Bijumon Kurian is a green evangelist and social entrepreneur who has redefined the sustainable farming scenario in Asia. He is the President of MASS, Manarcadu Social Service Society, a first-of its-kind Fairtrade farmers’ co-operative in India. A die-hard organic farming enthusiast, he has won many international and national accolades like Biggest Fairtrade Fan (2016) and Best Entrepreneur Award (2004) from the Government of Kerala, India.
Bijumon Kurian
Ms. Sheena Susan Varghese , Director, Plantrich Agri Tech (p)Ltd has 15 years handful experience in the field of Agriculture and Horticulture. She works with specific on Women Empowerment and Gender Equality and has made a huge impact in her Project Area. Currently, she leads a team of 430 Women Farmers and 37 Women workers in the field as well the Production Facility of spices and coffee.
Sheena Susan Biju
Skills
Communication and Training
Bijumon is a vibrant and powerful communicator who can inspire and motivate people to becoming self-sufficient. He can also convey and convert long-term vision and strategies to successful delivery.
Technical Skills
Bijumon is skilled in Organic Farming, Organic and Bio Fertilizers production , Spice & Coffee processing.
Knowledge
Bijumon has extensive knowledge in organic farming certifications and in-depth knowledge of the trade laws of various countries and standards (EU, USDA and NPOP, ILO, HACCP & Fair-trade standards).
Computer and Internet Skills
Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Bijumon maintains an active presence in social media – Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook (with large follower base) and blogs.
Education
B. Sc Chemistry, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India.
Bijumon’s family roots in agriculture and education has helped him gain a thorough understanding and experience in organic agriculture. He mainly works with small-holding farmers, farm workers, women self-help groups, tribal communities and youngsters to promote sustainable agriculture. His vision for MASS, which he founded in the year 2001, drives him to take strategic steps in developing the socio-economic status of Coffee and Spices Growers in and around Kottayam, Kerala and Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu through initiation of organic farming and sustainable agriculture projects. From 1998, Bijumon has been sharing his horticulture and sustainable farming expertise in growing natural, organic and Fairtrade produces across south India.
Bijumon is the Managing Director of Plantrich Agritech Pvt Ltd which is a international supplier of organic and Faritrade spices, coffee, coconut, cocoa and other food ingredients to premier brands throughout the world.
Education and Special Training
Bijumon has a Diploma in Business Administration and a Bachelors degree in Chemistry from Mahatma Gandhi University.
He has also received special training in:
- Skill Development in Organic farming by Control Union India
- Spices Value Addition by Spices Board, CFTRA
- Coffee Practices by Coffee Board
- Effective International Marketing and Strategic Planning of Producers at SES, Germany and PUM Netherlands.
Social Affiliations
A passionate Rotarian, Bijumon started his Rotary journey at Kottayam East in 2008. He served as the District RYLA chairman in 2011 and 2014, President in 2012-13 and Assistant Governor in 2016-’17. Bijumon was awarded the overall Best Club President in 2013 during which he brainchilded Clean Green Kottayam, a signature project involving Kottayam Municipality, Malayala Manorama and many other public institutions to make Kottayam a clean city in 2013. He is the Chairman of REAP, the green initiative of District 3211 which aims to create a pesticide free Kerala.
Bijumon has also been active in Junior Chamber International, a world-wide youth organization, where he was President (2004) of Kottayam Junior Chamber and Zone Vice-President (2005). He received the Outstanding Young Indian award 2003 of Zone 22 of Jaycees more on http://iowasaturdayschool.com/.