Directors’ Live Field Visit: Understanding the Ground Realities of Farming

“The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer.” – Will Rogers

In a continued effort to strengthen field-level engagement, the Board of Directors and CEO of TIES Farmers Producer Company (TIESFPC) recently undertook a comprehensive visit to all active agricultural sites. Far beyond a routine inspection, the visit proved to be an eye-opening experience, offering valuable insights into the practical challenges, risks, and opportunities involved in implementing the organisation’s mandate.

A Visit Rooted in Reality

The visit was attended by Dr. Punnen Kurian (Managing Director), Dr. Nelson P. Abraham (Working Chairman), Mr. Ratnakaran K.K, Mrs. Bindhu B.K, Mr. Binoy Kumar, Mr. Prince Elias, Mr. Shaji Mathew, Mr. Abraham O.A, Mr. Ajit Abraham (CEO), Mr. Mohan Cherian, Dr. Abraham Samuel K. (President, TIES), and Ms. Akhila Surendran (Accountant). The team directly engaged with the fields, closely observing crop conditions and gaining firsthand understanding of on-ground dynamics across diverse farming systems.

Thiruvanchoor: Resilience Amidst Heat

At Thiruvanchoor, the team observed the cultivation of tapioca (Sree Annam) and plantain (Nedu Nendran). Despite intense heat conditions, the tapioca crop remained green and healthy, supported by effective irrigation systems. The plantain cultivation, sustained through drip irrigation, demonstrated the value of modern agricultural practices while also highlighting the need for consistent monitoring and management to ensure optimal outcomes.

Kadaplamattam: A Promising Start

The Kadaplamattam plot presented encouraging progress, with the sugarcane variety ‘Madhurima’ showing healthy sprouting—an early indication of successful crop establishment. The visit was further enriched by the warm hospitality of Prof. P.J. Joy, a TIESFPC member, reflecting the strong sense of community associated with the initiative.

Ramapuram: Early Signals to Watch

At Ramapuram, the sesame variety (Onattukara–Kayamkulam 1) had entered its flowering stage earlier than expected. While this indicates active crop development, it also calls for careful monitoring as the crop progresses. The presence of landowners Mr. James Zachariah and Mr. Joseph Zachariah added value to the visit, making it a meaningful and engaging field interaction.

Ericadu Puthupally Padasekharam: Nearing Harvest

A key highlight of the visit was Ericadu Puthupally Padasekharam, where the paddy fields are approaching harvest readiness. This crop marks a significant milestone, as it is set to become the first product to be marketed under the upcoming TIESFPC brand—signaling the beginning of a new phase in the organisation’s journey.

Reflections from the Field

The visit reinforced an important perspective: agriculture requires not only planning but also adaptability and timely intervention. While the overall progress across sites is encouraging, the experience underscored the complexities and uncertainties that farmers navigate on a daily basis.

For the Directors, this was more than a field visit—it was a valuable reality check that strengthened their commitment to supporting farmers through informed decision-making, responsive strategies, and sustainable practices.