Sunflower blooms at Ooranvila
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
How does a day spent around sunflowers and marigold blooms sound? Or a walk around a millet farm or angling for fish? Throw in a pet show and some healthy food. Interested? Then head to Ooranvila for an experience of all these and more.
The village, almost an hour’s drive from Thiruvananthapuram, is throwing open a 20-day festival for the public on April 10, celebrating the Vishu-Easter season. A farming collective in the village, Ooranvila Krishikoottam, with support from the Kulathoor Krishi Bhavan, has put together a millet festival, flower show, aqua show, fish spa, pet show, food stalls and cultural programmes spread over an area of 2.5 acres.
Leading the Krishikoottam are Siju MS, a conductor with Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, Parassala depot, and his childhood friend, Vinod V, who retired from the Indian Army. “There are seven of us in the Krishikoottam. All of us come from families that have an agricultural background,” says Siju.
Siju MS (left) and Vinod V at their farm
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
It started with the marigold cultivation they undertook during last Onam. They followed it up with growing sunflowers in December which made their farm a hit among visitors who came from far and wide.
Earlier this year they began cultivating different varieties of millets.
Vinod adds, “Now that the vacations are on we wanted to do something that would attract families and children. We knew that millet and flower farms alone would not bring in the crowds. That’s how we decided upon a festival that features a bunch of activities.”
Of the total 2.5 acres, the millet farm, spread on one acre, has eight types of millets — ragi, pearl millet (kambam), sorghum (manicholam), foxtail millet (thina), little millet (chama), barnyard millet (kuthiravali) and two types of corn, sweet corn and popcorn. Flowers are grown on rest of the property — sunflower, three types of marigold, dahlia, celetia, cock’s comb and vadamalli (bachelor’s button).
While Siju and Vinod take turns to take care of the farm, other members also chip in. “All members have jobs and they come to work in the farm whenever they are free,” he adds.
Plantain cultivation is predominant in Kulathoor. Among other crops grown here are paddy, tapioca, amaranthus and a few other vegetables.
“The Krishi Bhavan has been supporting the Ooranvila Krishikoottam in their farming endeavours. Through this festival we want to promote the health benefits of millet among the public. Since many people are still oblivious to this aspect there will be sessions on these,” says Sunil Kumar KM, agricultural assistant, Kulathoor Krishi Bhavan.
Siju MS (left) and Vinod V at their millet farm
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
An attraction at the festival would be a chance to use a hook and line to catch fish. “Pay ₹50 and try your luck. If you manage to capture any fish, you can take it home. Otherwise, the amount will be reimbursed,” Sunil adds. Siju mentions that he has been into biofloc fish farming for sometime and grows Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) and Pangasius fish (Assam vala).
Pets will also be showcased at the festival. Cultural programmes will be held in the evenings.
(From left) Siju MS, Sunil Kumar KM and Vinod V at the marigold farm at Ooranvila
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Vinod adds that millet-based products will be on sale. There will be a couple of millet cafes as well. “We plan to make this into a farm tourism destination in the days to come,” say Siju and Vinod.
The festival, which will conclude on April 30, will be inaugurated by Minister for Agriculture P Prasad on April 10 at 6pm. Entry fee is ₹50. Time: 9am to 9pm. Contact 9847784455, 8590176208
Published – April 09, 2025 03:00 pm IST