Vellangallur (Thrissur): For the past 9 years, Vallivattam native Salim has been a full-time turmeric farmer. He could harvest 200 kilograms of turmeric in the first year and then gradually expanded farming to more areas.
He used the turmeric variety named Prathibha. He also planted turmeric as intercrop in coconut plantations.
Now, Salim is managing turmeric farming in 5-acre land. He harvested 20 tonnes of turmeric last year. He sells it after making turmeric powder. Also he provides turmeric seed for farmers. He has many customers inside and outside Kerala. However, Salim never sells turmeric to wholesale traders and companies. He sells only 2 kilograms of turmeric to a buyer at a time.
Fertilizer required for farming is also developed in organic method at Salim's household. He depends on organic method for pest control too. Actors Sreenivasan, Salim Kumar and Anoop Chandran had appreciated and encouraged Salim's turmeric cultivation. Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac had also visited his farm on knowing about his organic experiments.
Salim is the recipient of many honours including Athmamithra Award for developing unique organic farming method, Vanamithra award, Panchayat award for best farmer and award for best organic farmer. 70-year-old Salim's wife Shereefa and son Ansar also helps him in farming.
