Vani V., a dedicated farmer from Alappuzha, Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious State Karshaka Thilakam (Best Woman Farmer) Award. This recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to sustainable agriculture and the conservation of biodiversity on her 4.5-acre farm, ‘Vasu Jaivanganam’. Located near Haripad, the farm is a shining example of a self-sustaining ecosystem.
For the past 16 years, Ms. Vani has passionately practised natural eco-farming. She is also a successful organic agripreneur, a guardian of traditional seeds, and a strong advocate for climate resilience. Her farm is a vibrant hub, home to a diverse range of indigenous vegetables, various forest plants, medicinal herbs, and native flowering plants. She cultivates local fruit trees, cherishes 12 different varieties of bananas, and nurtures 32 varieties of bamboo, showcasing a deep commitment to preserving India’s agricultural heritage.
The farm’s design enhances its sustainability. Nine ponds and several small wooded areas work together to create a favourable microclimate. These features not only support the diverse plant life but also provide essential biomass for farming. Moreover, they create safe habitats for a variety of other living organisms, contributing to a healthy, balanced environment.
Ms. Vani’s journey into farming began during her student days. She was inspired by lectures from environmentalists and spent much time reading about nature and agriculture. Although her father was a businessman, farming has always been a part of her family’s life. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University.
A significant turning point in her life came when she had to discontinue her MSc course in Ecology and Environmental Sciences due to her father’s illness. This led her to return home and fully dedicate herself to farming. With the unwavering support of her husband, V.C. Vijith, she began collecting seeds and saplings, pouring her energy into nurturing them.
Her farming practices focus on improving soil health by increasing organic carbon. She is committed to implementing strategies that help agriculture adapt to and mitigate climate change. This includes promoting carbon sequestration, which is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and advancing the liquid carbon pathway, a natural process that helps store carbon in the soil.
Beyond crop cultivation, Ms. Vani’s farm is a model of integrated farming. She raises native breeds of poultry and cattle, farms local fish species, and maintains an impressive vertical garden. She also runs plant nurseries, supplying healthy saplings to other farmers. Her commitment extends to producing value-added products from her farm’s harvest, increasing the economic benefits of her sustainable practices.
To effectively market her diverse range of organic produce, Ms. Vani has collaborated with other local farmers. Together, they have opened an eco-shop, providing a platform to sell their environmentally friendly products directly to consumers. This initiative not only supports local agriculture but also promotes sustainable consumption.