In the lush hills of Idukki, Kerala, farming is not just a livelihood — it is a way of life. Among the many farmers here, K. Ramesan stands out as a visionary leader who has taken bold steps to transform not only his own farming but the fortunes of hundreds of fellow farmers. Cultivating crops such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric, pepper, and rubber, Ramesan faced the familiar struggles of farmers in the region: unpredictable market prices, natural calamities, and threats from wild animals. But rather than succumbing to these challenges, he sought a collective solution.
The Birth of a Farmers’ Collective
Understanding the power of unity, K. Ramesan formed the Prakash Gram Spices Farmers Society — a cooperative society consisting of 100 local farmers based in Karunapuram Gram Panchayat, Idukki. The goal was clear: to help farmers reclaim control over their produce, ensure fair profits, and promote sustainable, organic farming methods.
> “Only a real farmer can understand the struggles of his fellow farmers,” says Ramesan, whose deep empathy and leadership have been central to the society’s success.
Tackling Soil Degradation Through Organic Farming
For decades, the once fertile lands of the High Range in Idukki had suffered due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to soil degradation and reduced productivity. Recognizing this threat, the Prakash Gram Society embarked on a mission to restore the soil’s natural fertility through organic farming.
The farmers collectively grow a wide variety of spices — including pepper, cardamom, ginger, and clove — without relying on synthetic chemicals. Instead, they focus on organic inputs and sustainable agricultural practices that nurture the land rather than exhaust it.
Infrastructure and Innovations Supporting Sustainability
The society has invested in crucial infrastructure that supports organic farming and water conservation, including:
A dedicated organic manure production unit, providing a chemical-free nutrient source for the crops.
A nursery for coconut saplings to support diversified agriculture.
Self-constructed rain gutters and large rainwater storage ponds lined with silpoline sheets, enabling effective rainwater harvesting during the monsoon.
These initiatives not only promote sustainable farming but also reduce dependency on external inputs and help conserve natural resources.
Diversification: Expanding Beyond Spices
While spices remain the core of the society’s produce, Prakash Gram has diversified into vegetable cultivation by leasing fallow lands, transforming barren patches into fertile fields.
Among the vegetables, beans have proven particularly successful as they are naturally resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides. Other crops like pulses, brinjals (eggplants), tomatoes, and cabbage are also cultivated, providing farmers with multiple income streams.
K. Ramesan highlights that this diversification is key to economic resilience: “Growing a variety of crops helps farmers stabilize income and reduces the risks associated with market fluctuations.”
Value Addition and Market Linkages
One of the biggest challenges for small farmers is accessing markets that pay fair prices. Prakash Gram has overcome this by focusing on value addition and building strong market linkages.
The society processes and sells a range of high-quality, organic products including:
Chemical-free coconut oil
Pure honey
Dried turmeric powder
Pepper powder
Coffee powder
All products are made carefully in small batches to maintain quality and avoid adulteration. Their organic certification and purity have earned them demand across India, including through eco shops in Thiruvananthapuram.
Government Support and Mechanization
Prakash Gram’s work has attracted support from the Department of Agriculture, which has provided:
A subsidy of Rs. 2 lakh to set up an organic vegetable stall in Idukki.
Machinery worth Rs. 13 lakhs, including a coffee bean processing machine, cardamom grading machine, and dryers, with a subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs.
This mechanization has improved efficiency, quality, and self-sufficiency, helping the society compete better in the market.
Reviving Fallow Lands and Scaling Up Organic Farming
The society’s vision goes beyond current achievements. They are actively working on reclaiming fallow lands — those left unused or barren for years. For instance, a five-acre plot in Tukkupalam, lying fallow for two decades, has been leased and brought under cultivation.
Plans are underway to:
Identify 20 farmers to form a cultivation cluster on five hectares of leased land.
Collaborate with agencies such as NABARD for financial assistance.
Experiment with kernel cultivation on one acre of land.
These initiatives will not only increase organic vegetable production but also contribute to restoring the ecological balance of the region.
Beyond Agriculture: Promoting Farm Tourism and Knowledge Sharing
Prakash Gram’s activities extend beyond farming. They offer facilities for farm tourism and recreational activities such as trekking, attracting visitors who want to experience organic farming and learn about soil health.
The society also conducts:
Farmer empowerment seminars
Agricultural study tours
These programs aim to spread awareness about sustainable farming practices and motivate more farmers to adopt organic methods.
A Model for Sustainable and Inclusive Farming
The story of K. Ramesan and the Prakash Gram Spices Farmers Society illustrates how farmers can unite to overcome challenges and create sustainable livelihoods. By embracing organic farming, value addition, mechanization, and community support, this society has revitalized the farming ecosystem in Idukki.
Their journey is a beacon for other farming communities struggling with soil degradation, market uncertainties, and climate risks. It highlights the importance of collective action, innovation, and respect for nature in building resilient agricultural systems.
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