Nemom’s ‘Krishi Appuppan’: The 85-year-old farmer who inspires children

Nemom(Thiruvananthapuram): For K Bhaskaran, farming is sacred. The 85-year-old wakes at dawn, bathes, and only then steps into his fields, treating the soil as if it were a temple. Known locally as 'Krishi Appuppan', or the children’s 'farming grandfather', Bhaskaran lives at Thalathil Darshana, Tagore Road, Aramada, Thrikannapuram, where he has been nurturing crops and passing on his knowledge for more than five decades.

He grows cassava, plantain, lentils and other vegetables on his land and on plots belonging to others. The harvest is shared with a nearby school and Anganwadi. Children often visit his small farm to learn by walking barefoot on the soil, planting alongside him and understanding the basics of cultivation.

A dedicated farming space has also been set aside for him at Aaramada School, where he teaches children to prepare gardens and raise crops. Bhaskaran, who started farming at the age of 12, chose to remain unmarried, devoting his life to agriculture.

“Non-toxic vegetables should be grown in every household. I never use pesticides. I rely on ash, cow dung and chicken droppings as fertiliser,” Bhaskaran said, adding that he intends to farm for the rest of his life.

Over the years, he has received several honours from agricultural institutions. He also spent many years working at Merryland Studio, tending to gardens and farmland.