M. Sripriya
Kumarampulam
I am Sripriya, living in the Jaffna District, and I am engaged in gardening and farming.
A few years ago, when I was affected by Leprosy, I was in a very distressed and discouraged state of mind. However, after being introduced to Kaveri Kalamanram, my life changed, and today I am living happily.
I cultivate crops such as onions, groundnuts, brinjals, and chillies. In particular, I use natural methods of fertilizing in my garden.
I also received agricultural training from agricultural instructors. Through these trainings, I have been able to earn a good income.
Because of the support and guidance of Kaveri Kalamanram in my life, the stigma of leprosy has changed, and today I am recognized in society as a successful farmer. My daughter, my parents, my siblings, and I are now living happily together.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for giving me the opportunity to share my experience.
RAGINI’S SEED BANK.
“PROTECTING HERITAGE FOR FUTURE GENETATION”.
I, Ragini, residing in the Batticaloa district, have been managing a seed bank since 2023. Through this seed bank, I have been promoting agriculture by conserving and distributing seeds of endangered traditional vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits. In my home garden, I preserve more than 50 varieties of traditional and district-specific seeds that are on the verge of disappearing.
Through the seed bank system, I give and receive seeds, thereby maintaining a continuous process of seed saving. Through this effort, not only I, but also our association of persons affected by leprosy, the Batticaloa district association, and even our surrounding neighbours, benefit greatly. By leading the healthy and systematic management of the seed bank, we ensure the storing, giving, and receiving of seeds.
With the guidance of the Department of Agriculture, we also promote various culturally rooted and climate-appropriate farming methods through our association. This initiative not only strengthens our household economy but also protects the endangered seed varieties in our region, ensuring that they are preserved and passed on to future generations. We feel immense happiness in carrying out such a valuable initiative.
Because we carry out this work with great joy, many people have joined our seed bank, contributing actively and benefiting from it as well.
Kalanithi, a member of the Paadumeen Association in the Kiran-Kulam area of Batticaloa District, has established herself as a distinguished farmer and expert in home gardening. Although she now presents herself as a knowledgeable agriculturalist, in her early days, she was diagnosed with leprosy. Due to the stigma associated with the disease, she has always distanced herself , preferring not to be identified or spoken of publicly as someone affected by leprosy.
She chose to remain isolated, identifying herself as a private individual in both family and society. Despite this Kalanithi was a capable farmer and possessed excellent communication skills. However, she rarely showcased these qualities publicly. Observing the activities of the association and the training programs conducted by officials, she eventually decided to join the association as a member.
This decision marked a turning point.She began to actively participate in the association’s programs, particularly in agriculture, where he demonstrated her skills and expertise. Her contributions soon became essential to other members of the association. As a result, she started sharing his experiences regularly, and over time, transformed into a mentor figure.
Starting from a simple home garden,Kalanithi expanded her efforts by renting land and cultivating a variety of crops such as leafy greens, vegetables, cassava, and cucumbers. This progression established her not just as a skilled farmer but also as someone who trains others in modern agricultural techniques and home gardening methods.
Today, she is recognized as a trainer by many and has even been officially certified as an agricultural instructor by the Department of Agriculture. They now include him in their programs, recognizing not just her contributions but also her leadership. Her involvement has allowed her to emerge from the shadows of her early challenges and be acknowledged as a respected figure in the community and across the Batticaloa District.
Her identity has evolved into that of a high-level agricultural trainer, a role through which she now influences many. The Department of Agriculture continues to engage her in their initiatives, using her leadership to benefit a broader audience. She has become a source of knowledge and inspiration for others, encouraging the cultivation of various crop varieties and the practice of ethical, sustainable farming.
Notably, she distributes quality paddy seed varieties to her community, which is seen as a blessing. Therefore,
Kalanithi has not only earned personal recognition but is also celebrated as a key contributor to social progress, making a profound impact through agriculture and community service.