Kalpetta: An illegal stud farm in Chekadi continues operational despite the District Collector’s order to restore the 20-acre paddy land, prompting the Principal Agriculture Officer to contact the minister's office directly. The area, an agrarian hamlet on the banks of the Kabani River, has witnessed multiple protests from local farmers against the encroachment.

A letter from the Principal Agriculture Officer, Wayanad, dated January 13 and addressed to S Vinod Mohan, Private Secretary of P Prasad, Minister for Agriculture, revealed that the collector had instructed the farm owner, Siddique K of Cherukattoor, to revert the land to its agricultural form. The directive was issued based on the Principal Agriculture Officer’s report and in accordance with Section 13 of the Kerala Paddy Land and Wetland Conservation Act, 2008. However, the farm continues to function, raising concerns among the farming community.

According to the letter, the landowner built horse stables using concrete blocks, wood, and coconut leaves on the paddy field. Additional structures, including tree houses, have also been set up. Deep canals have been dug with JCBs along the borders to drain water from the field, which experts fear could lead to a water crisis in the region. An electricity connection has also been provided despite the land being listed in the district’s paddy land data bank. The letter explicitly states that no permission was granted to construct a stud farm on the concerned land. It also states that the Pulppalli Village Officer and Bathery Tahsildar have been instructed to take necessary action to restore the land to its original state.

Although the Pulppalli Village Officer issued a stop memo on September 25, 2024, no concrete action has followed. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union, the CPM’s farm workers’ wing, staged a protest march to the site, demanding its closure.

Farmers’ organisations in Chekadi, who were earlier assured of strict action by the district administration, are now planning a renewed agitation as no steps have been taken to dismantle the farm.

Chekadi is renowned for producing Gandhakasala rice, an aromatic variety cultivated on 30 acres of paddy land by 215 traditional farmers from 55 tribal families. With a 90% tribal population, the village was recognised as the best ethnic hamlet practising organic farming in Kerala for 2023-24.

Chekadi Padasekhara Samithy president Sivaprasad criticised the state’s inaction, warning that it could demoralise the farming community. "We have our limitations in continuing an endless protest. We need government support. Farming here is driven by passion rather than profit. If tourism replaces paddy cultivation, even on a small stretch, it will have disastrous consequences," he said.

Meanwhile, Onmanorama’s efforts to reach S Vinod Mohan for a response were unsuccessful.