By Saneesh, Community Wellbeing
On March 1st and 2nd, 2025, Wayanad witnessed two impactful events celebrating sustainable agriculture and community empowerment — the Thirunelli Seed Festival and Tribal Fest and a Tuber Distribution Initiative supporting women farmers.
The Seed Festival, organized by Thirunelly Grama Panchayat in collaboration with Keystone Foundation, Thirunelly Agri Producer Company, and Kudumbashree Mission, aimed to preserve indigenous seeds and promote traditional agricultural practices. Farmers and seed enthusiasts from across the region exchanged native seeds and shared knowledge on sustainable farming. A vibrant exhibition of diverse local crops celebrated Wayanad’s rich agricultural heritage.
These events, held on March 1st and 2nd, 2025, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving agricultural traditions, empowering women farmers, and celebrating indigenous cultures — paving the way for a sustainable, self-reliant future rooted in community strength and ecological wisdom.
Adding to the festival’s spirit on March 14th, 2025, tribal communities performed traditional dances and songs, showcasing their deep-rooted cultural connection to the land. The event was inaugurated by the Kerala State Minister for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development, who emphasized the importance of empowering tribal communities and preserving traditional knowledge for a resilient future.
Meanwhile, the Tuber Distribution Initiative, held across multiple Grama Panchayats and at Mananthavady Municipality, promoted climate-resilient crops like yams, taro, ginger, and turmeric — crops that flourish in Wayanad’s fertile soil and endure drought and moderate rainfall. With support from Axis Bank Foundation and Kudumbashree Mission, the initiative aimed to empower 300 women farmers within Mananthavady block panchayat, forming 16 new women’s farming groups. Each farmer received a tuber seed kit containing three varieties of tubers and two types of rhizomes, ensuring a strong start to their cultivation journey.
The event at Mananthavady Municipality was inaugurated by Mr. Bala Subrahmanian, District Kudumbashree Mission Officer, while Mrs. Sheeja Babu, CDS Chairperson of Thavinhal Grama Panchayat, distributed the first kit in Thavinhal Grama Panchayat, marking an inspiring start for the women farmers.
