A Youth's Passion for Farming Changed 200 acres of Fallow Land to Paddy Fields; Wins Swami Vivekanandan Yuva Prathibha Award

Meet Tom Kiran Davis. He was a leading fighter in the legal battle against paddy land reclamation in Thumbur, Thrissur district, Kerala. A post graduate in Economics who initiated conversion of more than 200 acres of fallow land into paddy fields. Tom is best known for his contributions to agriculture. Tom received Rs 50,000 and a citation from Kerala minister for Youth welfare, EP Jayarajan as a recognition of merit.

Tom, a member of a farming family, always had a farmer in mind. Childhood memories on farming were accompanied him wherever he lived. When he decided to quit his  job at the UAE  and go into farming, his friends and relatives discouraged him. But Tom, who studied economics, had some plans in mind. Its benefits are now available to all locals.

Tom Kiran, a good volleyball player, approached agriculture with the spirit of a sportsman. He initiated cleaning of 2 km long canal that runs through the vazhukilichira paddy field, before making an entry to farming. It took a month and a half to clean the canal. Then,he started farming in 1.5 acres of own land and persuaded other farmers to do the same, as water was abundant in the canal. A few friends joined with him and they took a few fields on lease and started collective farming. Velukkara Panchayat, Velukkara Krishi Bhavan and Athani Men's Self-Help Group stood by. Kuruva, Rakthasali and Mattathriveni rice seeds were cultivated. Maximum automation was done. Now, he has 15 acres of organic paddy which has high demand in the market. It is sold directly without intermediaries with the help of social media. The rest is being supplied to Supplyco. In addition to rice, Tom cultivates turmeric, ginger, banana, rubber and nutmeg.

Tom, the son of Davis and Kusum at Thumpur Kongoth House, was a two-time member of the university volleyball team. He represented Kerala in the New India Conclave. He is currently the secretary of the Kannukettichira-Vazhukkilichira Padashekhara Samithi and a member of the Rubber Production Society in Karur. Tom is happy that the products of the farmers of Velukkara, such as rice, nutmeg, pepper, turmeric, jackfruit, tapioca, mango and tamarind, are now being sold freely through social media. Tom also sells on Amazon under the brand name Pepenero. Tom's wife, Blessy, is also active in supporting Tom in his farm.

Tom's mobile number -- 8301082911