Early lessons in farming

The Latin Catholic Diocese of Kollam has put in place a project to attract children to cultivation.

The eco-farm tourism project of the Kollam diocese coming up on Panakkal Island to promote farming interest in the younger generation. Photo: C. Suresh Kumar

After creating man, “the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it,” says the Book of Genesis in the Bible. As though taking cue from it, the Kollam diocese (Latin rite) of the Catholic Church has prepared a project to attract the younger generation to farming.

The best way to ensure food security is by motivating children to take up farming, says Fr. George Ribeiro, who has been appointed director of the project by Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman.

Cultivation will be taken up on an 18-acre plot on the estuarine Panakkal Island of Ashtamudi Lake on the outskirts of Kollam city, near Neendakara. The property earlier housed the Shreyas project of the Quilon Social Service Society — the charity service wing of the diocese.

Fr. Ribeiro told

The Hindu that it would basically be an eco-farm tourism project, with entertainment for children. Schools will be encouraged to bring students to the farm. “Hopefully, the farm will be opened to tourists by January.” The property was purchased in 1943 for the diocese by the then Bishop, Jerome M. Fernandez

The students will be provided hands-on experience in farming. “Children will be taught to be compassionate to farm animals. “The goal is to help them develop respect for animals.”

The attractions will include cattle rearing, poultry farming, fish farming, growing vegetables and nurturing interest in coconut cultivation. The farm will also have exotic birds such as emu and ostrich. Children can also take horse rides and go boating. “The project will promote the idea of a green future,” Fr. Ribeiro said.