Malappuram: Khadeeja, a resident of Perinthalmanna's Thazhekkode, exemplifies that farming is not a loss-making venture but a profitable one when approached with knowledge. This homemaker, who initially engaged in farming for personal satisfaction, has now become a successful farmer and entrepreneur in the state. Khadeeja credits the Department of Agriculture for her growth. Her farm is situated in the beautiful valley of Kodikuthimala.
Three acres are dedicated to areca nut, 3.5 acres to mango and jackfruit trees, one acre to cashew, banana, and other various trees. She also cultivates ginger and turmeric, vegetables in a 100 square meter rain shelter, and has around 300 orchids. Fodder grass is cultivated along the farm's boundaries. In addition, she raises fish, chickens, goats, cows, and bees.
The Department of Agriculture not only provided compensation but also financial aid and training for mixed farming. Khadeeja considers this a turning point in her life. With the aid, she dug a pond and started fish farming, followed by beekeeping. Through the Farm Plan scheme, she purchased a milking cow and transitioned to completely organic farming. Scientific care led to increased milk production.
Her primary income source is value-added products. Due to the organic nature of her farming, her products are in high demand. She also processes milk into value-added products for sale. She produces organic manure, panchagavya, and jeevamrutham for use on her farm and for sale.
She also markets agricultural products through a value-added farming group. She produces banana toffee, chips powder, banana flour, virgin coconut oil, coconut oil, chutney powder, jackfruit chips, jackfruit powder, honey candy, honey garlic, honey ginger, lip balm, pain balm, skin cream, ghee, butter, buttermilk, and yogurt. She is also a trainer for the Department of Agriculture, providing training in beekeeping.
Khadeeja's mother was a skilled farmer who generated her own income independent of her husband's earnings abroad. Khadeeja learned farming from her mother at a young age. Her grandmother and great-grandmother were also interested in farming. Khadeeja handles most of the farm work herself, hiring laborers only for additional tasks, while still overseeing everything. She now plans to start a farm school to share her farming knowledge, offer farm visits to understand farming practices, and develop farm tourism.