MALAPPURAM: With a great output of more than 20 tonnes of organic rice harvested from 18 acres of barren land, the Perinthalmanna Municipality is all set to foray into the market with own organic rice brand called ‘Jeevanam’. From sowing to harvesting, everything is done by the councillors and staffers of the municipality. The brand will officially be launched on Tuesday by Assembly Speaker P. Sreeramakrishnan.
The municipal representatives and officials first ventured into the field by taking four acres of barren land on lease two years ago as part of the Jeevanam project which was launched to propagate the paddy cultivation and healthy food habits.
The councillors and staffers are sharing the expenses of cultivation, spread across 18 acres of barren land in the municipal limits over the years.
“The big catch prompted us to foray into the market with our own brand which would also help us raise more funds for next farming season and to support our palliative care projects,” said municipal vice-chairperson Nishi Anilraj. "We aim to cultivate 100 acres of barren field for the next season. The Uma variety of paddy seeds gave us a big catch from the fields remained barren for more than two decades." They plan to market 18,000 kilos under the Jeevanam brand, and the rest will go to landowners. The packages of 25 kg each are priced Rs 1,200 and are ready to hit the market.
