Thrissur: Fighting odds in the life, a woman overcame all hardships through flower farming to become a model for people in similar situations.
Ayyanthole native Sally (66) was paralysed for two years. When she recovered from it, she had to undergo knee replacement surgery on both legs. By the time, she was diagnosed with cancer. However, she survived it all and initiated flower farming as soon as completing treatment.
Sally cultivates jasmine plants in 50 cents of land in Kuttoor. The land was purchased by her husband Mohan who was working as a driver abroad. She had worked in a footwear company and book binding shop. Amid this, she was diagnosed with arthritis.
When she gradually survived the health problems, she entered farming with flowers suitable for each season. She cultivated marigold during Onam season. Now jasmine has high demand, so she planted it. She earns upto Rs 1000 per day from jasmine sales.
Apart from this, Sally makes coconut powder using the coconut yield in their compound. She rears a cow and produces curd and ghee from its milk and sells it. Besides, she sells homemade pickle, chilli powder and turmeric powder.
Now Sally has also initiated a small scale catering venture along with 12 other women from her colony. They make food according to demand. They manage to get orders on Sundays and the business is slowly developing.
