Fresh from the forest: Athirappally tribal company brings nature's treasures to market

“We endured years of exploitation before coming together as a company. It was the outside vendors who dictated the prices for our coffee beans, grown through hard labour, and the honey we gathered after trekking deep into the forests. But forming the company changed everything. Now, we sell our produce at prices higher than the market rate, add value to it, and market it ourselves. With approval from Kerala Grow, we’re optimistic about expanding our market presence further’’, says M Ratheesh, Chairman of the Athirappilly Tribal Valley Farmers Producer Company.

The company was established two years ago as part of the Athirappilly Tribal Valley Agricultural Project initiated by the State Agriculture Department. It is exclusively composed of members from the tribal community living in the Athirappilly forests in Kerala.

According to Muhammad Sabith, Chief Executive Officer of the company, it currently markets 18 different food products under the brand name Athirappilly.

"With the backing of Kerala Grow, the government’s branding initiative, we are optimistic about reaching more customers’’, noted S S Salumon, Nodal Officer of the Athirappilly project and Deputy Director of the State Biocontrol Lab under the Agriculture Department.

The products, certified by the internationally recognized Rainforest Alliance, include pepper, honey, turmeric powder, Malabar tamarind, and coffee powder, all of which embody the rich flavours and exceptional quality of the forest. “With the added trust of Kerala Grow branding, the products’ acceptance in the market is expected to grow significantly’’, adds Salumon.

The products, which carry the unique flavour and quality of the forest, are primarily sold at fairs conducted within and outside the state. Contact: 8129030788