Agripreneur SV Sujith's 'Aaravam 2026' agri-flower show at Marian Engineering College features a breathtaking field of 28,000 sunflowers. The event aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace modern farming.

  • 'Aaravam 2026' agri-flower show held at Marian Engineering College, Menamkulam.
  • Featured a massive field of 28,000 sunflower plants.
  • Initiative by award-winning agripreneur SV Sujith and Naaden Agro Farms.
  • Focus on precision farming and youth engagement through internships.

The Onam season in Thiruvananthapuram has found a vibrant new centerpiece: a sprawling field of golden sunflowers. Located approximately 20 kilometers from the city at the Marian Engineering College campus in Menamkulam, the 'Aaravam 2026' agri-flower show has become a major attraction for residents and tourists alike.

The spectacle is the brainchild of SV Sujith, a Kerala State Farm Award-winning farmer and founder of the startup Naaden Agro Farms. Sujith has successfully cultivated 28,000 sunflower plants, marking his second major seasonal floral installation. His previous success was witnessed at St Xavier’s College, Thumba, where he manages a substantial 20-acre vegetable farm.

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Innovation in the Field

Transitioning from waste land to a floral paradise, Sujith leased five acres of land from the Marian management. Utilizing Open Precision Farming methods, the farm employs advanced techniques such as mulching sheets and drip irrigation to optimize growth. Currently, the field showcases four distinct varieties of sunflowers, carefully selected to test their adaptability to the local climate in terms of bloom time and petal structure.

Beyond the sunflowers, the exhibition is a riot of colors, featuring 20,000 marigold plants in yellow, white, and orange, alongside 8,000 dwarf French marigolds. The landscape is further enriched by vibrant shades of Bachelor’s button and cock’s comb (Celosia), creating a multi-sensory experience for visitors.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that initiatives like Aaravam 2026 are crucial for rebranding agriculture in the eyes of the youth. By integrating high-tech farming with aesthetic appeal, Sujith is transforming the perception of farming from a labor-intensive struggle to a sophisticated, tech-driven entrepreneurial venture.

Transforming wasteland into productive, beautiful landscapes is the ultimate testament to the power of modern precision agriculture.

A core mission of this show is vocational training. Sujith has actively recruited students from the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, and various ITI institutes for internships. These students gain hands-on experience in modern agronomy and are subsequently offered permanent positions at Naaden Agro Farms, bridging the gap between education and employment.

Did You Know?: Sunflower seed-to-oil efficiency is remarkable; it typically takes between 3 to 3.5 kilograms of seeds to extract just one kilogram of pure oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and where can I visit the Aaravam 2026 show?
The show is held at the Marian Engineering College campus in Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM until September 5.

2. What is the entry fee for the exhibition?
The entry fee is set at ₹50 for adults and ₹30 for children.