The Snowline farm, owned by Kocumannil Ok Abraham, probably cultivates probably the most numerous sorts of fruits between the quite a few plantations in Kanthalloor, close to Munnar, within the Kerala Iduki district. Abraham, who known as with love Babu, was established in Kanthalloor about 50 years since his native ranni, and now cultivates all kinds of fruits, starting from plum to pear, strawberry, blackberry and apple and orange. His farm additionally has ‘sitaafal’ timber (apple custard) and guava. Nevertheless, the spotlight of the three acres snowline farm is Blackberry.
Initially, Babu devoted himself to cultivating conventional crops and ‘Theruva Pullu’ (lemon grass). Nevertheless, 20 years in the past, he developed an curiosity in fruits and commenced planting their younger timber, for which he chosen satisfactory varieties for the peculiar Kanthalloor mountain local weather. In 10 years, Babu’s fruit backyard was prepared and commenced to supply crops. “Whereas I had no plans to take part in agricultural tourism, I ventured about it after the persistent demand of holiday makers,” Babu mentioned. Presently, vacationer tails are seen on the Babu farm door each day through the season, and the doorway is allowed with tickets with a worth of RS 20 per individual.
Talking about his experiences on the farm, Babu mentioned: “Usually, the efficiency of fruits has been good. However, the plums haven’t developed fruits within the final 4 years, and a few of these timber have even dried.”
Curiously, when strawberry cultivation grew to become in style in Kanthalloor, Babu opted for Blackberry and his farm now has about 300 fruit timber. The truth is, the very best Blackberry farm within the state is taken into account. Moras timber have lengthy stems with thorns, just like rose vegetation, and develop at a top of round 5 toes. They develop fruits from February and might be harvested within the subsequent 4 months.
Moras are extra spicy to style than strawberries and are wealthy in antioxidants. A number of tasty worth added merchandise might be ready from the Blackberry blood pink juice. On the similar time, though it has many advantages, Blackberry is just not appropriate for gross sales, because it has a brief helpful life, Babu mentioned. Blackberry is bought on the Babu farm door solely through the tourism season. On different events, fruit is used to arrange merchandise reminiscent of jam.
“Gross sales of fruits and different agricultural merchandise on farms in Kanthalloor have elevated after the transformation of the area right into a vacationer vacation spot. Nevertheless, the habits of some vacationers harms crops and negatively impacts the earnings of farmers,” Babu mentioned.
Babu might be contacted in 9496122086.