Nearly two decades ago, acclaimed actor and director Sreenivasan made a life-changing move to Kandanadu, a serene village on the outskirts of Kochi. His relocation, however, was about more than just finding a new home. It marked the beginning of a profound personal mission that would eventually reshape the agricultural landscape of the entire area.
From Actor to Agriculturist: A Personal Mission
After settling into his new home, Sreenivasan turned his attention to the surrounding paddy fields. Driven by a deep-seated passion for the land, he decided to venture into farming. He was determined to do it right, choosing the path of sustainability from the very start. He adopted the renowned Subhash Palekar model of natural farming, a system that completely shuns chemical inputs.
Under this method, Sreenivasan transformed his own farmland into a thriving, living example of what sustainable agriculture could achieve. He utilized high-yielding Jyothi variety seeds but paired them strictly with Palekar's techniques. The farm became a testament to the power of natural processes.
The Pillars of a Natural Farm
The success of this model rested on fundamental, age-old principles. Prakash Palazhi, who supervised the fields, explained their unwavering commitment. "We follow the farming practices designed by Subhash Palekar," he stated. The entire operation relied on natural inputs sourced from the farm itself.
Only cow dung and cow urine were used, serving a dual purpose as both manure and as key ingredients for creating natural insecticides. To ensure a steady supply of these crucial resources, the farm maintained its own desi cow. This closed-loop system eliminated dependence on external, synthetic products, keeping the soil and the produce pure.
Inspiring a Quiet Green Revolution
Sreenivasan's dedication and visible success did not go unnoticed. His passion proved infectious, inspiring several local farmers in Kandanadu. They began to see the viability and benefits of natural farming. One by one, they joined hands with him, creating a collective movement.
This collaboration blossomed into what many residents described as a quiet green revolution. Sreenivasan's role expanded beyond his personal plot. He became an active and influential member of the Paadashekhara Samithi, the local collective of paddy farmers. His advocacy and hands-on guidance played a key role in persuading others to expand cultivation.
The results were tangible and remarkable. From an initial collective effort covering about 30 acres, the cultivated land under this natural farming umbrella gradually increased to nearly 100 acres. This massive expansion had a direct impact on the panchayat's landscape. As a direct result of this concerted effort, Ward No. 4 of Kandanadu Panchayat was eventually declared free of barren farmland—a significant achievement for the community.
A Legacy of Sustainable Passion
Sreenivasan's commitment to organic farming has sown seeds that continue to grow. His son, popular actor Vineeth Sreenivasan, has also inherited a keen interest in farming, suggesting the family's deep connection to the land will endure. The story of Kandanadu stands as a powerful, real-world example of how individual initiative, coupled with proven natural methods like Palekar's, can trigger widespread environmental and agricultural change. It demonstrates that sustainable practices are not just ecologically sound but also economically viable, capable of revitalizing communities and turning barren tracts into fields of gold.
