Pathanamthitta: A young farmer used his leisure time for farming and proved that agricultural experiments can give better results. Kuriannoor native Tiju Joseph, owner of a spare parts shop in Maramon, started farming with the help of agriculture experts during the lockdown. Now the crops are ready to harvest.
Different varieties of brinjal, okra, long beans, green gram, ivy gourd, green chilli, spinach, bitter gourd, ginger and many other vegetables are cultivated in his compound. Some plants are grown on soil and some others are in grow bag.
Also Tiju has tried breeding tomato on the stem of brinjal on an experiment basis. As the brinjal stem does not get damaged in adverse weather too, tomato can be harvested 365 days a year.
Tiju gets technical support from his friends who work in agriculture sector using modern methods. As he started farming early, he could devote more time for agriculture during the lockdown. This helped boost the production.
Members of Kuriannoor Arya Agro Solutions gave him advice to improve farming. Tiju has set up a fly trap from Thelliyoor Krishi Vigyan Kendra in his farm and pests are effectively controlled. Only organic fertilizers are used in the farm.
Tiju said that they do not buy any vegetable other than onion and potato from shops. He added that apart from financial benefits, agriculture also offers happiness and relaxation to us.
