Kochi: The Punnachal paddy fields at Kandanad in Udayamperoor, in Kerala's Ernakulam district, once known for successful farming led by actor Sreenivasan, have now fallen into neglect. The farmland, once known for its rich harvests, is now covered with grass and thick vegetation, leaving local farmers worried about future.

Residents say the decline became worse after Sreenivasan's death. According to Manu Philip, who had assisted the actor, neither the Agriculture Department nor the local panchayat has paid enough attention to the fields since then, allowing the land to gradually become unused. 

Farmers allege lack of official support

Farmers say getting subsidies and technical help was never a problem when Sreenivasan led cultivation in the area. They now claim that ordinary farmers receive very little support from the local Krishi Bhavan.

Their main complaint is that officials showed interest because a celebrity was involved, rather than in supporting farming itself. Without timely help, they say, cultivation has become increasingly difficult.

The farmers also point to legal and administrative problems. A rule that prevents one person from cultivating more than 5 acres has become a major hurdle for the nearly 60-acre paddy field. As many landowners live abroad or outside the area, getting updated land tax receipts from the village office has become a major challenge.

They say these problems can be solved only if the Agriculture Department steps in. 

Poor infrastructure affects farming

The lack of basic infrastructure has pushed the paddy fields further into disuse. Farmers say there is no proper system to drain water before sowing, making cultivation difficult.

They say canals were once cleaned under the panchayat's leadership, but many are now higher than the adjoining paddy fields. According to the farmers, neither the panchayat nor the Agriculture Department has restored the canals despite repeated requests. They say officials have only made promises while conditions have continued to worsen.

Plans to grow watermelon along with paddy and cultivate flowers before the Onam season had to be dropped this year because of the poor conditions.

Farmers say the entire 60-acre paddy field can be cultivated again if subsidies are given on time and basic infrastructure is restored. They are urging the Agriculture Department and other authorities to take immediate steps to revive the Punnachal paddy fields.