Thrissur's Farmers Set Example with Robust Farming & Record Sales, Profit Rs 1 crore in 10 days

Amid reports of widespread losses faced by vegetable and fruit farmers across the state post the Onam season, the Mattathur panchayat in Thrissur has emerged as a shining example of how agriculture can be a dependable source of income.

During the Onam season, which commenced ten days before Thiruvonam, the two farmers' market platforms under the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) achieved remarkable sales figures for vegetables and fruits, including the highly sought-after Nendran banana.

The astonishing total collection from these sales amounted to a staggering Rs 1 crore! On August 17 alone, coinciding with the start of the Malayalam month of Chingam, VFPCK outlets in Mattathur sold nearly 25 tonnes of Nendran bananas, in high demand, totaling Rs 15.50 lakh. The panchayat, covering around 350 acres, cultivates vegetables and approximately 250 acres of plantain, in addition to other crops like Rambutan. Out of its 55,000 residents, more than 10,000 are engaged in farming.

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Mattathur panchayat boasts the highest number of farmers registered with the state government's Agriculture Information Management System, far surpassing its nearest contender. This feat underscores the panchayat's prowess in demonstrating that agriculture can indeed serve as a major revenue source, according to Unnikrishnan M P, the agricultural officer at Mattathur Krishi Bhavan.

Remarkably, a young graduate recently earned approximately Rs 38 lakh in a year through vegetable farming in Mattathur, highlighting the potential of both the people's dedication and the soil's fertility in the region.

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In 2009, the then Puthukkad MLA C Raveendranath initiated the 'Kadhalivanam' project, focused on cultivating the 'kadhali' variety of bananas in Mattathur and supplying them to the Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple. While the pandemic disrupted regular supply due to temple closures, local farmers are now gearing up to resume full-fledged 'kadhali' farming.

Unnikrishnan noted that at any given point during the season, Mattathur consistently has at least 5 lakh Nendran plantains, ensuring a steady supply of this banana variety.

In recent times, individuals from other states have started visiting Mattathur to purchase the renowned Nendran bananas produced in the area. The farmer producers' company has even diversified its offerings, producing chips and energy drinks from the abundant banana harvests within the panchayat.

Mattathur's remarkable success story in agriculture not only serves as inspiration but also underscores the potential for sustainable farming practices to elevate communities and stimulate economic growth.

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