Kerala man in 30s grows sustainable model farm, he has almost everything here
For Rithul, that simple equation keeps his family self-sufficient and his expenses low. He rarely needs to buy anything from outside, and his farm provides enough for both sustenance and income.
For Rithul, that simple equation keeps his family self-sufficient and his expenses low. He rarely needs to buy anything from outside, and his farm provides enough for both sustenance and income.
For Rithul, that simple equation keeps his family self-sufficient and his expenses low. He rarely needs to buy anything from outside, and his farm provides enough for both sustenance and income.
At 31, Rithul C D, a skinny man with a warm smile, isn't bogged down by his office targets or overseas dreams. He grows vegetables and rears livestock on the eleven cents of land in his home at Eravu in Thrissur.
“We grow most of the vegetables we eat at home. Even the rice we grow is for us. What’s left over, we sell," he says with a tinge of pride.
For Rithul, that simple equation keeps his family self-sufficient and his expenses low. He rarely needs to buy anything from outside, and his farm provides enough for both sustenance and income.
From vegetables and fruits to milk, eggs, fish, and honey, his home has become a model of self-reliance where nothing goes to waste.
Rithul’s journey with farming began when he was just 15, inspired by his father and grandfather, who were also farmers. What started as a simple interest has now turned into a complete system of sustainable living.
“I’ve grown vegetables, fruits, you name it,” he says. His land is dotted with turmeric, ginger, aloe vera, dragon fruit, curry leaves, and more. Around them, he keeps chickens, ducks, cows, fish, and even honey bees, all working together in a small but balanced ecosystem.
Rithul also has a two-acre paddy field where he grows the rice he needs for the family and sells the rest. The animals help fertilise the soil, the crops feed the animals, and the cycle continues.
But his farm isn’t just about production; it’s also about passion. Occasionally, he accompanies his father as a contract painter. Otherwise, Rithul can be found tending to his crops. His mornings and evenings are spent watering plants, caring for animals, and experimenting with new crops. “It’s not easy,” he admits, “but I love it.”
His dedication has earned recognition too. Last year, he won the Best Youth Farmer and Best Organic Farmer awards from his local panchayat. The awards, he says, brought more attention to his work and encouraged others to explore organic farming. “I’m just trying to do what’s right for the land, and I think people are starting to notice,” he says.
Among the many things that grow on his land is one rare sight — Cambodian grapes. A year ago, Rithul came across a YouTube video of someone growing the variety in Ernakulam. Curious, he decided to give it a try. He bought two grapevines from Aluva and planted them in his backyard in June 2024. One withered away, but the other flourished. Now, a year later, it carries 35 bunches of grapes, a proud addition to his thriving farm. “People come to see them now,” he says. “But I haven’t sold any yet. They need time to ripen.”