Shri V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture,
Shri P.V. Chandran, Managing Editor, Mathrubhumi,
Dr. A. Anil Kumar, Dean, Kerala Agricultural University,
Smt. T.N. Seema, Vice-Chairperson, Haritha-Keralam Mission,
Shri K.M. Damodaran and Shri K.M. Rajan, Award winners,
Shri Mohan Nair, Chief Executive Officer, Mathrubhumi,
Shri Unni Balakrishnan, Chief of News, Mathrubhumi Television,
Priyappetta Karshaka Suhruthukkale,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
It gives me great joy to address this august gathering after presenting the first Mathrubhumi Krishibhoomi Awards to the brothers, Shri K.M. Damodaran and Shri K.M. Rajan, who have been farmers for the last 50 years in Kannur.
Let me begin by congratulating both the winners on receiving this prestigious award, which carries a prize money of Rs. One Lakh. I would also like to convey my deep sense of appreciation for the interest taken by Mathrubhumi Television in instituting this award. This gesture speaks volumes about Mathrubhumi's commitment to encouraging farmers and good agricultural practices.
I must say that this gesture is in tune with the culture of Mathrubhumi, which had proclaimed its commitment to the uplift and welfare of the downtrodden in its very first issue, in 1923. Its lead role in nurturing the growth of Malayalam literature and in setting a benchmark for literary quality are also well known. Through this award, the Mathrubhumi News Television, a recent addition to the Mathrubhumi family, is setting new standards in recognizing the worth of our farmers.
Agriculture is a subject and profession close to my heart, since I come from an agricultural background. Right from my childhood, I have watched the plight of farmers, whose profit and loss statements are written by external factors, some of which are beyond their control. In some years, lack of rains would curtail their production; sometimes an untimely flood may wash away everything; at other instances, it could be an unsteady market that deceives them. The simple lesson is that people will remain in farming only if it is profitable to them. It is high time we realized that agriculture involves great risk and that the State is duty-bound to protect the interests of the farmers.
The recent economic survey in Kerala has cited a negative growth rate in agriculture in the recent years. The share of agriculture and allied activities in the Gross State Domestic Product of Kerala has also declined from 14.38 % in 2011-12 to 10.38% in 2015-16. It was this decline that prompted our Government to initiate measures for improving agriculture in the State through Harithakeralam and other programmes. However, I am happy that such programmes have helped in convincing our people that growing our own vegetables at home especially through organic farming is not impossible as many of us thought earlier.
As we all know, the media have played a great role in popularizing novel agricultural practices all over the world. Most of you would recall that Kerala once had a rice variety which was called “Radio Ari” (Radio Rice) because it was popularized by radio. With channels like Mathrubhumi Television also airing agricultural programmes, people's interest and confidence in the practice of agriculture have certainly increased.
While media's role in introducing newer practices in farming is certainly laudable, they should also be committed to the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices in farming. Such knowledge would help farmers as well as agricultural researchers in finding solutions to farming issues. Also important is the publicity to schemes for promoting farming. Even now, many of our farmers are not aware of the novel schemes especially in flori-culture. The staff in agricultural offices and Krishi Vigyaan Kendras also need orientation in such matters through awareness programmes. I hope the media would view this seriously.
I am a regular viewer of Mathrubhumi's Krishibhoomi programme. I have found that it gives a wide coverage of different types of farming practices throughout the State. In fact, I was surprised to find cultivation of sugar cane in some parts of Kerala. That our two award winners from Kannur are also active in the farming of sugarcane, also comes as a pleasant surprise for me since my major crop in my village is sugarcane.
In fact, it is not just the variety of crops, technologies and farming practices that makes Krishibhoomi interesting and informative. The farmers' narration of their experience encourages viewers to try at least a small level of farming in their land. The programme also highlights the difficulties faced by farmers at various stages and brings them to the notice of authorities, quite often, finding solutions, too. This kind of a participatory approach is very useful for the farmers as well as the viewers. In short, this programme endeavors to empower farmers by recognizing their efforts and encouraging them to do better in the interest of society.
Though the award goes to two brothers, we have five more people who deserve a mention here, since they also made it to the final round thanks to their firm commitment to farming.
Shri Govindankutty Warrier, who did a course in organic farming at the age of 82 and is active in organic cultivation of vegetables and Shri Ayoob Thottoli who cultivates Red Lady Papayas, deserve our appreciation. Shri Subhakesan, who has studied only up to Class X, but gives insightful lectures even to agri-researchers and Shri Aravindan who maintains a nursery of medicinal plants also deserve praise.
However, the one who deserves a standing ovation is Sister Biji Jose, who introduced autistic children to the fascinating world of agriculture. I hope this horti-therapy works wonders for those dear children. The example she has set also points to the possibility of women taking a lead role in promoting agriculture. I am certain that if more women come forward to promote agriculture, it will help in realizing Kerala's and Mathrubhumi Television's dream of making our State agriculturally self-sufficient.
I once again congratulate the Award winners and other farmers who have graced this occasion and wish them more success in future.
I also compliment Mathrubhumi Television for conducting this function in a befitting manner. My best wishes to Krishibhoomi.
Ellaavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
