PALAKKAD: It is no coincidence that the former Chief Secretary Palattu Mohandas, who was at the helm of the state, entered the agricultural land with seed and spade. Palattu Mohandas went to the fields following his father's policy of making sure that there should be food at home during any crisis. He is reaping gold in the field by experiencing and combating the problems of the farmers that he learned from the files. Since 2010, Mohandas, who was also the first Chief Information Commissioner of the state, has been spending most of his leisure time in the fields. The 78-year-old's lifestyle now depends on the weather and seasonal changes.

Farming is done with the pension amount. He leaves for the field at half past eight in the morning. He will be with the farm workers for everything like land preparation, sowing, planting, weeding, fertilizing and irrigation. For Palattu, who recognizes the political and social relevance of agriculture, this is life and living.

Out of the 13 acres acquired by the ancestors, seven acres are under paddy cultivation. A Rice seed called Uma is being used. The average yield is 15 tonnes and the investment per acre is Rs 35,000. Two lakh rupees yield per year for two seasons. There are more than 300 coconut trees and as many Areca palms planted along the ridges. There are two Vechur cows, one country cow and two calves in Narayaneyam house in Anikode, Pudur. There are also two permanent staff members to assist. Mohandas also has the support of his sons Roshan and Bhaskar and his wife Anita Mohandas

Crisis

Climate change and lack of rainfall is a crisis. Another problem is the lack of local labour. Mohandas is depending on migrant workers. Machinery should be brought from Tamil Nadu and Andhra. Palattu Mohandas also said that he had to give up his banana cultivation which he had been doing for years due to the wild animal trouble.

Suggestions

Flaws in planning should be addressed. Contracts should be signed with mill owners months before procurement. More money should be allocated in the budget. We need schemes to attract people to rice farming. We should be prepared for innovative experiments to increase rice production. A minimum wage should be ensured for the farmer.