Food is one of the basic needs for us and an important factor for our survival as it is the primary source of energy and well-being. However, the ever-growing obsession for increased agricultural yield through newer innovations and practices has many times compromised the goodness that food offers. Navara Eco Farm, however, located on the banks of river Shokanashini (destroyer of sorrow) in the Chittur Palakkad district of Kerela has a different and inspiring story to tell.
Navara Eco Farm is the world’s largest Navara rice farm. This farm is over 115-year-old family farm which is currently run by P Narayan Unny, the third generation of the family. This farm is particularly popular for Navara and Matta varieties of rice which grow only in some particular places of Kerela and are largely popular for their medicinal values and extensive use in Ayurveda. The world, while running after the HYV seeds, chemical fertilisers and pesticides, Navara Eco Farm have taken the traditional path to grow these rice varieties to protect the rich properties of these rice varieties from depletion and harm.
Rooting for the roots
P. Narayanan Unny along with another family member M. Kelukutty Menon, who is also one of the first Rice Specialists at Rice Research Station, Pattambi, are developing the farm organically, yet scientifically. They are determined to keep the medicinal value of Navara rice intact and to be suitable for further use of its bran and roots in ayurvedic treatments and health rejuvenation therapies. It takes a lot of motivation and risk-taking on their part to opt for traditional organic techniques because of the delicate nature of the plant, limited yield, prone to diseases, pests, and low commercial value. Nonetheless, opting for modern commercial techniques was not a better option for this duo as it would risk the medicinal quality of the rice, and chemical and pesticide residue in the plant may cause a counter effect on the health of consumers.
Pestering the pests
Navara Eco Farm grows its plants using organic manure only. They plant Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Marigold on the bunds of the rice fields to repel pests. The farm also has a number of trained workers who use nets to catch pests, although rats cause major damage to the crops in the farm. Instead of using chemicals and harmful pesticides, they ensure that trained workers control this menace. Hence, Navara Eco Farm has successfully eliminated the usage of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. While chemical fertilizers and pesticides make pest control easy and less laborious, manual practices are time-tested techniques to protect plants from all kinds of impurities and harm without having an adverse impact on nature.
Navara Eco Farm is a small dot on the world map which shows the world that we can enjoy the bounty of nature’s blessings while respecting its balance even if that calls for walking some extra miles of hard work and sincere efforts.
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