As I was out on my usual photo ride, I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Murali, a farmer from my neighbour village. I approached him during his breakfast time to request permission to take some photographs of his fields, and much to my surprise, he was happy to oblige. Not only did he let me snap away, but he also guided me through the land, sharing his extensive knowledge and passion for agriculture.
During our walk, Mr Murali opened up to me about the immense struggles he has faced as a farmer due to the impact of climate change. From the extreme heat of the summer to frequent floods and strong winds, he explained how these factors have led many farmers to give up on agriculture altogether, leading to a loss of interest in the field. To make matters worse, local shops often offer farmers low prices for their fruits and vegetables while reselling them at a significant markup.
Despite the challenges he faces, Mr. Murali remains deeply invested in preserving the traditions of farming in his region. He introduced me to a Malayalam word called “kindal,” a simple but effective technique that traditional farmers use to detach grass from the soil. He expressed concern that many new and out-of-state farmers are unaware of this method and are missing out on an essential part of the farming process.
As our conversation drew to a close, Mr. Murali’s kindness and wisdom left a profound impression on me. His unwavering dedication to his work and his community was truly inspiring, and I left with a newfound appreciation for the vital role that farmers play in our society. The encounter with Mr. Murali reminded me of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on our farmers, as well as the importance of preserving the rich traditions and techniques of farming that have been passed down from generation to generation.