In Idukki, Kerala, Baby Abraham has gained recognition for cultivating 250 Mooti Pazham trees, a unique local fruit that is popular among the tribal communities of the Western Ghats.

Mooti Pazham, a rare and wild fruit, is known for its striking red, round appearance and its unique flavor. Native to the forests of Idukki in Kerala, this fruit comes from the tree Baccourea courtallensis. Traditionally consumed by tribal communities in the region, Mooti Pazham was a source of fascination for Baby Abraham and his brother as they grew up near the forested areas of Idukki.

The fruit is not only valued for its distinctive look but also for its nutritional and cultural significance. Over the years, Baby Abraham has become renowned for cultivating this rare fruit, helping to preserve a piece of local heritage while also earning widespread recognition for his efforts in bringing Mooti Pazham to a broader audience.

“It was always a beautiful sight to watch the tree that bore fruits at the bottom of its trunk. We could not resist and plucked and relished them whenever we got a chance. It was not seen anywhere else except in the forests. We were also not aware of its nutritious value back then,” recalls Baby Abraham.

Growing up near the forests of Idukki, Baby and his brother were captivated by the sight of the Mooti Pazham tree, with its distinctive fruit growing at the base of the trunk. The fruit, though not widely known beyond the tribal communities, was a treat they enjoyed without understanding its full potential, he added.

Beginning for their journey:

The 69-year-old Baby Abraham, who later pursued agriculture as his livelihood, shares that it was his brother Joy who first introduced Mooti Pazham to their farm. Around 30 years ago, Joy purchased three saplings of the rare fruit from a tribal man and planted them on their land. This marked the beginning of their journey with the fruit, which they had once casually enjoyed in the wild. Over the years, what started with those three saplings blossomed into a deep interest in cultivating Mooti Pazham, a rare fruit that has since brought them recognition and success in preserving this unique piece of Kerala natural heritage.

Mooti Pazham, a rare and wild fruit from the tree Baccourea courtallensis, grows in the forest districts of Kerala (including Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thrissur, Kannur, and Kasaragod) and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Mooti Pazham comes in several varieties, each distinguished by its color and taste. According to Baby Abraham, the most common variety is red, which is typically sweet. There is also a rose-colored variety, known for its bitter taste, and a yellow variety, which offers a blend of sweet and sour flavors. These different varieties contribute to the fruit unique appeal and have been part of the local tribal diet for generations.

Baby Abraham recalls that one of the Mooti Pazham saplings his brother planted began bearing fruit just four years after being planted. "Thereafter, it started bearing fruits every year," he says. However, at that time, he never considered turning it into a farming venture. Over time, though, his interest grew, and he began making saplings from the seeds of the fruit. "Eventually, I started making a few saplings every year and distributed them to others who were interested," he adds. This simple act of sharing the saplings gradually led to his involvement in the cultivation and promotion of this rare fruit.

In 2018, Baby Abraham propagated around 300 saplings of Mooti Pazham, hoping to sell them to nurseries. However, there were few takers that year. Undeterred, he planted about 150 saplings on his own land, marking the beginning of his cultivation venture. The Mooti trees were planted across his one-acre farm, which also includes crops like rubber, cacao, tapioca, turmeric, and fruit trees such as mangosteen, lemon, and rambutan.

Baby notes that Mooti Pazham trees thrive in normal climatic conditions, require minimal sunlight, and do not need much space. A fully grown tree can yield up to 50 kg of fruit.

Plantation Process of Mooti Pazham:

The Mooti Pazham trees flower in January and February, with the fruits typically maturing and ready for harvest in June and July.

For Mooti Pazham trees to bear fruit, Baby Abraham explains that it is crucial to have a male tree near the female tree for proper pollination. Without a male tree, the female tree will still produce fruit, but the fruits will lack pulp. To ensure successful pollination, Baby sells the saplings as a packet that includes both male and female trees for Rs 250, helping buyers set up productive plants for optimal fruit yield.

“I have been doing it for several years, and now I can identify the gender of the tree just by observing its seeds,” says Baby Abraham.

He adds that one of the best features of Mooti Pazham is its long shelf life. "The fruits last for more than a month after being plucked. Although the pulp inside shrinks over time, you still have something to enjoy," he explains. Even the husk or hardcover of the fruit can be pickled, offering additional uses for the fruit beyond just eating the pulp.

Baby Abraham, who has been practicing organic farming for years, emphasizes that he uses only organic manure for his Mooti Pazham trees, applying it just twice a year. He also highlights the importance of regular irrigation, particularly after the trees flower. "In the summer, we make sure to water them once every two or three days," he adds, ensuring the trees receive the right care for optimal growth and fruit production.

Mooti Pazham fruits, which are consumed either raw or pickled, are believed to have various health benefits. According to Baby Abraham, ongoing research is exploring their nutritional value and potential health advantages. Preliminary studies suggest that the fruit may help in reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.

To sum up:

Currently, Baby Abraham nurtures around 250 Mooti trees ranging in age from two to 30 years and sells approximately 1,000 saplings each year. "Although there is a high demand for the fruit, I have not started selling them commercially yet, as I need to wait for a few more years until the majority of the trees bear fruit," he explains. For now, Baby focuses on propagating quality saplings in his nursery, ensuring that future buyers receive healthy and productive plants.

Edited by

Gayathri