Mulleria: N. Sooraj has been honoured with the Best Farm Officer Award for leading the Kundar Cashew Progeny Orchard of the Agriculture Department to achieve a turnover of ₹1 crore for the first time.

The recognition comes as the farm is being developed to new heights under the Central Government’s RKVY project. A native of Pottamel in Kozhikode, Sooraj took charge as farm officer three years ago. At the time, the farm’s production stood between 70,000 and one lakh cashew saplings. Last year, this was increased to two lakh saplings.

High-yield cashew saplings from Kundar are distributed across the State through the Cashew Farming Development Agency, with each sapling priced at Rs. 40. Sales of cashew saplings alone brought in Rs. 80 lakh in revenue.

In addition, the farm produces mango graft saplings, dwarf coconut saplings, jackfruit and guava saplings. Dragon fruit and pepper are also cultivated on the 105.60-hectare property. Last year, marigold cultivation was also introduced at the farm.