Dancing with the earth: Vinodinis journey of grace and grit

Balancing the swish actions of dance with the regular rhythms of cultivation, Vinodini R. has constructed a life deeply rooted in each artwork and earth. Her dedication to farming lately earned her the State award for the very best farmer within the transgender class, a becoming recognition of her perseverance and love for the land.

The 40-year-old dancer from Krishnapuram in Alappuzha has been engaged in farming for the previous 12 years, cultivating paddy on 5.5 acres of leased land. Her ardour for rice has remodeled stretches of once-fallow land into thriving fields. Alongside paddy, she additionally grows sesame, elephant foot yam, taro, ginger, turmeric and quite a lot of greens on smaller plots taken on lease.

“I farm out of ardour, not only for revenue,” says Vinodini. “There have been instances when agriculture introduced me losses, however it has additionally given me immense pleasure. Above all, it retains me grounded and hopeful. I wish to script extra success tales within the years forward.”

‘Paddy farming in decline’

Vinodini laments that paddy cultivation is on the decline in Kerala, calling for concrete efforts to revive the tradition of rice farming. “The youthful technology will not be taking over paddy farming. Today, Kerala has reached a degree the place we purchase rice at excessive costs from different States. More individuals ought to return to farming and fallow lands should be made cultivable,” she says.

Beyond paddy, Vinodini has additionally discovered success in sesame cultivation. In the upcoming season, following the paddy harvest, she plans to develop Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame on a big scale. “Sesame is in excessive demand, and the GI-tagged Onattukara selection has nice market potential. I wish to make the following season one other milestone in my farming journey,” she says.

“Vinodini has a deep ardour for agriculture. For her, farming isn’t just a livelihood, however a lifestyle,” says Reshma Remesh, agricultural officer, Krishnapuram Krishi Bhavan.

Vinodini can be actively concerned in encouraging members of the transgender neighborhood to take up farming.

Apart from her life within the fields, Vinodini can be a dancer, acting at festivals and cultural occasions. She is supported by her father, Viswanathan, and mom, Remadevi.