Kerala Farm Awards: A farmer’s three-decade tryst with organic farming

In a small settlement near Chakkittappara, K.K. Xaviour, a 74-year-old settler farmer, has been honored with the Kerala Kesary Award-2025 for his dedication to organic farming methods. Over the past 30 years, Mr. Xaviour has cultivated a two-acre coconut plantation using high-yielding Kuttiyadi coconut saplings, following solely organic practices and utilizing rainwater for irrigation. The farmer employs cow dung and cow urine as natural fertilizers, avoiding chemical inputs to preserve soil fertility.

Mr. Xaviour, a recipient of multiple regional awards, attributes his success to his commitment to independent farming. He shares that his wife, Alice, is his primary support, as his three children are currently abroad. Together, they manage his farm and other agricultural endeavors, including a one-acre rubber plantation and various fruit and pepper varieties, without relying on external labor.

Rasma Nair, an Agricultural Officer at Chakkittappara Krishi Bhavan, commends Mr. Xaviour for his innovative approach to farming, describing him as a model farmer in the village. He emphasizes that, when approached with dedication and respect for the land, farming can remain a positive and profitable venture, ensuring a decent standard of living for those engaged in it.