Thodupuzha (Idukki): When the entire district is gripped by COVID-19 fear, Collector H Dineshan is busy with his duties and resistance activities. However, he finds time to be part of the household vegetable farming project initiated by the Haritha Keralam Mission. The collector has cultivated vegetables in the rain guard at his official residence at Painavu.
The crops include Chinese potato, beans, chilli, okra, long beans, spinach, tomato and tapioca. Among these, tomato and tapioca gave the best yield. The collector said that he intends to expand farming outside the rain guard during the lockdown period. He has also plans to start multiple cropping by growing yam, taro and sweet potato. Despite the regular duties, he spends some time for farming every morning. Anil from camp office also helps him maintain the farm.
Hailing from Kasaragod, the collector used to cultivate turmeric, ginger and other crops at his residence in Kanhangad. He stopped farming after he moved to Idukki. As he lives alone in his official residence, not much vegetables are required in the kitchen. However, spending some time in the farm will help refresh mind. Even walk through the vegetable garden gives a sense of satisfaction, the collector said.
