Dananjayan A V from Kerala Kannur district thrives in organic terrace farming by creating his own fertilizer and pest repellent.

Dananjayan A V from Payyannur, Kerala, transitioned from his cable operator job to terrace farming as a hobby after finding extra time while caring for his family.

Dananjayan A V deepened his interest in farming by joining the Krishithottam Group (KTG) on Facebook, where he gained insights into scientific and organic farming methods.

Dananjayan A V started with vegetable farming in a few grow bags using traditional methods. Today, he cultivates 250 bags with a variety of vegetables like okra, brinjal, tomato, chilli, and bitter gourd, along with seasonal greens such as lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and capsicum.

I use drip irrigation on my 1000-sq-ft terrace, which conserves both water and time. The system only needs refilling once a week, making it ideal for times when the family is away. This adoption of scientific methods and successful harvest earned me the Best Terrace Farmer award from the Kerala government in 2019.

"Dananjayan A V uses a unique, portable drip irrigation system that can be set up in just five minutes. Developed by Biju Jalal, an innovator from Kollam, the system consists of pipes and cloth strings placed at the base, with wide trays positioned above to hold grow bags or pots. The trays can support up to 100 kg of weight, making it a practical and efficient solution for terrace farming.

"There is a common misconception that terrace farming can damage the strength of a building," says Dananjayan A V. He reassures, "With proper technical knowledge, there is no risk. Grow bags should be placed at a slight height to prevent direct contact with water on the terrace, or you can apply waterproof paint to avoid any potential damage."

Dananjayan A V also notes that with careful handling, a grow bag can last for up to three years.

Producing Organic Manure for Commercial Use: A Sustainable Approach

Dananjayan A V transforms kitchen waste into nutrient-rich organic manure for his plants. He was later introduced to composting and set up two bins to accelerate the process. Along with kitchen waste, he adds dry leaves, twigs, and poultry waste to speed up the composting process."

Dananjayan A V found that he had surplus organic manure after using it for his own crops, so he decided to sell it. Now, he sells 1 kg of manure for Rs 30, with packets available in 4 kg sizes. All sales are conducted through Facebook, and he receives great feedback from farmers.

Along with selling organic manure, Dananjayan A V also offers organic pest control sprays, seeds, and saplings. The standout feature of his products is that they are more affordable than those sold in stores and garden centers.

Although Dananjayan A V owns a piece of land near his house, he primarily focuses on terrace farming. On the land, he is growing red lady papaya, which is currently in the growing stage. He adds, I manage the entire area and process on my own, so there are many limitations.

This success story highlights the versatility of terrace farming in growing a variety of crops across different regions. This demonstrates its potential to support livelihoods, preserve traditional farming practices, and contribute to the nation agricultural and economic development.

If you are interested in purchasing products from this farmer, contact him on

https://www.facebook.com/groups/850695568338221/user/100012167868316/

Edited  by Gayathri