Vinodini R. at her rice farm.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Balancing the graceful movements of dance with the steady rhythms of cultivation, Vinodini R. has built a life deeply rooted in both art and earth. Her dedication to farming recently earned her the State award for the best farmer in the transgender category, a fitting recognition of her perseverance and love for the land.
The 40-year-old dancer from Krishnapuram in Alappuzha has been engaged in farming for the past 12 years, cultivating paddy on 5.5 acres of leased land. Her passion for rice has transformed stretches of once-fallow land into thriving fields. Alongside paddy, she also grows sesame, elephant foot yam, taro, ginger, turmeric and a variety of vegetables on smaller plots taken on lease.
“I farm out of passion, not just for profit,” says Vinodini. “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.”
Vinodini R. at her rice farm.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
‘Paddy farming in decline’
Vinodini laments that paddy cultivation is on the decline in Kerala, calling for concrete efforts to revive the culture of rice farming. “The younger generation is not taking up paddy farming. Today, Kerala has reached a point where we buy rice at high prices from other States. More people should return to farming and fallow lands must be made cultivable,” she says.
Beyond paddy, Vinodini has also found success in sesame cultivation. In the upcoming season, following the paddy harvest, she plans to grow Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame on a large scale. “Sesame is in high demand, and the GI-tagged Onattukara variety has great market potential. I want to make the next season another milestone in my farming journey,” she says.
“Vinodini has a deep passion for agriculture. For her, farming is not just a livelihood, but a way of life,” says Reshma Remesh, agricultural officer, Krishnapuram Krishi Bhavan.
Vinodini is also actively involved in encouraging members of the transgender community to take up farming.
Apart from her life in the fields, Vinodini is also a dancer, performing at festivals and cultural events. She is supported by her father, Viswanathan, and mother, Remadevi.
Published – October 05, 2025 05:29 pm IST
