THRISSUR: Half an acre of Ollur Orayampuram's ten-acre field is never harvested. It's for the birds. A routine of seven years.

In the field, pigeons, parrots and plain prinias are having a feast. They gobble up the grains and return with a full belly. At least one month's worth of food is here.

500 kg of rice will be obtained if the area reserved for birds is harvested. High-quality variety of rice is grown here using only organic manure. The price is Rs 120 per kg. If estimated in this way, Rs. 60,000 per year is allocated for feeding the birds.

The Padasekara Samiti consists of thirteen farmers. Mostly lease farming is happening here. They are also active in soil and environment conservation activities. Committee Secretary Sandeep (40) is taking the initiative for the activities. He was a software engineer in Thrissur for five years. He quit his job and started farming. The family owns one acre of land. Four acres were leased for cultivation. Wife: Aishwarya. Son: Rigved.

Farmers teach environmental awareness that the share of nature's bounty belongs to other living beings as well. Seeds like Kuttadan, Chitteni, and Chettadi are used for sowing only once in a year. Only annual seeds are released to maintain soil fertility and protect the habitat of fish and other species.

Only those with a good heart can set an example like this. Best wishes.

- E.N. Ravindran

Agriculture Officer