Kadayilmudumbu Residents’ Welfare Affiliation (KRWA) of Kodunganoor ward at Vattiyoorkkavu in Thiruvananthapuram has been setting an instance for residents’ associations. After being chosen as the perfect residents’ affiliation indulging in farming actions on the Kerala State Farm Awards 2023, the Affiliation has now taken up the propagation of uncommon bushes, particularly perennial ones.

Kunthirikkam saplings
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The Affiliation is at present freely giving saplings of boswellia sacra or Frankincense from which frankincense or kunthirikkam is obtained. “We have now already distributed over 150 saplings,” says Sijukumar PN, secretary of the Affiliation. “Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was the primary to obtain the sapling. Members of the Legislative Meeting, ward councillors, authorities and non-government establishments, academic establishments, church buildings, temples and people have additionally collected the sapling from us.”

Kunthirikkam sapling being given away to Palayam Juma Masjid
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Kunthirikkam is a hardened gum-like materials discovered within the trunk of Frankincense bushes. The resin oozes out of the trunk from incisions made on it. It may be utilized in resin kind or in important oils. Kunthirikkam is integral to spiritual ceremonies. It’s also an ingredient in soaps and perfumes.
Broadly cultivated in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and elements of Maharashtra, the tree shouldn’t be generally grown in Kerala. “I acquired the seeds from Maharashtra,” says Sijukumar, who retired from the Indian Military two years in the past. Submit retirement, he has been spearheading agricultural actions within the ward.

Kunthirikkam being planted on College Faculty campus
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“A kunthirikkam seed sprouts inside 45 days. It doesn’t want particular care. The resin could be obtained after six years. The tree lives for lots of of years,” says Sijukumar.
Phrase acquired round concerning the saplings when a message was posted within the WhatsApp group of residents’ associations within the district. The saplings are being given freed from value.
The Affiliation plans to distribute saplings of Rudraksha (Eleocarpus ganitrus), which bears rudraksha or prayer beads. It takes 5 or 6 years for the tree to bear the fruit. Additionally they plan to propagate sandalwood bushes, particularly with the federal government selling it as a crop and offering subsidy for cultivating it.
“We opted to develop these perennials in order that the approaching generations would get to see and find out about them,” Sijukumar provides.
KRWA, fashioned in 2003, has over 170 households as members. It received the State award for rising greens and crops in vacant plots within the ward. Cultivation is being carried out in practically two acres unfold throughout seven plots. That is along with homestead cultivation.
Revealed – February 12, 2025 01:21 pm IST