Thiruvananthapuram: Suresh Kumar sworn in as the president of Maranalloor panchayat, but he has no plans to leave his farm. He started the farming venture ‘Thanal’ in a 4.5-acre leased land a few months ago, when he was busy as the CPM local committee secretary. Despite the hectic schedule of panchayat president, Suresh Kumar never fails to engage in farm works till 8 in the morning.
Suresh started farming in a 4.5-acre barren land at Kuzhivila. The chief minister had suggested the public to utilise the barren lands in the state for agriculture. Inspired by his words, Suresh started the venture. MLA I B Satheesh also encouraged him.
First, he divided the land into multiple layers using an excavator. Tapioca and banana trees were planted in one-acre land. Three fish ponds and fodder grass farming was started in 1.5-acre area. Hundreds of buffaloes and different types of goats were brought from outside the state as part of integrated farming. Also, there are 500 chicken in the farm.
Dr G S Arunkumar of Maranalloor veterinary hospital gives him guidance in handling the animals. Pangusis fish is grown in the fish ponds. There are six employees in the farm. Suresh hopes to give job to more people in the future.
Suresh Kumar’s wife Sindhu was working as a temporary staff in Devaswom Board and she had lost the job. With this, she also joined Suresh to manage the farm works. Suresh Kumar said that he intends to make more youngsters come to agriculture sector and turn barren lands to farms. This is an ideal means of income for the unemployed youth, he added.
