedlings in a scientific manner using organic compost. We provided the infrastructure along with trays and seeds and the seedlings are grown in a mix of coco peat and vermicompost. The saplings are priced ₹3 each and we are also planning to open a counter to sell them,” says Aji Abraham, women’s welfare officer who coordinated the project.

Functioning under the guidance of Agricultural Assistant Director T.A. Kalpana, the agro farm offers spinach, eggplant, tomato, okra, green chilly, capsicum and beans seedlings.

Along with seedlings, the group members are also growing a vegetable garden in the block panchayat compound.

“Recently we got around 50kg of green chilly and since it is organic, the product had many takers. Currently, we are in the process of preparing land so that we could grow more vegetables with the onset of rains,” says Thulasi. Saniya Aby, Hymavathy Amma, Krishnakumari, Sharada, Jessy and Sindhu are the other members of the Gramasree team.