MALAPPURAM: Arun struggles to drink even a glass of water on his own. He uses his hands to move around as he has a disability in his legs. He neither can speak clearly. He overcame all these limitations through farming.

Karat Arun Kumar, 52, a native of Pulanchal in Oorakam, is the winner of the state award for the best farmer in the specially-abled category. This is an award given to me by nature, says Arun Kumar. Arun's life proves just that. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier published a video story about Arun's life.

Arun grows bananas on a piece of land leased by his friend Abdul Latheef near his house. Arun arrives at the farm in the early hours of the morning plants and cares for the bananas. The family says that Arun showcases special energy when he goes to the farm. Though his mother and brother's wife accompany him with water, he does not seek anyone's help to cultivate. He could not get a school education due to disability. Arun is reluctant to be idle at home. At the age of fifteen, he became interested in agriculture and started farming for the first time. Banana, gram and sorghum were planted. With the good harvest, the limited space of the house became an obstacle against the desire to expand farming. With this, he turned to lease farming space. Knowing their love for agriculture, many gave land to cultivate for free.

He has been cultivating for ten years. Banana cultivation is mainly done. In 2014, he won the Karshakashree award of Oorakam panchayat.

The farm is close to home but the help of others is needed to cross a road and a stream. A native of Kasaragod has assured Arun of an electronic three-wheeler to travel. Arun is the third of four children of the late Narayanan Nair and Madhavikuttyamma.