KOCHI: At a time when green experts debate impacts of highly polluting plywood companies in Perumbavoor area, a plywood unit owner from there has bagged the state’s award for best innovative farming. Nizar M. M. from Allapra is a role model for entrepreneurs on how to convert a polluting industry environment-friendly and farming on its premises.
The more than four acres of land where the plywood unit is situated has been developed as an organic aquaponic fish, vegetable and dairy farm by spending Rs 50 lakh. Mr Nizar has won the district-level best innovative farmer award in aquaponic farming. “We’ve initially taken up farming at the plywood company compound to minimise damage to the environment. Later, it has been expanded, and now the four-acre organic farm produces vegetables, fish and milk,” he said.
“The aquaponic farm was set up on an experimental basis spending '1 lakh, six months ago. Now, fishes from the farm are being sold at markets in Perumbavoor and the 20-20 food security market at Kizhakkambalam. Milk of the six indigenous Vechur dwarf cows on the farm is a most sought after.”
Fishes are given only organic feeds and waste from the fish ponds is used as organic manure for corn, sugarcane and vegetable cultivation. There are plans to develop the aquaponic farm at an estimated cost of Rs 6 lakh with a government subsidy of Rs 2.5 lakh. Mr Nizar also plans to set up an organic coconut oil manufacturing unit and a goat farm soon. The more than 100 migrant workers of the plywood unit are staying in the company compound, and their food is being made of organic vegetables and fishes from the farm.
