Sunflowers bloom in Ooranvila | Photo source: Special arrangement
How does it sound like a day when sunflowers and marigolds are in full bloom? Or fish around Xiaomi Farm or fish? Participate in pet shows and some healthy food. Interested? Then head to Ooranvila to get all this and more experience.
The village, nearly an hour’s drive from Thiruvananthapuram, will be open to the public for a 20-day public festival on April 10 to celebrate the Vishu-Easter season. Ooranvila Krishikoottam is an agricultural collective in a village that, supported by Kulathoor Krishi Bhavan, brings together a millet festival, flower show, spa show, pet show and cultural programs on a 2.5 acre area.
Leading Krishikoottam is Siju MS, who is the commander of Kerala Road Transport Company, Parasala Depot, his childhood friend Vinod V, who retired from the Indian Army. “We have seven people in Krishikoottam. We all come from families with agricultural backgrounds,” Siju said.
Siju MS (left) and Vinod V on their farm | Photo source: Special arrangement
It began with their marigold planting during the last Onam. They have added more and more sunflowers to the December sunflowers, which has made their farm popular with tourists from a wide range of places.
Earlier this year, they began to cultivate different varieties of millet.
“Now that the holidays are beginning, we want to do something that will attract families and children. We know that the individual millet and flower farms won’t attract crowds. That’s how we decided to attend a festival of a series of events.”
On a total of 2.5 acres, millet farms are scattered on one acre of land, with eight types of millet – Ragi, Pearl Millet (Kambam), sorghum (Manicholam), foxtail Xiaomi (Tina),Millet(Chama), Xiaomi (Barnyard Millet) (Kuthiravali) and two types of corn, sweet corn and popcorn. Flowers are grown in the rest of the property – sunflower seeds, three kinds of marigolds, dahlias, ice cream, rooster combs and Vadamali (Bachelor button).
While Siju and Vinod took turns taking care of the farm, other members joined the currency. “All members have jobs and whenever they are available, they work on the farm,” he added.
Plantain planting dominates in Curasol. Other crops grown here include rice fields, cassava, amaron and some other vegetables.
“Krishi Bhavan has been supporting Ooranvila Krishikoottam’s agricultural efforts. Through this festival, we hope to promote the health benefits of millet in the public. Since many people will still be doing these meetings in this regard, they will still be doing these aspects.
Siju MS (left) and Vinod V at their Xiaomi Farm | Photo source: Special arrangements
The attraction at the festival will be an opportunity to use hooks and lines to fish. “Pay Rs 50 and try your luck. If you manage to catch any fish, you can take it home. Otherwise, the amount will be repaid,” Sunil added. Siju mentioned that he has been engaged in Biofloc breeding for some time and has developed genetically improved breeding tilapia (gift) and Pangasius Fish (Assam Vala).
Pets will also be displayed at the festival. The cultural plan will be held in the evening.
(From left) Siju MS, Sunil Kumar KM and Vinod V, Marigold Farm in Ooranvila | Photo source: Special arrangements
Vinod added that Xiaomi-based products will start selling. There will be several Xiaomi cafes. “We plan to get it into farm tourist destinations in the coming days,” Siju and Vinod said.
The festival will end on April 30 and will be unveiled by Agriculture Minister P Prasad at 6pm on April 10. The entrance fee is Rs 50. Time: 9 am to 9 pm. Contact 9847784455, 8590176208
publishing – April 9, 2025 03:00 pm ist
