The Navara Eco Farm near Chittur, in Palakkad, sprawls over an area of 18 acres and also contains numerous other crops like coconut, mango, pomegranate, medicinal herbs, bamboo and vegetables. The eco-farm is completely organic and certified by Indocert, which is an accredited agency of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). A maximum of eight visitors can be accommodated in the farm at a time.
Njavara is mainly used for the preparation of Njavara kizhi, which is an effective remedy for rheumatic complaints, neuro-muscular disorders and body rejuvenation.It is traditionally given as a supplementary diet to underweight persons and also consumed as a replenishing drink called ‘Karkadaka kanji’ during the monsoon season along with certain herbal medicines.
NEF is a family farm which is more than hundred years old. P. Narayanan Unny of the third generation is running the farm now. Unny s father Shri M.Ramachandra Menon (MRC Menon) managed the farm for sixty years of his life and developed the farm. Shri. M. Kelukutty Menon, elder brother of Shri. MRC Menon, was one of the first Rice Specialist at Rice Research Station, Pattambi. This combination of an elder brother Rice Specialist (Agriculture Scientist) and younger brother, a keen practicing farmer helped in developing the farm systematically.
As he walks us through his farm, Narayanan Unni introduces us to a variety of medicinal plants in the farm that are used in healing wounds, that which can be used as pesticides, as a cure for diabetes, colouring agents for liquor, besides a range of plants yielding spices such as cinnamon as well as bamboo plants, coconuts, bananas and a range of vegetables. This farm also offers a unique home stay, holiday experience.
