Retired History Professor Turns Barren Land into Thriving Mango Orchard
A retired history professor has become an inspiration for farmers and agriculture enthusiasts by transforming his eight-acre barren ancestral land in Irala mandal in Chittoor district into a thriving mango orchard.
Professor K.S.S. Seshan, who taught history for several decades at the University of Hyderabad and pursued a career in coordination with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), returned to his native village after retirement. The area was known for cultivating paddy, sugarcane, groundnut, chili, and mangoes in the past. However, poor yield and the unpredictability associated with agriculture made many farmers leave their land fallow.
Upon returning to his village, the retired professor took on the challenge of transforming the fallow land into mango orchards that require minimal maintenance. Leaving his posh house in Hyderabad behind, he arrived in his native village to embark on this venture. When he first arrived, the land was barren with nothing but thorny bushes. Some farmers who attempted cultivation were discouraged as wild boars from the nearby hillock would destroy their crops.
However, the professor’s hard work has paid off. He expressed his joy at the absence of traffic hassles, the availability of unadulterated milk, and the freshness of farm vegetables in his village. To begin his mango orchard project, the professor had large pits dug and filled with alluvial soil. In August 2022, he planted a total of 475 saplings of mango varieties including Totapuri, Neelam, Banganapalle (Benisha), Mallika, Kalepadu, Kurdu, Malgova, and Imam Pasand. He also planted fig, gooseberry, sapota, and pomegranate trees in the orchard.
In addition to mangoes, the professor chose to cultivate sunflower, horse gram, groundnut, and jute as intercrops. He utilized pumpkin seeds imported from Israel, which have yielded good results when planted on the bunds.
To support his agricultural project, the retired professor has employed several local workers and provided them with the necessary equipment. Gurumurthy Reddy, his trusted lieutenant, takes care of the crops.
Interestingly, the professor’s farm is located near a historic granite hill where a fierce battle between the Chittoor Palegar and the British forces took place in 1804. This battle is even mentioned in the professor’s own book titled ‘Early Anti-British Revolts in Andhra, 1766-1857’.
As a way to keep himself busy, Professor Seshan has taken on the role of teaching the children of the farm workers engaged in his project. He helps them with their homework, ensuring they receive the education they need.
The professor’s inspiring journey of transforming the barren land into a thriving mango orchard serves as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. With his efforts, he has shown the agricultural community the potential for success even in challenging circumstances.
