After spending over two decades toiling in the Middle East, 55-year-old M Sreekumar Amban of Kannur in Kerala has returned to his roots with a new mission—reviving agriculture in his hometown and imparting training to youngsters on farming.
Leaving behind a career in mechanical engineering, this Gulf returnee has transformed 25 acres of land at his native place Chouva in Kannur into a thriving hub of paddy cultivation and vegetable farming.
A diploma holder in mechanical engineering, Amban always had a deep love for farming, a legacy passed down through generations in his family. However, financial constraints pushed him to seek a livelihood abroad.
Now, Amban has not only revived traditional farming but also modernised it using mechanization. Amban attributes his success to the strategic use of modern farming machinery. “Farming in Kerala has long been considered unviable due to high labour costs and lack of manpower. However, by using machines for harvesting and other farm-related work, I have managed to cut down expenses and make agriculture sustainable,” he told “Open Digest“.
From power tillers to automated harvesters, he has leveraged technology to increase efficiency and productivity on his farm.
Additionally, the availability of migrant farm workers from Bengal has played a crucial role in making farming viable in Kerala. “Local laborers are scarce, and their wages are often high. The workers from Bengal, who charge reasonable rates for tasks like sowing and transplanting, have made large-scale farming economically viable,” he added.
Beyond running a successful agri-business, Amban also offers free farming education to students from nearby schools, aiming to instil a love for agriculture in the minds of children. “Farming should not be seen as an outdated profession but as a rewarding career. If we educate children early, they will see the potential in it,” he adds.
Students visiting his farm get hands-on experience in planting, irrigation, and harvesting. Amban also shares insights on organic farming methods, soil conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
