Rooted in soil, growing with soul: Kerala boy’s passion for farming earns him recognition as best student farmer

Nadapuram: A young boy who grew up with the scent of soil on his hands and a love for planting in his heart has been recognised as a Best Student Farmer during Kerala’s Farmers’ Day celebrations.

M Lemin Harry, a sixth-standard student of Vattoli National Higher Secondary School and a native of Vanimel, was honoured for his exceptional passion and dedication to farming — a habit he cultivated from an early age in the humble yard of his home.

Lemin doesn’t just eat vegetables and fruits; he saves their seeds, sprouting them with care. From onions and carrots to dragon fruit, he has learned to germinate and grow them all — mostly by watching YouTube tutorials. His love for farming was further nurtured by Health Inspector Babu Raj, a skilled local farmer who introduced Lemin to proper techniques and tools. Working alongside him, Lemin's interest blossomed into something remarkable.

Now, when his parents go out, Lemin has only one request, “Bring me seeds.” Over time, he has collected numerous banana saplings and now tends to them meticulously. His small garden has already yielded impressive harvests — especially in crops like banana and ginger.

Lemin is the son of N V Harris, a teacher at Perode MIM Higher Secondary School, and Nousheena, a teacher at his own school in Vattoli. His curiosity, hands-on knowledge and deep respect for nature earned him recognition during the Farmers’ Day celebrations organised jointly by Vanimel Grama Panchayat and the Agriculture Office.

The awards were presented by MLA E K Vijayan, with Panchayat president P Surayya presiding over the event. Alongside Lemin, other outstanding farmers — P K Mammu Haji, Chandu Vazhiyil, P V Sahara Kunjabdulla and Mariamma Paul — were also honoured for their contributions.