Success Story of Sopana Kallingal : “One day, farmers will rule the world,” predicts Kerala’s Spice Award 2024 winner
Success Story of Sopana Kallingal: At a ceremony held in Kozhikode on June 2, 2024, Sopna Kallingal, a woman farmer from Kerala’s Thrissur district, was awarded the prestigious Spice Award 2024 by the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR). This recognition is in recognition of her commitment to integrated crop management and enterprise diversification, with a focus on spice-based cropping systems. Her narrative is a compelling illustration of the strength of sustainable agriculture, ingenuity, and resiliency.
From City Origins to Country Achievement
Sopna was born and reared in Bangalore, and her agricultural career officially started in 1999 when she wed Ciby Kallingal, a farmer and recipient of a national agriculture award. Sopna was a teacher at the time and had previously worked for a software business as an academic counselor. She accepted her responsibilities as a housewife after being married and learned about the Kallingal plantation. 2019 brought tragedy as her husband was killed in an accident, freeing Sopna to carry out his vision of growing the plantation to new heights.
A Multifaceted and Ecological Plantation
On the 15-acre Kallingal plantation, Sopna uses an integrated cropping system. The main crops are areca nuts, coconut palms, black pepper plants, and nutmeg. Her varied farm also has animals including horses, cows, ducks, and more, as well as vegetables, cacao, and plankton. In the Idukki district, Sopna also allots 6 acres to cardamom, coffee, and nutmeg production and another 10 acres to rubber cultivation.
Her organic agricultural practices demonstrate her dedication to sustainability. She makes her own compost by mixing cow, horse, and hen dung with farmyard manure and vermicomposting methods. Sopna’s organic farming methods not only improve soil fertility but also help to produce healthier crops.
Overcoming Obstacles in Agriculture
Sopna’s agricultural experience is fraught with difficulties, such as shifting market prices, dangers from animals, and climate change. For example, areca nut sells for less than Rs. 200 per kilogram, but nutmeg sells for Rs. 220 per kg. The high input costs of these crops are not sufficiently covered by these prices.
“There is not a sufficient way to cope with climate and wildlife right now,” Sopna acknowledges. She does, however, stress the need of organic farming and direct market connections for high-quality goods. Her product is more resilient and of higher quality as she makes organic compost and uses sustainable methods.
An Overview of Integrated Agriculture
Sopna is committed to integrated farming because she thinks it can provide a steady income all year long. She emphasizes how drying and warehousing agricultural goods may help farmers sell them at a higher price for a greater market value.
“Monoculture has many risks, but through integrated farming, you can manage to get income throughout the year,” she says. Her farm is a perfect example of how a variety of animals and crops can support a lucrative and sustainable agricultural plan.
A History of Education and Empowerment
Sopna’s accomplishments go beyond her farming. By providing premium planting supplies and sharing her organic farming expertise, she actively contributes to the empowerment of other farmers. She contributes significantly to the promotion of sustainable agricultural techniques as a member of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board, the advisory board of her local panchayat, and a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
Her skills has been further enhanced by her attendance at many training sessions on integrated farming, plant propagation, business, and women empowerment. Because of her hard work, she was recognized for her contributions to Kerala’s agricultural environment and given the state award for the best woman farmer.
Sopna’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that farmers play in society, therefore inspiring the future of farming. “One day, farmers will rule the world,” she predicts. A farmer is necessary for society to function. He is the one who creates the food that keeps everyone alive.” In Sopna’s ideal world, farmers would be treated with the same dignity and respect as medical professionals and engineers.
Her tale encourages other farmers to go on with pride, understanding the importance of their labor to the welfare of society. Through her knowledge sharing and encouragement of other farmers, Sopna cultivates a strong and resilient agricultural community.
