Agriculture in Adichilthtta, tribal settlement in Chalakuda, which won second place in the awards of farmers Keral for excellence in organic farming. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The inhabitants of Adichilthtta, the tribal settlement in Chalakuda, celebrate the proud milestone and win second place in the Kerala State Farm Awards 2024 for perfection in organic farming. Against the chance of harsh hills, dense forests and entrances to wild animals, the community cultivated the chapter of agricultural success.
As soon as farmers were known for growing millet, unpeeled and reached, they moved to commercial crops after frequent raids on a wild animal. Today, at 110.46661 hectares of agricultural land, grow coffee, pepper, turmeric, cocoa, rubber, nutmeg, Kudampula (Malabar tamarind) and coconut. Traditional varieties of pepper, such as Neelamundi, Karimunda and Kallvalli, are doing well with Robusta coffee. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides were completely abandoned in favor of 100% of organic methods.
The behavior of livestock-kuous, goats and poultry-is the manure that is processed into the compost by means of ecological cheap units built from locally available soil and stones. Every three months the compost is applied to the field and naturally enriches the fertility of the soil.
Strengthening the position of women
This tribal village was also torches to strengthen the position of women. To support traditional seed protection and generation for women, Hamlet launched a female agricultural nursery. Kindergarten supplies seedlings to the community and allows women to earn and maintain.
The key factor of this success is to create the company athirappilly tribal Valley Farmers Producer Company (FPC), completely owned by tribal farmers in the Athirapilly Forest. The company directly acquires agricultural and value products from farmers, processes and sells them under the brand athirappilly through retail stores, its websites, online platforms and exhibitions at national level. Farmers themselves visit these exhibitions, engage directly with customers and provide fair prices.
Despite the challenges of life in the forest zone, farmers Adichilthtti continues with durability and learns modern techniques and at the same time adheres to tradition. Their story is a respect for nature, cultural pride and unwavering determination, which serves as an inspiring model for other tribal communities.
Published – August 2025 06:53
