Coconut Plantations Across South East Asia.
P K THAMPAN
THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCES IN OFFICIAL LIFE:
After the graduation in Agriculture from the Banaras Hindu University, I joined the Kerala Agriculture Department as an Agriculture Inspector in July 1954. In 1957-’58, I was selected to serve as the first Agricultural Extension Officer in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on deputation basis. Initially I was located at the Secretariat in Port Blair and later shifted to the permanent office at Wimberleigunj, a distant village. It was a newly formed office known as National Extension Service (NES) Block, the jurisdiction of which covered the entire Island group. During my service period, I stayed in a nearby village, Mannarghat, where majority of the population was Malayalee’s, who were descendants of those convicted and sent on exile following the Mappila rebellion of Malabar.
During my stay at Mannarghat, the local people used to meet me and present many of their local needs. One such expressed desire was providing irrigation facilities for paddy, the major crop cultivated in the village. They further informed that there is a rivulet running through the midst of paddy area, but the water does not become available for irrigating the crop during rainless period. They also informed that their frequent requests to the Administration for the construction of a weir across the rivulet, locally known as Bhagavan Nally, were not heeded to. I inspected the site and was convinced that the construction of a weir could divert water for irrigation during summer months facilitating double cropping of paddy instead of the then single cropping.
After a closer understanding of the benefits linked to the
construction of a weir, I organized a series of farmer’s meets in my residence
do discuss the feasibility of undertaking the construction under the farmer’s
leadership. The final decision was that I will organize the purchase and
transport of construction materials including engaging skilled workers and the
farmer’s groups will attend to the manual work on voluntary basis. I have also
volunteered to serve food to needy farmers engaged in manual work. Accordingly,
the work started earnestly and in six weeks’ time the construction work could
be completed successfully. One of the consequences was I was indebted heavily
on account of outstanding payments towards the cost of materials, lorry rent,
payment to skilled workers etc.
Unexpectedly, one or two weeks later, the Union Home Secretary
visited Port Blair. He was taken by the senior officials of the Administration
for local visits and the newly constructed weir was also included in the list
of places finalized for the visit. The Home Secretary visited the construction
site and was very much impressed on the efforts put in for accomplishing a
common cause. He publicly announced before the assembled senior officials of
the Administration and the local people that during his official career, this
was the first time he was seeing the fruits of efforts put in by the people
themselves for their own welfare, a model that could be emulated at different
places in the Country.
Immediately after the Home Secretary left Port Blair, I was asked by the Administration to provide a statement of expenditure incurred on the construction. I submitted the details and the outstanding payments limited to Rs. 15,000 were reimbursed directly by the Administration. To that extent I was relieved of my financial strain. After these developments, I decided to go back to Kerala and by end 1958, I left Andamans.
THAMPAN BUND, Andaman:
After I left, the farmers of Mannarghat took the decision to
name the newly constructed structure as ‘Thampan Bund’. In 1971, when I was
working in the Directorate of Coconut Development under the Government of
India, I had the occasion to revisit Andamans. I made use of the opportunity to
pay a visit to Mannarghat and see again the weir I got constructed. I was
extremely happy to know that the local farmers continued to be benefited. I was
also moved by the love and respect showered on me by the farmers and the news
conveyed to me that the weir is known as Thampan Bund. I do not know whether
the weir is still functioning or not.
Photo: Festivals in Andaman Nichobar Islands.
DEMOCRATIC DECENTRALIZATION:
The District Collector has been a key functionary of government ever since the beginning of the British Raj in the country. He has enjoyed much prestige and authority and has been performing primarily regulatory and executive functions. After the community development program was introduced in the country in the early fifty’s, the Collector has been authorized to oversee the activities of the development departments and exercise general control over development administration in his district. Even after the Panchayati Raj administrative structure has come into effect at the levels of village, block and district, the Collector’s role has not changed. It has now become a routine practice to make the Collector as the district level coordinating authority for all welfare activities regardless of the departments involved. In effect, the Collector continues to coordinate all development activities in the district in addition to his regulatory and executive functions relating to law and order maintenance and revenue administration.
The concept of democratic decentralization is based on the
fundamental principle of democracy that ultimate sovereignty resides in the
people. The sovereignty of people has meaning only when the people are allowed
to plan and execute their own programs through their own elected institutions,
which are responsible for their welfare and are answerable to them. But real
decentralization does not mean the simple transfer of developmental functions
to the various institutions elected by the people. It means the complete
transfer of power and authority so far exercised by the agents of centralized
administration to the elected representatives of the people at different
levels. Against this background I seek the views of the FB friends on the
following:
1· In the Panchayati Raj Administrative System what shall be the
role of the District Panchayat President in the district level administration?
2· In the event of transferring the administrative powers
hitherto exercised by the District Collector to the District
Panchayat/President, will the position of District Collector become redundant?
