Thiruvananthapuram: Nattuvarambu, a farming-oriented program telecasted on Janam TV, and its director, Dipu Kalliyoor, were honored with the National Award.
Dipu Kalliyoor, serving as both the director of Nattuvarambu and the Senior Program Producer at Janam TV, was declared as the worthy recipient of the National Award at the MANAGE Agri Film Festival, 2023. The festival was hosted by the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management in Hyderabad that comes under the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, known as MANAGE, is an autonomous extension and agribusiness management institute located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Nattuvarambu has been honoured with the award for the best agricultural program in regional language. This award falls under the Natural Farming category. The organizers informed that Telangana Agriculture Minister will present the award in a ceremony to be held in Hyderabad on February 22, 2024. With a total of 264 episodes completed, Nattuvarambu has so far received 6 awards from the state government.
The success story of ‘Nattuvarambu’ as narrated by its Director Dipu Kalliyoor:
For the past eight years, the agricultural program ‘Nattuvarambu,’ telecasted on Janam TV, has showcased exemplary farming practices of many farmers. This is an era of experimentation with both traditional and modern farming methods. Post-Covid, our agricultural sector is witnessing positive strides, with the Department of Agriculture promoting organic farming and implementing various projects that have benefited a lot of people. Individually and collectively, many people have been able to present the benefits of organic farming through Nattuvarambu.
Many people along with their families, ventured into farming under the project “Njangalum Krishiyillekku (We too into farming).” The program highlighted the stories of those who embraced farming with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and producing non-toxic vegetables. The audience was introduced to the success stories of young entrepreneurs who initiated industrial-scale agricultural startups, employing innovative farming methods. These stories were presented in an inspiring manner, resonating well with the new generation and garnering positive responses, even in new media platforms.
We also presented to the viewers, the work of traditional farmers who are advancing by focusing on specific crops. Through each episode of Nattuvarambu viewers gained insights into how to avail the benefits of various schemes offered by the Department of Agriculture.
I am honored to have directed more than 260 episodes of Nattuvarambu based on agriculture. A WhatsApp group has been formed, connecting farmers associated with the Nattuvarambu program. In this group, farmers exchange valuable knowledge and share their experiences in agriculture.
The encouraging aspect of government officials and people working in other jobs, actively participating in agriculture is promising. In each episode, they proudly declare themselves as farmers, which is exactly the driving force behind the continuity of the Nattuvarambu program. Nattuvarambu has also introduced many farmers who, despite facing challenges, have embraced agriculture as their livelihood.
We feel very fortunate to be able to journey alongside the dedicated farmers, who are an asset to our agricultural prosperity through advancements and the acquisition of new knowledge in the field of agriculture and farming.
Comments