The air in Kandanad, on the outskirts of Kochi, carries a rich mix of scents. Ripening grain fills the fields. The steady hum of an approaching harvest adds to the atmosphere. For nearly three decades, these same paddy fields sat dry and abandoned. They were forgotten by many.
A Golden Harvest Nears Without Its Pioneer
In just one week, these fields will yield a golden harvest. The weight of the rice will bend the stalks. Yet the man who made this revival possible will not be there to witness it. The local farming community has decided on a special tribute. They will install a granite statue of the late legendary actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan. He was also a passionate promoter of organic farming.
More Than an Actor: A Farming Champion
The world knew Sreenivasan for his sharp wit and film work. But the people of Kandanad knew him differently. They saw him as a man who encouraged farming. His journey here started about 14 years ago. He began with a two-acre plot. Organic farming was not very popular at that time. Sreenivasan showed it could work through sheer determination.
After a successful first harvest, he met local landowners personally. He eventually leased 102 acres of barren land. His vision was to expand organic cultivation. "The fields were arid for thirty years," recalled Manu Philip Thukalan. He was a long-time farming partner of the actor. "It was Sreenivasan chettan who breathed life back into this land."
A Memorial Rooted in the Land
The planned granite memorial will stand at a specific spot. Sreenivasan dug a pool there himself. He spent over three lakh rupees from his own pocket to create it. This solved a critical water shortage issue for the area. Manu has donated a part of his own land to house the monument. Farmers are currently in talks with the local panchayat. They are also looking for sponsors to fund the granite statue.
The bond between the actor and this earth remained strong until the end. Manu shared a poignant memory. Sreenivasan called him expressing deep regret. His poor health kept him from being physically present in the fields during his final days. "That was his passion," Manu told TOI. "He felt left out of the very soil he helped nurture."
The Farming Legacy Continues
This year, paddy cultivation continues across 60 acres. It is a collaborative effort. Farmers Manu and Saju Kurian work alongside the actor's son, Dhyan Sreenivasan. They are growing ‘Vyttila-10' pokkali rice on 6 acres. The rest of the field has ‘D-1' paddy. Both varieties are now nearing peak ripeness. The harvest is fixed for next weekend.
The cycle does not stop with the rice harvest. Following Sreenivasan's vision for sustainable, year-round farming, preparations are already underway. "Like every season, this time too, we will grow sunflowers and vegetables," Saju said. They plan to grow golden cucumber with the upcoming Vishu season in mind.
As harvesters get ready to enter the fields, they make a promise. The granite statue of Sreenivasan will stand as a silent guardian. It will watch over the land he loved and brought back to life.
