Vinodini R. embodies a beautiful harmony, gracefully balancing her life as a dancer with the robust rhythms of farming. Her profound connection to the land and tireless dedication recently earned her the State award for the best farmer in the transgender category — a truly deserved recognition of her unwavering spirit and love for agriculture.
This 40-year-old artist from Krishnapuram in Alappuzha has spent the last 12 years cultivating paddy across 5.5 acres of leased land. Her deep-seated passion for rice has breathed new life into what were once barren stretches, transforming them into flourishing fields. Beyond paddy, Vinodini also cultivates a diverse array of crops, including sesame, elephant foot yam, taro, ginger, turmeric, and various vegetables on smaller plots.
“I farm out of passion, not just for profit,” Vinodini shares. “There have been times when agriculture brought me losses, but it has also given me immense joy. Above all, it keeps me grounded and hopeful. I want to script more success stories in the years ahead.”
The Call to Revive Paddy Farming
Vinodini expresses concern over the dwindling practice of paddy cultivation in Kerala and urges for concerted efforts to revitalize rice farming culture. “The younger generation is not embracing paddy farming. Today, Kerala finds itself purchasing rice at exorbitant prices from other states. It’s crucial that more people return to agriculture and transform fallow lands into productive farms,” she emphasizes.
Her agricultural ventures extend beyond rice; Vinodini has also achieved significant success with sesame cultivation. She plans an ambitious effort in the upcoming season, after the paddy harvest, to grow the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame on a larger scale. “Sesame is in high demand, and the GI-tagged Onattukara variety holds immense market potential. I am determined to make the next season another milestone in my farming journey,” she states with resolve.
Reshma Remesh, an agricultural officer at Krishnapuram Krishi Bhavan, praises Vinodini’s commitment: “Vinodini possesses a deep passion for agriculture. For her, farming is not merely a livelihood, but a profound way of life.”
Moreover, Vinodini actively champions and motivates other members of the transgender community to pursue farming.
In addition to her life among the fields, Vinodini is also an accomplished dancer, regularly performing at various festivals and cultural events. She draws strength and support from her loving father, Viswanathan, and mother, Remadevi.