The Sugarcane Seed Farm in Pandalam, one of the 11 specialised farms under the Agriculture Department in the state, has become a model for excellent functioning and for its diversified seedlings needs for the farmers.
Established in 1963, catering to the needs of the then Pandalam Mannam Sugar Mills, the farm rose to the level of a full-fledged one, which include dairy farm, jaggery manufacturing unit, vegetable and coconut seedling-producing centre, paddy seeds, plantain and spices seedlings among others.
Located on the 26 acres of land at Kadakkad, one km east of Pandalam, on the side of the Harippad- Pathanamthitta Road, the farm drew the attraction of farmers and the public alike thanks to the commitment and unique efforts by J Sajeev, the agriculture officer incharge of the farm.
The dairy farm, which was set up four years ago, serves the diversified needs of the farm, from energy needs of the farm by generating electricity to the tune of 7.5 kw from the biogas plant, revenue from milk sale and slurry from the biogas plant as organic manure for the farming operations.
At present, the number of cows and the calf in the dairy touched 27 from 11 during the time of the establishment.
The credit for the safe and timely upkeep of the dairy farm, which needs extreme care, goes to Sajeev who used to come to the farm on all the seven days, without even availing himself of the holidays.
Sajeev, who was one of the key agricultural officers in the successful experimental launch of Basmati rice cultivation in Central Travancore during 1997 to 2000, said that dairy farm needed to be expanded in the larger interests of increased need of cow dung and slurry for undertaking cultivation.
The sugarcane crushing unit and t h e seedling farm are the star attractions for the people belonging to other neighbouring districts of Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam.
The high quality jaggery produced and packed here is a much-sought food ingredient.
Sajeev said that the farm produces 250 tonnes of jaggery a year and manufactures 40 tonnes for Onam season alone.
The coconut seedlings, especially the dwarf varieties of Kuttiyadi brand, plantain and nendran seedlings, spices seedlings, vegetable seeds and upland paddy seeds have already made a name across the state, he said.
Sajeev said the earnings from the sale of seedlings and seeds and other products from the farm touched Rs 30 lakh during 2009-2010 from Rs 3 lakh during 2001-2002 financial year. If the present sale proceeds are any indication, the earnings from the sale would achieve growth of 30 percent, Sajeev said. The commitment and cooperation of the seven-member workforce is of great help in the smooth running of the farm, he said.
Urgent need for additional land
The government authorities should come to the rescue of the farm by making available an additional 25 acres of land for the immediate needs of the farming operations.
Since the entire area of 26 acres under the farm are already used fully used, the increasing demands for vegetable seeds, coconut saplings, spices saplings here could not be met if more land is not made available. At a time when food security concept is gaining momentum, the expansion of the farm is the need of the hour. Hence, the allotment of substantial area of land should be needed.
