Kunjumoitheen V K of Kozhikode in Kerala was fully aware of the risk he was taking when he decided to return to his hometown in Kozhikode, Kerala, to take up farming, leaving behind his job in the Middle East where he had worked for years. But the hard work and dedication of this 67-year-old has now yielded results, proving that age is no barrier to starting afresh and doing farming in Kerala. Today, he is a successful banana farmer, earning lakhs in his home village of Meppayur in Kozhikode.
For over 30 years, Kunjumoitheen worked in Dubai. While his job provided financial stability, it never fulfilled his inner desire to connect with nature. “I always dreamed of farming,” he recalls. “Every time I returned to Kerala for vacations, I would visit my family’s small plot of land and imagine what I could grow there,” Kunjumoitheen told “Open Digest.”
Returning to Kerala, he started farming on his two acres of land. Determined to make it productive, he attended agricultural workshops and sought guidance from experienced farmers. Banana farming quickly caught his interest due to its profitability and adaptability to Kerala’s climate.
He started with 300 banana plants, primarily Kullan Nendran vazha (a variety of plantain which grows short in length compared to traditional plantain).
“This variety of plantain is the best for Kerala’s climate. It grows fast and becomes ready for harvest within eight months. Also, it’s easy to protect the plantain during monsoon and heavy rains in Kerala,” he said, adding that he only uses organic fertilisers.
Today, Kunjumoitheen has over 750 banana plants producing over 10 tons of bananas annually, earning a steady income. His bananas are sought after in local markets for their quality and natural taste. He also supplies to wholesalers, making his produce a staple in households across the state.
Beyond farming, Kunjumoitheen is now an advocate for sustainable agriculture. He regularly mentors young farmers, encouraging them to embrace eco-friendly practices. “Farming is not just a livelihood; it’s a way to give back to the earth,” he says.
The biggest secret of his farming success is that he works in his farm daily, taking care of the plants. “I do almost all work in the farm except for occasional high-labour intensive tasks. If we start employing laborers for all the jobs, then small-scale farms like mine will never become profitable,” he added.
His success underscores the potential of agriculture in Kerala and proves that if one is ready to put in their heart and soul into farming, they can reap success. Kunjumoitheen also ensured that his three sons received the best education possible. Today, all three are highly accomplished post-graduate doctors, dedicating their lives to healing others. Their wives, equally brilliant and compassionate, are also post-graduate doctors.