Wayanad’s policeman supports organic farming and grows exotic fruits across the world

A Wayanad policeman is searching for unusual fruit types. On his farm, Saji K V, a native of Neervaram, close to Pulpally in Wayanad, has been cultivating and harvesting uncommon species from across the globe.

Saji, a 50-year-old assistant sub-inspector (ASI) at Mananthavady station, has planted about 100 exotic varieties, including the Australian macadamia, the Brazilian grape jaboticaba, the incredibly rare lipote, Africa’s own miracle fruit, the mamey sapota, and keppel, also known as perfume fruit.

He was a kitchen gardener at first. “My kitchen garden produced my first plants. My enthusiasm was further sparked by the wonderful yield I was able to get from a few trees, so I began planting additional exotic species. I discovered that Wayanad has many similarities with South America after researching the region’s climate and soil characteristics. I now have the confidence to try Brazilian and other South American species,” he said.

2017 saw Saji begin cultivating exotic fruits. “A lot of people want to know how I manage to juggle farming with my formal duties. I explain to them that time management is key. I always make sure to purchase any new types I come across while on special duty. My strongest ally is my family. When I go, my father Varghese K V, who is a farmer as well, takes care of the trees. Even though he is in his 70s, he still takes care of the trees because of his love for farming, even if he is unaware of the names or types, he added.

With the unusual fruits he had picked from his field, ASI Saji K V
“On my land, Australian macadamia and lipot are the rarest types. They are seldom ever farmed and are under the threatened category. I don’t use synthetic fertilizers. I only use organic agricultural methods. That’s why my fruits taste good and are natural,” a pleased Saji exclaims.

“I have twenty-four years of police experience. In a sense, farming relieves my stress. Profit-driven people have a hard time enjoying farming. Fruit on a tree may not appear for 7–8 years. That type of patience is not common among people. However, my philosophy is not the same. These trees that I’m planting are for the next generation. If I couldn’t taste the results of my labor, it wouldn’t matter. “It’s all for my kids,” Saji continues.

“You will be astounded by the world’s diversity of fruit trees once you begin gardening. This was made clear to me when I saw several kinds of dragon fruit, South African matoa, Indonesian white papaya, and Pakistani mulberry. Additionally, my department is very supportive of my agricultural endeavors. “I’ve motivated fellow officers to begin cultivating fruit trees on their properties,” he said.