Born and raised in Vellarada village near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, Padma Suresh developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and nature from a young age.

Following her family’s farming traditions, she spent her evenings in the fields with her father, learning the art of cultivating homegrown produce.

After relocating to Thiruvananthapuram post-marriage, Padma was disheartened by the lack of fresh and organic vegetables in the urban landscape.

Determined to bring a taste of her village to her new home, she transformed her small 500 sq ft terrace into a vibrant vegetable garden with different vegetable varieties such as cherry tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, curry leaves, cauliflowers, and more.

Through her terrace garden, Padma not only provides a consistent supply of organic vegetables, sufficient for her family of four, but also generates a secondary income of up to Rs 4,000 every month by selling the surplus harvest in the local market.

Apart from reducing her monthly expense on vegetables, her dedication to organic farming has also led her to a sense of self-sufficiency and connection to her rural roots.

Padma’s approach to organic farming is simple yet effective. She utilises natural fertilisers like vermicompost, cow dung, and neem cake, avoiding harmful chemicals.

Additionally, she employs innovative techniques such as preparing liquid fertilisers from jaggery and fish, which serve as both a nutrient source and pesticide for her plants.

“This not only provides physical nourishment but also enriches my soul. It offers me a sense of purpose that transcends material gains. All my worries fade away when I am busy nurturing my plants,” she remarks.