Latest revision as of 17:42, 12 December 2020

[edit] Responsible Tourism 

[edit] As in 2019

July 2, 2019: The Times of India

This society reaps riches through farm tourism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kannur-based Thejaswini eco-farm tourism society, in partnership with the state’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission, has scripted a success story generating Rs 90 lakh through farm tourism activities in 2018-19.

The society, situated at Cherupuzha panchayat in Kannur, has around 1,000 certified organic farmers as its backbone, and after tying up with the RT Mission it has registered more than 1,000 RT units to extend sustainable tourism activities in the north Malabar region. The units comprise homestays, farm stays, tree huts, tent stays, orchards, agricultural farms, honeybee farms, animal farms and fish farms, where tourists are offered a wonderful farming experience. After its establishment in 2010 with an aim of promoting organic farming and eco-farm tourism, the society launched its sister concern Thejaswini Coconut Farmers Produce Company Limited in 2013 with the collaboration of 30,128 farmers from 270 coconut producer societies and 15 coconut producer federations, and is into making value-added products from these farmers.

Now, the tourists can stay and witness the farming methods, and purchase farm-fresh produce such as honey, nutmeg, coconut, neera, cashew nut, coco, rambutan, mangosteen, passion fruit, mango fruit and jackfruit, said Sunny George, the president of the society.

“Several varieties of honey are produced here in abundance. One can learn how to climb coconut and areca nut trees and harvest the nuts, weave coconut fronds, husk coconuts and areca nuts, or to pluck pepper and coffee beans during the farm visit,” he adds.

The visitors get a chance to visit the facility making value-added products. The company produces coconut oil, organic coconut oil, organic virgin coconut oil, honey, certified organic spices, hand-made bath soap made from coconut oil, multi-purpose liquid soap, hair oil, skin care oil, and organic manure.

“Our total turnover is around Rs 1.45 crore in the financial year 2018-19, and an amount of Rs 90,23,004 was earned through farm tourism and the sales of farm produces and value added products with the help of RT Mission and state tourism department,” the society president pointed out.