Padma Shri for ‘Nariyal Amma’ Kamachi Chellammal of Andaman

Kamachi Chellammal, affectionately known as ‘Nariyal Amma,’ has been honored with the Padma Shri award for her exceptional contribution to organic coconut farming in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The 67-year-old farmer from Rangachang in South Andaman employs innovative techniques, such as using coconut leaves and husks as mulching to conserve soil moisture.

Chellammal also embraces Integrated Pest Management, avoiding harmful chemicals, and practices multi-species cropping to enhance her 10-acre land’s productivity. She encourages fellow farmers to adopt organic methods and plans to promote agro-tourism in her farm, offering a diverse range of crops, spice gardens, and fish farming.