3· In case the position of District Collector is to be
continued, what shall be his functional responsibilities and position in the
District Panchayat hierarchy?
4· Can the District Panchayat President be deemed as the direct
representative of the State Government?
Rural Institute, Tavanur, Kerala: (Renamed as Kelappji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology)
Rural Institutes for Rural Higher Education were established in the early sixties in some States including Kerala. Those who gave shape to the concept were conscious of the widening gulf between culture and work and practical and ideal. The Institute in Kerala was located at Tavanur and was operated under the patronage of late K. Kelappan Ji and E. Ikkanda Warrier, the renowned Gandhians, freedom fighters and Sarvodaya leaders. I had the opportunity of having close association with them in my capacity as the Principal of Agriculture Faculty.
KELAPPAJI AND IKKANDA
WARRIER:
In life chance favors some people to come in to contact with
eminent persons in the society and benefit from their wise counsel. During
1965-'68 when I was the Principal, Faculty of Agriculture, Rural Institute,
Tavanur, I had the privilege of receiving valuable guidance and counsel from
the late K. Kelappan (1881-1971) and the late E. Ikkanda Warrier (1890-1977),
the renowned Gandhians, Freedom Fighters and Sarvodaya Leaders from Kerala.
They were at that time members of the Governing Body of the Rural Institute. I
used to have functional relationship and close interaction on diverse subjects
with them and my relationship continued even after I left the Institute in
1968. During such interactions they once suggested that I make use of the 40-ha
farm attached to the Institute to demonstrate the potential of integrated
agriculture in improving the socioeconomic wellbeing of the rural
farm-households and that I get myself involved in rural reconstruction.
Accordingly, the concept of people-centered rural development was propagated
through the quarterly journal of the Institute 'Village India' and the ideal of
intensive integrated agriculture was translated into reality by organizing and
dispensing successfully a full-fledged mixed farm in 40 ha comprising coconut
and miscellaneous other tree crops, paddy, banana, vegetables, cattle, poultry
and pisciculture.
While perusing some of my published articles and booklets, Kelappaji once suggested that I venture into writing books on topics related to agriculture and rural development. I took up this suggestion seriously and my first book 'Coconut Culture in India' was released in 1972, one year after the demise of Kelappaji. Following this, I have authored/edited over 15 books and of which "Organic Agriculture' released in 1996 was dedicated to Kelappaji and Ikkanda Warrier. I recollect with gratitude the advice and guidance rendered by both which benefited immensely in shaping my professional career in subsequent periods.
Vivekananda:
In this context I wish to highlight some
of the strengths and weaknesses that prevail in our present-day socioeconomic
fabric. (a) Despite our efforts in imparting secular knowledge to our masses,
religious fanaticism has surfaced with such force as could relegate our secular
values to comparatively insignificant position. (b) Although many rural
development initiatives were taken in the past, the dream of a prosperous rural
life is still elusive and is now confronted with the problem of exodus of
educated rural youth to urban centers in anticipation of a better life. (c) In
the absence of rational thinking among the masses superstition in the form of
religious rituals is spreading in all walks of life. (d) In our
social life women
do not enjoy half the space they are eligible for, and they are presently
subjugated by men both in public and private. (d) Although the country has made
substantial progress in the national economy, the benefits so far have favored
the elite and already affluent sections leaving the poor and downtrodden to
wait for the crumbs of economic progress to percolate down to their level.
LESSONS I LEARNT IN LIFE:
In my long life of over 89 years, I had the opportunities of getting exposed to useful books and to different living conditions including socio-cultural and political systems. From all these, I could imbibe valuable lessons in life which I have summarized below:
1. Have faith and confidence in self rather than in any imaginary or fictitious super power; 2. Suppress the tendency to indulge in vices in life and, instead, nurture virtues; 3. Cultivate the traits of empathy and compassion towards the poorest of the poor in the society; 4. Evince amiable nature and temperamental compatibility both in private and social life; 5. Humility is a noble trait and the more one prospers in life more shall be its manifestation; 6. Respect and care parents in their old age without being neglected or abandoned; 7. Overcome jealousy and vindictiveness in life; 8. Learn to live within means and curb temptations for deriving mental happiness; 9. Treat women with love and respect rather than viewing them as objects of physical pleasure; 10. Extricate those entangled in the shackles of caste discrimination and strive for their social emancipation and rehabilitation; 11. Indulge in charity by earmarking a portion of one’s income without resorting to publicity and expecting any form of recognition in return; 12. Develop social consciousness and get involved in such activities as are oriented towards empowering women as well as the deprived, disadvantaged, marginalized and subjugated sections of society; 13. Develop the traits of ambition but not over-ambition, determination, dedication, spirit of service, punctuality and discipline in life; and 14. Be aware of one’s own strength and weakness and derive mental happiness by giving and not by receiving.
Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC):
Mr. Reyes was very good to me. Whenever I visited Indonesia, he used to take me to different places of interest and treated me well. On one occasion in the Philippines when I told him that I am planning to write a book on coconut he volunteered to write the foreword. In 1975 my book 'The Coconut Palm and its Products' carrying his foreword was released. Mr. Godofredo P. Reyes, Jr. is no more. I remember him with the greatest admiration and respect in my mind.
TREES:
If trees are to function as effective sinks of carbon, they are to be harvested when they reach full maturity and reestablished in optimal rotation in order to maintain a healthy and vigorously growing stand of trees continuously. Otherwise, over mature trees probably become net emitters of Carbon dioxide as their absorption in photosynthesis is less than the quantity emitted in respiration.
Government of India Awards:
In Government Service, selected few
are occasionally honored in recognition of the meritorious service rendered by
them in their respective functional areas. This shows that excellence in work
does not go unnoticed or unrecognized even in Government service. The honor won
by few public servants will have a far-reaching impact on the future service prospects
of the individuals concerned. On many instances, such individuals were found
receiving preferential treatment in selections to higher positions and in
remuneration by granting advance increments. All these reveal that any deed
performed with utmost dedication and sincerity will bring back highly favorable
and encouraging results, even beyond one’s expectations. This has been my
experience in my service period spanning over 36 years.
AWARDS from India, USA, and Japan:
At different stages during my service and afterwards, I received
the following Awards and Recognitions:
1. Dr. C.S. Venkata Ram Memorial Award for Distinguished Scientist in 1999 from Indian Society for Plantation Crops
2. Best Global Coconut Community Coordinator Award from
ADB/IPGRI/COGENT in 2004
3. Honorary appointment to the Research Board of Directors of
American Biographical Institute in 2005
4. Ryutaro Hashimoto APFED Award, Japan, for Good Practices in
2009
5. A four-minute film was made by CNN on the projects being executed and telecast internationally in the media in 2008.
THE MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCES IN MY OFFICIAL LIFE:
Sometime in 1969 I joined the erstwhile Directorate of Coconut Development, which was under the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, as the Deputy Director (Development). The office was located at Ernakulam. There was also another post of deputy director, which was for marketing. The functions I was expected to perform were different from those I was exposed to till then. Because the post of Director was lying vacant then, I am being the senior most deputy director was acting as the Convener of the Indian Coconut Development Council (ICDC), an advisory body attached to the Directorate, comprising a non-official Chairman, representatives of major coconut growing States, Research Institutions, and State and Central Government Departments concerned with coconut development. The ICDC was to be convened once or twice a year to formulate activities and to guide the Directorate.
I became the Director of the organization on being promoted by the Ministry sometime in 1972. In that capacity, I started touring the major coconut growing States and potential belts in the Country where coconut farming could be promoted. At that time, the Ministry authorized me to attend the meetings of the Technical Panel of Asia-Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) located at Jakarta. India was one of the member-countries of the APCC. Usually, the technical panel held annual meetings, rarely half yearly, in different Countries. During my association with the APCC I could execute different projects sponsored by the organization, while in service and after retirement. Mr. Godofredo P. Reyes jr., the first Executive Director of APCC, wrote the foreword to my book ‘The Coconut Palm and Its Products ‘, published in 1975. Likewise, the next Executive Director, Mr. P.G. Punchihewa, wrote the foreword to my next book ‘Coconut Industry in India’ which was brought out in 1989.
Coconut
Development Board, India:
I experienced
practical difficulties in getting suitable Government lands, which I could
surmount consequent on the favorable attitude evinced by the respective
departments in both the States. After starting these two farms, two more farms
were established during my tenure, one in Kondagaon in Chhattisgarh and the
other in Tripura. Also, I could open State Centers in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, and also in West Bengal. During my tenure as the CCDO, I could
establish excellent working relationship with the Central Plantation Crops
Research Institute (CPCRI) and the State Departments of
Agriculture/Horticulture concerned with coconut development. My focus was on
expanding area under coconut in the traditional coconut growing States and also
in potential belts in the non-traditional States, augmenting the availability
of quality planting material in all the States through the establishment of
nurseries and opening demonstration cum seed production farms, promoting
technology development for value addition in coconut through research
initiatives and entrepreneurial development, and extending technical and
financial support for the integrated development of coconut industry. This
strategy has yielded positive results in the following years.
