A Catholic priest’s ‘green revolution’ has helped farmers in a southern Indian parish regain their lost agricultural legacy.

“Although the people in Kerala have the most fertile land, they have the biggest scarcity of grains and vegetables. I want them to stop depending on others for food,” said Father Sebastian Kanjirakattukunnel, a former vicar general of Thamarassery diocese in Kerala who came to Koodaranji parish in 2006.

Through his scheme named unarvu (awakening), the priest has organized classes and seminars to educate villagers how to cultivate profitably and preserve ancient farming techniques.

After four years, every home in the parish has vegetable farms, the priest claimed, adding that the program has helped farmers become self-reliant.

Velayudhan Nekkiyil, a Hindu agricultural laborer, said the Catholic priest has changed their perception by teaching them to generate money from food crops even without their own land.

“The priest cultivates vegetables even in plastic bags,” he added.

Baby Kurumbel, a Catholic, added that the priest began cultivating on parish land. The priest brought vegetable seeds from outside and distributed among the villagers.

“Now people from other parishes come here to collect seeds and crops,” Kurumbel said, adding that the parish also organizes harvest fests twice a month.

The diocese has decided to launch the priest’s scheme in other parishes as part of its silver jubilee celebrations.

Related reports
South Asian Farmers Exchange Ideas On Organic Farming
Young Asian Agriculturists Aim To Help Farmers Gain ´Food Security´

IB11735.1625