Home » This Idukki Farmer’s Makottadeva Crop Could Be a Year-Round Income Secret

This Idukki Farmer’s Makottadeva Crop Could Be a Year-Round Income Secret

by Sama Sadhik
4 minutes read

Farmer reference: Omanakuttan, Idukki. Contact: 📞 9496237962

Apart from bananas which can be grown as an intercrop, there are over a hundred Makottadeva saplings planted. Some are three months old, others are double that age. In the adjoining orchard, these plants are kept in 50% shade.

The plants were grown from seeds obtained three years ago. Makottadeva is a plant that starts yielding in 10 months and yields throughout the year. It is possible to harvest continuously from the plant.

Makottadeva saplings growing in 50 percent shade in an Idukki orchard with banana intercrop
Makottadeva in Idukki, where Omanakuttan keeps young plants in partial shade.

🌿 Makottadeva in Idukki

In Omanakuttan’s adjoining orchard, the Makottadeva plants are maintained in 50% shade. Some saplings are three months old, while others are double that age.

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The plants were grown from seeds obtained three years ago.

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Makottadeva starts yielding in 10 months.

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It yields throughout the year and can be harvested continuously.

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In the orchard, the plants are kept in 50% shade.


🍌 Bananas as an Intercrop

Apart from bananas which can be grown as an intercrop, there are over a hundred Makottadeva saplings planted. Omanakuttan’s view is that, just like with honeybees, other crops are also a guaranteed income without much expense.

💡 Farm income note: The income from beekeeping is good. Therefore, since there are no other such commercial ventures in the state, the fortune of the market is unpredictable.


💰 Fresh Fruit Sales and Market Demand

The harvested fruits are sold by the kilogram in the village. The price increases due to its medicinal properties. A market is readily available, explains Omanakuttan.

Since the demand is high, there is no difficulty in selling the fresh produce, Omanakuttan testifies.

  • ✅ Fruits are sold by the kilogram in the village.
  • ✅ Medicinal properties help increase the price.
  • ✅ A ready market is available, according to Omanakuttan.
  • ✅ High demand makes selling fresh produce easier.

👑 Indonesian Crop With Medicinal Value

Omanakuttan and Leelamma slicing Makottadeva fruits for drying and medicinal use
Omanakuttan and his wife Leelamma slice the fruits for drying.

Makottadeva is a fruit of great importance in Asian tradition. This fruit is widely used as a substitute for oranges in cold climates.

Nicknamed ‘Crown of God’ and ‘King of Fruits’, it has many medicinal properties. Unlike locally available fruits, all parts of the Makottadeva are useful.

🌿 Except for the root, the stem, leaf, and fruit are used for healing, similar to the medicinal herbs in our country. Its parts can be used fresh or dried.


🏡 A Medicinal Fruit in the Front Yard

In the front yard of Omanakuttan, who has a collection of fruits and medicinal plants, there is also the Makottadeva.

Omanakuttan and his wife Leelamma are involved in slicing the fruits for drying. Omanakuttan’s granddaughters Anagha and Anulakshmi are also seen in the orchard.


FAQ

What is Makottadeva farming in Idukki known for?

Makottadeva farming in Idukki is notable because Omanakuttan has planted over a hundred saplings, some three months old and others double that age. The crop is kept in 50% shade and is valued for its year-round yield, medicinal properties, and ready village market.

How long does Makottadeva take to start yielding?

According to the article, Makottadeva starts yielding in 10 months. Once it begins production, the plant yields throughout the year, making continuous harvesting possible. This is one reason Omanakuttan sees it as a crop with income potential.

Can bananas be grown with Makottadeva?

Yes. The article notes that bananas can be grown as an intercrop along with Makottadeva. On Omanakuttan’s farm, banana intercropping is mentioned alongside the planting of more than a hundred Makottadeva saplings in the orchard.

Why does Makottadeva fruit get a better price?

The harvested Makottadeva fruits are sold by the kilogram in the village. Omanakuttan explains that the price increases because of the fruit’s medicinal properties. Since demand is high, he says there is no difficulty in selling the fresh produce.

Which parts of the Makottadeva plant are useful?

Unlike many locally available fruits, almost all parts of Makottadeva are useful. Except for the root, the stem, leaf, and fruit are used for healing, similar to medicinal herbs. These parts can be used either fresh or dried.

What are the other names of Makottadeva?

Makottadeva is nicknamed ‘Crown of God’ and ‘King of Fruits’. It is described as a fruit of great importance in Asian tradition and is also widely used as a substitute for oranges in cold climates.

Is there a market for fresh Makottadeva fruits?

Yes. Omanakuttan testifies that a market is readily available. The fresh fruits are sold by the kilogram in the village, and because demand is high, he says there is no difficulty in selling the harvested produce.

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