Though I had to
retire from service in 1990, I continued with vigor coconut and rural
development initiatives with the assistance and support of Coconut Development
Board; APCC, Jakarta, Indonesia; International Coconut Genetic Resources
Institute (COGENT), Malaysia; International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD); the erstwhile International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI);
CAPART, Government of India; and UNDP-GEF-SGP, New Delhi. The projects executed
were
(1) APCC
sponsored ‘Assessment of the Performance of High Yielding Varieties/Hybrids and
Varietal Preference of Coconut Farmers in India’,
(2) IFAD-funded
and IPGRI/COGENT sponsored ‘Enhancing the Income and Employment in the Coconut
Sector through Conservation and Use of Special Coconut Ecotypes in India’,
(3) CDB sponsored
‘Increasing Income and Employment in the Coconut Sector in India through
Integrated Farming and Product Utilization’,
(4) CDB sponsored
‘Cutting and Removal of 10,000 Diseased and Unproductive Palms from Farmer’s
Holdings in Kerala’,
(5) ADB-funded
and IPGRI/COGENT sponsored ‘Developing Sustainable Coconut-Based Income
Generating Technologies in Vayalar Community, Kerala’,
(6) CAPART
sponsored ‘Promoting Vermi-composting for Soil Fertility Management’,
(7) UNDP-GEF-SGP
sponsored ‘Promoting Coconut Based Agro-Ecosystem and Efficient Product
Utilization for Augmenting On-Farm Income, Improving Quality of Environment and
(8) Conserving
Natural Resources’ CAPART sponsored ‘Increasing Income and Employment for Rural
Women engaged in Coir Spinning by Popularizing Efficient Spinning Wheels and
Creating Better Working Conditions’,
(9) IPGRI/COGENT
sponsored ‘Enhancing CBO activities and Microcredit Systems in Coconut Growing
Communities’
PEEKAY TREE:
Peekay Tree Crops
Development Foundation (PTCDF) is a non-profit making organization registered
in 1991 under the Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Registration
Act. Since then, I continue to be the President. The primary objectives of the
Foundation are (1)to promote intensive integrated agriculture involving a combination
of compatible woody species of economic value and agricultural crops with or
without livestock components in the same operational holding for bestowing
socio-economic benefits on the dependent farm-households and environmental
benefits on the local community, (2)to facilitate the production and
consumption of protective foods at the farm-household level for combating food
and nutrition insecurity prevalent among rural women and children, (3)to
popularize appropriate strategies for conserving the ecological base of farming
and facilitate the adoption of green farming on a wider scale for supporting
on-farm biodiversity and climate-resilient production system and (4)to create
eco-friendly processing facilities under community ownership for the efficient
utilization of the locally available raw material resource in order to create
sustainable opportunities for higher income and employment for the members of
the community, particularly women. The Foundation strives to achieve the
declared objectives through publication of books and periodicals and promotion
of community-based initiatives focusing on poverty reduction, livelihoods,
biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and
efficient utilization of the locally available raw material resource to benefit
the local community.
BOOKS:
During the
period, I could author/edit many books, the most popular of which are:
1, Coconut
Culture in India,
2. The Coconut
Palm and Its Products,
3. Handbook on
Coconut Palm,
4. Coconut
Industry in India,
5. Farmer’s
Assessment of Coconut Varieties in Kerala,
6. Facts and
Fallacies About Coconut Oil,
7. Organics in
Soil Health and Crop Production,
8. Cassava,
9. Coconut
Recipes Around the World,
10. Trees and
Tree Farming,
11. Organic
Agriculture,
12. Coconut for
Prosperity,
13. Management in
Agriculture and Rural Development,
14. Coconut for
Rural Prosperity,
15. Coconut for
Rural Welfare, and
16. The Coconut
Palm (Cocos nucifera L.)-Research and Development Perspectives.
FAMILY:
The eight of
December 2021, I and my wife, Ambika Devi, has completed 66 years of our
harmonious relationship. We have three daughters, two granddaughters, three
grandsons and six great grandchildren. All my grandsons with their respective
families are presently located in different countries holding responsible
positions.
The first grandson, a doctorate degree holder in Aeronautics Engineering, is now working in Australia. The second one, an engineering degree holder, is working in New Zealand. The third one, who is a doctorate degree holder in Structural Biology, is presently working in the University of Liverpool in UK. The elder granddaughter, who was a practicing lawyer, is presently engaged in business, in association with her husband. The youngest granddaughter is already a postgraduate in three different disciplines. She is now in Paris.
Mrs.
Ambika Thampan: The 5th of August, is the birthday (Rohini) of
my wife Ambika Devi. On that day she completes 87 years. She is the daughter of
late Palakasseril P. Raghavan, who was Municipal Chairman of Quilon and the
first President of Kollam District Congress Committee.
Contact Info:
Mr. P K Thampan, MIG 141 Gandhi Nagar, Kadavanthra, Ernakulam.
Mob: 91 956 717 4522, E-mail: Thampan.pk@yahoo.com
Blog: thampan@90.blogspot.com, pkthampan.blogspot.com.
Web: www.pkthampan.com
