Sreekumar and Gayatri Sreekumar from Vanchiyoor, Trivandrum set an example for those who worry about the harmful effects of consuming vegetables sprayed with inorganic pesticides by growing vegetables and rearing poultry on their 750-square feet terrace for the past 25 years.

Sreekumar and his wife are leading advocates in the city. For Sreekumar, farming has been a passion from childhood. The desire to consume organic and healthy food inspired him to cultivate vegetables on his terrace in the city after his marriage. Being a city girl, Gayatri was new to farming. Her husband’s passion drew her to gardening. Now their terrace has been transformed into a vegetable garden which has cabbage, tomatoes, Amaranthus, bitter gourd, chillies and varieties of beans. 

“I only spend half an hour daily in the terrace. My main intention was to be self sufficient in food. Even though we have fertile land we depend on other states,” smiled Sreekumar.

“I had no idea about farming. In the initial days I used to help my husband and now I enjoy being with these plants,” chuckled Gayatri.

This advocate couple grows papaya, jack fruit and mango trees in their backyard. One side of their terrace is completely dedicated for rearing poultry and Kada (Japanese quail). The bird droppings are used as manure for plants. Kitchen waste is used to feed the birds and the garden waste is converted to vermi compost. They also have biogas plant. The waste from the biogas plant is used as manure for plants.

“This is the best organic manure. Vermi wash, the extract from vermi compost is also good for plants,” said Sreekumar.

Every seed and plant in Sreekumar’s terrace get individual attention from the family. He spends half an hour every morning with the plants.

“I personally take care of each plant over here to keep them healthy and thriving.  I feel fresh and happy. My day will not be complete without talking to these plants,” smiled Sreekumar.