They chose to go off the beaten track and tread on a 'green' path, scripting stories of success in farming here in Qatar.
Under the umbrella of Nammude Adukkalathottam Doha, which is literally translated as 'Our homestead farm Doha', this group of expatriates from the southern Indian state of Kerala is active in promoting and supporting household farming, gardening and spreading the culture of agriculture.
Formed in 2014 with some 80 members, the collective now has more than 100 registered members while the number of affiliated farmers has reached 5,000. “The collective was formed as an entity in 2014 even though the initial idea was conceived in the beginning of 2010. Taking a cue from the good response we have been receiving, our group is spreading wings to more areas while drawing more expatriates towards the idea of farming," said collective president Ambhara Pavithran.
A resident of Umm Al Seneem, Ambhara hails from Thrissur district in Kerala. Initially, Ambhara and her farming enthusiast friends, including Ramla Samad and Jisha Krishna, started a Facebook group for expatriates from Kerala in Qatar after getting inspired by similar initiatives back home.
“I come from a family of farmers. Like my friends, passion drew me towards trying a hand at farming in order to keep myself busy during leisure time on my terrace and in the house. After we joined hands, the idea started to gain ground among the expatriates, and there was much enthusiasm that prompted us to further explore," recalled Ramla, an
Al Thumama resident and hailing from Kozhikode district.
The group's members are now growing various commonly used vegetables and plants. Some of them have gone the extra mile by growing plantain and coconut trees and also producing seasonal local vegetables.
What makes the group particularly significant is the use of organic farming by the members. “Driven by a desire to eat fresh and pesticide-free vegetables, we opt for methods that comply with organic farming standards. Besides, it's a great thing to achieve maximum self-sufficiency when it comes to producing things people eat," said Al Mamoura resident Jisha Krishna, who also belongs to Kozhikode.
Working both online and offline, Nammude Adukkalathottam has set up a strong network of farmers and experts. “Help is available in our social media groups where advice could be sought from experts and members who regularly share tips about technology and manure. Besides, we have been organising training programmes that are attended by government experts from Kerala. These help the members gain an idea of the latest technology and trends and get the best possible yield," she explained.
Also, the network helps people get seeds and manure. “Earlier, we used to get seeds from Kerala to meet the requirements of members. Now, members contribute seeds that are distributed freely," Ambhara said.
The group holds annual gatherings and also organises a 'harvest festival' in February and an award distribution function in August-September. Ambhara said the function sees the felicitation of around 25 farmers for their achievements and contributions, and also serves as a platform where participants share ideas and exchange their products.
The functions are managed by group functionaries Jawahar Bharatan, Benny Thomas, Siroz, Jiji Aravind, Sooraj Ramanathan, Yasir, Raziya Panayi, Viji Joseph, Meena Philip and Anil Thomas.
The group grabbed attention and rose to stardom after its members cultivated a 70-cent plot at the Al Dosari farm in Al Sheehaniya in 2014. "We were excited and even paddy was cultivated. Believe me, we travelled all the way from Doha to the farm regularly and some of them stayed there during weekends and holidays," Ramla reminisced. Farming, however, came to a halt there in 2018.
Ambhara has kept some paddy seeds in her house while cherishing the memories of the "good old days" at Al Dosari farm.
In recognition of their the efforts, Ambhara, Jisha and Meena were felicitated by the Kerala government in 2015 while giving them awards for being the best expatriate farmers.
“Lack of space is an issue while some of us struggle to get water. But I have found many kindhearted Qataris who often extend a helping hand while giving land and other facilities," said Ramla.
The group functionaries have urged the authorities concerned to extend support while allocating land for farming. “There are hundreds who want to farm. Many more will be drawn towards farming if land and other facilities are ensured, including water and electricity," added Ambhara.
Under the umbrella of Nammude Adukkalathottam Doha, which is literally translated as 'Our homestead farm Doha', this group of expatriates from the southern Indian state of Kerala is active in promoting and supporting household farming, gardening and spreading the culture of agriculture.
Formed in 2014 with some 80 members, the collective now has more than 100 registered members while the number of affiliated farmers has reached 5,000. “The collective was formed as an entity in 2014 even though the initial idea was conceived in the beginning of 2010. Taking a cue from the good response we have been receiving, our group is spreading wings to more areas while drawing more expatriates towards the idea of farming," said collective president Ambhara Pavithran.
A resident of Umm Al Seneem, Ambhara hails from Thrissur district in Kerala. Initially, Ambhara and her farming enthusiast friends, including Ramla Samad and Jisha Krishna, started a Facebook group for expatriates from Kerala in Qatar after getting inspired by similar initiatives back home.
“I come from a family of farmers. Like my friends, passion drew me towards trying a hand at farming in order to keep myself busy during leisure time on my terrace and in the house. After we joined hands, the idea started to gain ground among the expatriates, and there was much enthusiasm that prompted us to further explore," recalled Ramla, an
Al Thumama resident and hailing from Kozhikode district.
The group's members are now growing various commonly used vegetables and plants. Some of them have gone the extra mile by growing plantain and coconut trees and also producing seasonal local vegetables.
What makes the group particularly significant is the use of organic farming by the members. “Driven by a desire to eat fresh and pesticide-free vegetables, we opt for methods that comply with organic farming standards. Besides, it's a great thing to achieve maximum self-sufficiency when it comes to producing things people eat," said Al Mamoura resident Jisha Krishna, who also belongs to Kozhikode.
Working both online and offline, Nammude Adukkalathottam has set up a strong network of farmers and experts. “Help is available in our social media groups where advice could be sought from experts and members who regularly share tips about technology and manure. Besides, we have been organising training programmes that are attended by government experts from Kerala. These help the members gain an idea of the latest technology and trends and get the best possible yield," she explained.
Also, the network helps people get seeds and manure. “Earlier, we used to get seeds from Kerala to meet the requirements of members. Now, members contribute seeds that are distributed freely," Ambhara said.
The group holds annual gatherings and also organises a 'harvest festival' in February and an award distribution function in August-September. Ambhara said the function sees the felicitation of around 25 farmers for their achievements and contributions, and also serves as a platform where participants share ideas and exchange their products.
The functions are managed by group functionaries Jawahar Bharatan, Benny Thomas, Siroz, Jiji Aravind, Sooraj Ramanathan, Yasir, Raziya Panayi, Viji Joseph, Meena Philip and Anil Thomas.
The group grabbed attention and rose to stardom after its members cultivated a 70-cent plot at the Al Dosari farm in Al Sheehaniya in 2014. "We were excited and even paddy was cultivated. Believe me, we travelled all the way from Doha to the farm regularly and some of them stayed there during weekends and holidays," Ramla reminisced. Farming, however, came to a halt there in 2018.
Ambhara has kept some paddy seeds in her house while cherishing the memories of the "good old days" at Al Dosari farm.
In recognition of their the efforts, Ambhara, Jisha and Meena were felicitated by the Kerala government in 2015 while giving them awards for being the best expatriate farmers.
“Lack of space is an issue while some of us struggle to get water. But I have found many kindhearted Qataris who often extend a helping hand while giving land and other facilities," said Ramla.
The group functionaries have urged the authorities concerned to extend support while allocating land for farming. “There are hundreds who want to farm. Many more will be drawn towards farming if land and other facilities are ensured, including water and electricity," added Ambhara.
