Variety is the spice of life for this farmer. Joshy Joseph, this year's farmer award winner in the category of hi-tech farms, believes agriculture can be a profitable business if done creatively by minimizing labour costs. For a steady daily income, he cultivates almost all varieties of crops, fruits, and vegetables on his five-acre plot in Karinchola, Kattippara panchayat.
"I get a very good income just from vegetable cultivation, which I do in a large polyhouse," says the 44-year-old entrepreneur, who has been farming for over two decades. He is particularly interested in cultivating hybrid crops with high yield and disease resistance.
Good Marketing Plan
He claims to have many crops on his farm that are not available elsewhere. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and is an expert at effectively marketing his products on the open market.
Joseph attributes his success to his use of minimal outside labour assistance in the cultivation or marketing of his produce.
Toiling for 12 hours
"I spend at least 12 hours a day in the field beginning at 6 a.m. every day." "My parents, wife, and two children have been an enormous source of support," Joseph says.
He adds that the State award came as a complete surprise to the entire family. The award committee was drawn to the innovative inter-crop cultivation method, which protects soil, water, and the organic nature of the soil.
To make the best use of water, he installed a drip irrigation system. There are also rainwater harvesting systems in place. There is also enough livestock to meet the daily demand for organic manure.
He clears the path for those who are sceptical of remunerative farming. Every year, he earns at least 4 lakhs from his five-acre farm, primarily from the sale of coconut, pepper, cocoa, nutmeg, fruits, eggs, milk, and vegetables.
