Hailing from Moodambail in Kasargod, K.H. Abdulla received Krishi Award for his coconut plantation from Meenja Panchayat this year. Belonging to a teacher’s family, he never imagined such a recognition would come his way.
Abdulla did Primary School education from Government School in Moodambail and High School from Vani Vijaya High School, Kodalamogaru. “I used to walk around 26 km daily to reach my school,” he said. Later he did BSc graduation studies from Government College, Kasargod. He too had an inclination towards teaching and after graduation, for one year he taught Mathematics to students in Sri Vani Vijaya High School, Kodalamogaru, Kasargod where he did his schooling.
Late he did Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru. He still remembers Late Miss Periera who helped him get an Indogerman Scholarship to pay all the fees in the college during financial crisis. “On completing my course in this field, I was hired as the Manager of the Commonwealth Tile Factory in Mangaluru in 1969. London office offered me a permanent job as a Manager in their firm after viewing my practical work, and I worked there for ten years. In between I worked as a manager in Saudi Arabia for ten years. After that, I was requested to join the same Commonwealth Tile Factory for the second time after coming home.”
He further said that, “Due to my father’s sudden death in 1998, I had to leave Gulf. I spent 15 years of my life abroad, and it was only after I retired that I became interested in agriculture. My father used to look after it. My entire savings during my time of working in the Gulf were invested in my father’s agricultural land. I invested in agriculture with the money I earned.”
“I purchased approximately 10 acres of barren land around me and planted arecanut, coconut, pepper, banana, and a variety of other fruits and vegetables such as mango, rambootan, and passion fruit. Now, we have flowers, fruits, vegetables, coconut, and other items in there. I also cultivate Udupi Mallige, which is sold in Mangaluru,” he added.
Abdulla further said that his wife K. Jameela and his four children are very supportive. “My eldest son Dr. Riaz Abdulla works as a doctor and is a HOD at Yenepoya Hospital, while my second son Nawaz Abdulla works in Australia, my third son Wing Commander Jaseem Abdulla works as an engineer in the Indian Air Force, and my daughter Dr. Fahizah Abdulla works as a dentist. Despite the fact that my children are educated in various fields, they are a huge support to us.”
When asked about the government support, he said that agriculture has always been supported and encouraged by the Kerala government. “My Panchayat’s Krishi Officer has been extremely supportive,” he affirmed.
Abdulla stated that when he first started investing in agriculture, he didn’t look for monetary gains. “For instance, the land we have bought has rock beneath it, which we covered with soil to begin plantation work. For example, jasmine farming does not need a lot of soil in this case. So, we were able to grow jasmine in this land,” he said.
Krishi Award is given every year from Gram Panchayt. “I grew plants and grew greenery around me, and now mother nature is returning the favour by looking after me. Receiving “Krishi Award” in the Meenja Panchayat surprised and delighted me. This year I got the award for coconut plantation. I am grateful to our panchayat for recognising me in the field of agriculture. I was a member of many organisations, but I never expected to receive this award. This itself is a huge honour.”
When people are drifting away from traditional agricultural practises and become reliant on other states for fruits, vegetables, and other items, Abdhulla explains, “We don’t buy vegetables from the market since we grow it as many as possible at home. All of my friends enviously look at me since I am able to support myself through agriculture, especially during this Covid.”
“If there is a will, there is a way. If you plan your life properly, you will succeed in your life in any field as long as you have the passion for it,” he added.
Abdulla also serves as the President of Silver Jubilee Celebration of Sri Vidya Vardhaka UP School, Miyapadau, President of the Old Students’ Association of Sri Vidya Vardhaka UP School, Miyapadau, President of Old Student Association, Roshni Nilaya, Secretary of Youth Service Organisation, Mangaluru and President of Jamiathul Falah- Purely Education Association, Mangaluru.
