As Kerala stands at the crossroads of a deepening agricultural crisis with vast stretches of once-fertile land lying fallow, the stirrings of a quiet revival are taking root in central Travancore.
The TIES Farmer Producer Company (TIES FPC), promoted by the Pampady-based Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) with support from NABARD, has come up with a plan to reclaim idle lands and restore Kerala’s farming legacy. As part of it, the company plans to lease farmland from willing owners and cultivate crops ideally suited to each region’s soil and climate.
The project focuses on producing toxin-free food, made available both in its natural form and as value-added products. These wholesome goods will find their way to the open market through online platforms and provision stores etc.
Landowners as shareholders
“Under the project, landowners will become our shareholders. TIES FPC will lease the land through a multi-year legal agreement. An expert team will manage everything from seed to sale, with certified organic methods to ensure maximum productivity. The land owners can enjoy the rewards without the responsibilities,” explained Punnen Kurian Vengadath, secretary, TIES.
To combine modern technology
The farming operations will be driven by state-of-the-art automation, with up to 99% mechanisation and an AI-powered software system that will combine scientific farming data with real-time weather intelligence. To ensure complete transparency, field cameras will be installed at every cultivation site, allowing the absentee landowners to monitor their farms live.
Agri-tourism
The company also plans to introduce agri-tourism experiences, including an innovative `farm gymnasium’ that allows visitors to blend fitness with the rhythms of farm life.In its first phase, TIES FPC will begin operations in the Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, while plans are also afoot to extend its footprint to all districts of Kerala within five years.
Agriculture Minister P. Prasad will inaugurate the company at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Nalumanikkattu, Manarcad. Company Chairman Roy Paul will preside over. Cooperation Minister V.N. Vasavan and others will be present.
Published – November 01, 2025 07:39 pm IST
