By J. JOSHI
The novelty he experiments with in vegetables is what sets Jose, from Chittoor Kudiyil, Nediyasala near Thodupuzha, apart from others. He cultivates Golden Berry, which resembles the local cape gooseberry (njottanga).
The thought of doing something different from ordinary farmers was the beginning of this. Initially, he experimented in a small area. When he got a good yield and price, he expanded the cultivation.
The main attraction of the Golden Berry is its medicinal properties. Jose came to know about the virtues of Golden Berry from the tribal communities in Attappadi. When the price is high, he can get up to ₹1,500 per kilogram.
During his time as an expatriate, Jose had heard about the demand for Golden Berry in foreign countries. When he returned home, he turned to this cultivation.
When the saplings brought from abroad failed to survive in the local climate, he sourced saplings from Attappadi and started farming. The ones from Attappadi have better resistance than the saplings that come from foreign countries.
It only needs to be cared for like a vegetable crop. It can be harvested within 3 months. Care should be taken to prevent weeds from growing. During the rainy season, the Golden Berry has a higher chance of contracting diseases.
Joseph’s crops have no diseases or pest problems. Even if there is no one to pick them when they are ripe, they will fall off on their own. If handled with care, they can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Jose says that the taste of this fruit is sweet and no chemicals are needed to preserve it.
Harvest Time
Can be harvested within 3 months.
Planting Gap
If planted 8 feet apart, it can be harvested in 3 months.
Care Point
During the rainy season, disease risk is higher.
High Price
When the price is high, up to ₹1,500 per kilogram.
The berry’s ability to prevent stomach-related ailments, including gas trouble and acidity, is well-known. Using it dried is best for the body, especially as mentioned for diabetics.
Oil is also made from its leaves. Jose says that Golden Berry is an effective medicine for cancers, including leukemia. Jose ventured into its cultivation only after studying all these matters.
These medicinal references are shared from Jose’s experience and traditional knowledge around Golden Berry; anyone using it for health reasons should also seek qualified medical guidance.
Kerala’s soil is suitable for berry cultivation. Even its husk is useful. It has a good price in the market. The leaves can be used as a vegetable.
Dried and powdered, Golden Berry is also used as tea powder. The main challenge faced by farmers is that they are not able to produce it in the required quantity.
Looking at all the expenses and income, this is a profitable crop. When it’s time for harvest, Jose gets between ₹40 to ₹200 per kilogram. Planting in April and May yields more produce.
No one in the locality knows about Golden Berry cultivation. Therefore, because it resembles the local cape gooseberry, many people don’t buy it, assuming they already know about it, and many approach it without knowing about the varieties of Golden Berry. A slight sadness appears on Jose’s face when he thinks about the problems in this field. However, he is ready to share his knowledge with others.
He entered this field after directly realizing the great potential of the berry. The berry cultivation, which he started 10 years ago, now has 200 plants. There are about 1,500 varieties of berries in the world. Among them, there are varieties that cost up to ₹5 lakh.
Most people in the locality are unaware of its benefits. Malayalis have not yet been able to make proper use of this fruit, which is better than vegetables sprayed with pesticides that cause deadly diseases. Today, most people live for status. Therefore, expensive varieties have more demand.
Jose is trying to get this fruit to the foreign market. Jose says that if those who rely on other fruits for status can understand its benefits, a great leap can be made in this field.
He, who grows vegetables organically for his household needs, is also ready to share his knowledge with others. Only organic manure is used. Pesticides are not allowed near the plants.
Jose’s wish is that everyone should eat poison-free vegetables. Jose, who loves agriculture like the air he breathes, tells others about the potential of Golden Berry. However, Jose is sad that a farming method that is beneficial to the land and home does not receive enough support. He is also a great asset to the agricultural sector.
Contact shared in the article: 9747547757
Is Golden Berry farming suitable for Kerala?
According to Jose’s experience, Kerala’s soil is suitable for Golden Berry cultivation, and he says the crop has great potential in hilly regions. He grows it at Nediyasala near Thodupuzha and found that saplings sourced from Attappadi had better resistance than saplings brought from abroad.
How long does Golden Berry take to harvest?
Golden Berry can be harvested within 3 months when cared for like a vegetable crop. Jose notes that if planted 8 feet apart, it can be harvested in 3 months. Planting in April and May gives more produce, based on the cultivation experience described in the article.
What price can farmers get for Golden Berry?
Jose gets between ₹40 and ₹200 per kilogram at harvest time. When the market price is high, he says Golden Berry can fetch up to ₹1,500 per kilogram. The price depends on market awareness, demand, variety, and the farmer’s ability to supply the required quantity.
Why did Jose choose Attappadi Golden Berry saplings?
Jose first tried saplings brought from abroad, but they failed to survive in the local climate. He then sourced saplings from Attappadi, which showed better resistance. He had also learned about the virtues of Golden Berry from tribal communities in Attappadi before entering this cultivation seriously.
Are chemicals needed to preserve Golden Berry?
Jose says the taste of Golden Berry is sweet and no chemicals are needed to preserve it. If handled with care, the fruits can be stored for a long time without spoiling. His own cultivation follows organic principles, using only organic manure and keeping pesticides away from the plants.
What parts of the Golden Berry plant are useful?
The article says not a single part is useless. The husk has market value, the leaves can be used as a vegetable, oil is made from the leaves, and dried powdered Golden Berry is used as tea powder. The fruit itself is valued for its taste, price potential, and traditional medicinal uses.
