Retired SI reaps rich millet harvest in Vithura

Vithura (Thiruvananthapuram): After retiring from a hectic government service, a former police officer turned to farming to overcome solitude, and the result was a bountiful harvest of White jowar

Choosing not to settle into a conventional retired life, Vithura native and retired sub-inspector Sreekumar ventured into farming and found success with millet cultivation. It was the guidance of model farmer Thachankode Manoharan Nair that inspired him to explore the potential of growing millets.

Acting on Manoharan Nair’s suggestion, Sreekumar participated in a millet awareness campaign organised by Shanthigram, a voluntary organisation based in Chappath, Thiruvananthapuram. That campaign became a turning point in his post-retirement journey.

The agricultural training was led by Assistant Agriculture Officer S.K. Shinu from the Kadinamkulam Krishi Bhavan. Alongside technical training, participants received free seeds during the three-day campaign.

Sreekumar sowed the millet seeds on an 11-cent plot in front of his house on an experimental basis. Adequate sunlight contributed significantly to its growth.

Sreekumar and his wife Pushpa said that proper irrigation and maintenance played a vital role in ensuring a healthy yield. According to S.K. Shinu, millets play a significant role in promoting health in modern lifestyles. White jowar, in particular, is a nutritious food suitable for both humans and cattle.

Encouraged by the success of this agricultural trial, Sreekumar now plans to cultivate all eight types of millets that are suitable for Kerala’s climate and soil.