Junaid Kaippani, Chairman of the Welfare Standing Committee of the Wayanad District Panchayat, and Ayyoob Thottoli, a model organic farmer, were honoured by Krishi Jagran for their contributions to agriculture and community development. During a function held at the Kalpetta Collectorate, District Principal Agriculture Officer Raji Varghese presented the certificates of recognition on behalf of Krishi Jagran. Deputy Directors of Agriculture Sheeba George and Bindu R, along with Superintendent Sreejith K.S., also participated in the ceremony.
The recognition comes in light of their leadership in organizing the traditional 'Kambalanatti' festival, held under the name ‘Vellamunda Kambalam’ in the Aaruwal Thottoli paddy fields of Vellamunda. This event was initiated under the aegis of the Wayanad District Panchayat’s Vellamunda Division. Both Junaid and Ayyoob played key roles in reviving and celebrating this cultural-agricultural heritage.
The ‘Kambalanatti’ is a festive event that celebrates the tribal tradition of “Kambalam”—a rhythmic group activity performed in the paddy fields. It involves drumming, bamboo flute music, traditional songs, and dances. This vibrant collective effort in the field, symbolizing unity and labor, is designed to re-establish the connection between the younger generation and agricultural life.
The main objective of the ‘Vellamunda Kambalam’ is to inspire the youth to see agriculture not as a relic of the past but as a cultural and sustainable way of life. It aims to revive farming awareness through the pulse of tradition, integrating rhythm, song, and the legacy of the land. This moving experience quickly spread throughout the district, rekindling interest in the fading practice of Kambalanatti and turning it into a model cultural movement.
Launched in October 2022 by the Vellamunda Division of the District Panchayat, the Kambalanatti festival aimed to pass traditional agricultural values to the next generation while honouring present-day paddy farmers. More than sixty outstanding farmers were identified and felicitated. The event saw active participation from people of all age groups and has since become a festival deeply rooted in Vellamunda village, serving as a vital junction of farming and culture.
The Kambalanatti festival seeks to breathe new life into organic farming and promote agriculture as a soulful livelihood. It fosters a meaningful bond with the land and fields, bringing rhythm and emphasis to the farming life. At its core, the festival carries a profound message: to protect traditional farming and paddy fields, ensuring the survival of future generations. Kambalanatti calls for agriculture to be seen not as a one-day task but as a lifelong cultural experience.
Ayyoob Thottoli: A Farmer with a Vision
Ayyoob Thottoli is a shining example of someone who left behind a white-collar job to take up farming as a full-time livelihood. Cultivating a total of 13 acres—both individually and in partnership—Ayyoob combines traditional crops with innovative and experimental farming techniques. He is credited with introducing Vietnam-style black pepper farming and commercial papaya cultivation for the first time in Wayanad. He also developed income streams by extracting latex from papaya, showcasing agriculture as a potential industrial venture rather than a monotonous job.
Besides these, he grows a wide range of crops like black pepper, coffee, coconut, sugarcane, and cardamom, along with exotic fruits like passion fruit, guava, papaya, Vietnamese early jackfruit, high-density mango varieties, rambutan, and avocado. His farm also includes 360 bamboo plants of 14 different varieties and rare Marayoor sandalwood trees—testaments to his tireless experimental efforts.
Ayyoob’s connection with farming goes beyond crops. He is also active in allied sectors such as poultry and duck farming, inland fish culture in five ponds, and native cattle rearing. He ensures sustainability from production to marketing, using social media effectively to connect directly with consumers, ensuring better prices and trust.
Owing to his comprehensive contributions, Ayyoob has received several accolades including the M.S. Swaminathan Foundation’s Family Farming Award, Haritha Keerthi Award, AANMA Mixed Farming Award, Mathrubhumi Krishibhoomi Award, Krishakamitra Award, and the Kairali Kathir Award. His journey is now a source of pride and inspiration in the agricultural narrative of Kerala.
Junaid Kaippani: A Leader Beyond Politics
Junaid Kaippani is a radiant figure in the socio-cultural landscape, recognized both as an exemplary people's representative and a passionate social worker. Despite the ever-changing socio-political climate, Junaid continues to win hearts through his unwavering commitment to public service.
His recognitions are many and testify to his people-centric approach: the International Humanitarian Award from the Global Peace Consortium, the Babasaheb Ambedkar Award for Best Local Body Representative in India, the State Karma Shreshta Award for model public service, the Best of India Record for participating in the most public events, the Central Bharat Sevak Samaj Award for Best District Panchayat Member, and the Kaumudi Janaratna Award for social service. These honours affirm his steadfast dedication to public welfare and grassroots development.
