Every day, Sunitha Chandran wakes up at 5:00 am to begin the day’s cooking and cleaning. At 8:00 am, she heads out for a full day of farming activities. By 5:30 pm, she returns home to finish her household duties, look after her two children, Abhinav and Anadhu, and spend time with her husband. Like many women of Wayanad, Sunitha’s daily routine reflects a staggering work ethic. But somehow, on top of all of her
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected communities across the globe and presented them with many challenges. Rural communities are facing unique challenges in response to the virus. Many residents are already plagued by economic instability and health-related issues, and the COVID-19 outbreak is not helping. The risks and challenges that are unique to rural communities mean their needs might get left behind in legislation or funding for treatment and care. Despite rural communities having less people,
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Like many women in Wayanad, Sheeba Valady seems like a person who can truly do it all. Her seemingly endless capacity to be a skilled farmer, a strong leader, and exemplary mother is awe-inspiring. A visit to Sheeba Valady’s house allows any visitor to instantly witness her compelling personality and range of talents. With a wide smile, she greets visitors with a bright enthusiasm. In a swift manner, like that of a magician, Sheeba’s signature
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Integrated Agricultural Systems are a sustainable practice that has economic, environmental, and social benefits. This farming technique is a “whole system” approach that utilizes existing biological relationships (Agriculture Sustainability Institute). It builds upon the concept of agroecology, which is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems and practices.” (Oxford Dictionary) The goal of integrated agricultural systems is to minimize the amount of impact the agricultural process has on the environment while maximizing production yield.
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The monsoon season is a dynamic phenomenon that impacts life in many areas of the world. A monsoon is a seasonal change in wind patterns, resulting in extreme wet and dry seasons throughout the course of the year. Though they do exist in parts of North America, they are most commonly associated with nations along the Indian Ocean. It is no surprise then that those in Wayanad, near the Southwestern coast of India, are greatly
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