‘Plavu’ Jayan is this year’s PV Thampy award winner

Kochi: K R Jayan, fondly called ‘Plavu‘ Jayan, has been selected for this year’s PV Thampy Memorial Endowment award for environment protection, instituted in memory of journalist and environmentalist P V Thampy.Jayan, 61, of Avittathoor in Irinjalakuda, is most known for his role in planting and nurturing nearly one lakh jackfruit trees across Keralam and Tamil Nadu in the past 27 years, earning him the moniker ‘Plavu Jayan‘.Growing up among trees, climbing them and forming an instinctive bond with nature shaped his sense of responsibility towards its protection. His early affinity towards jackfruit developed into a mission and a lasting commitment to the conservation of indigenous jackfruit species in Keralam.He developed nine ‘plavu‘ villages where he cultivated jackfruit trees on arid land without removing other indigenous tree species to ensure the biodiversity.For Jayan, his responsibility was not merely germinating a jackfruit seed and plant the sapling. Instead, he selected the indigenous one, isolated the seed which can retain the quality of the mother tree, raised saplings and planted it. Under his supervision, the sapling would be nurtured until they grew to nearly six feet.“I started by planting the saplings on roadsides in my neighbourhood and used to observe its growth. Later I extended to other parts along with studying the indigenous ones. Though all seeds in the jackfruits may germinate and grow, all seeds won’t have the quality of mother tree. Hence, using traditional knowledge, I isolate the seeds which can retain the quality of mother tree and raise saplings. There are around 24 indigenous jackfruit species in the state,” said Jayan.He recently sent Rs 16,000 to a landowner in Malappuram to buy authentic Thenvarikka jackfruits once they ripen.The award function will be held on Saturday with chief minister V D Satheesan presenting the award.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in KochiStay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.