ORIGIN AND GROWTH OF CHEERAKUZHY
GROUP OF NURSERIES
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP
The Visionary Start
KarshakaSree K.C. Kuriakose, the visionary founder of the Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries, began his journey in 1971 when he migrated from Kottayam to Mannarkkad in Palakkad district at nearly 40 years of age. He settled in Karimpuzha Gram Panchayat, nestled along the fertile banks of the Kunthipuzha River, a life-giving stream originating from the Attapadi high ranges, enriching the otherwise arid lands of Palakkad. In his early years, Shri Kuriakose cultivated essential food crops such as tapioca, pineapple, plantains, and vegetables to support his livelihood. Inspired by the Rubber Board of India’s subsidy schemes and guided by its technical experts, he gradually shifted focus to rubber cultivation and nursery development, expanding his landholdings to pursue this vision.
Establishment and Innovations
In 1979, Shri Kuriakose founded the Cheerakuzhy Rubber Nursery, starting modestly with the production of just 1,000 rubber plants. During the 1980s, brown budding was the predominant technique, with brown-budded stumps produced and distributed in significant quantities. The introduction of green budding during this period further enhanced production capabilities. By the 1990s, the nursery transitioned to the mass production of brown-budded polybag plants. In 1994, to address the limitations of traditional budding and reduce labor dependency, Shri Kuriakose introduced the Cheerakuzhy Young Budding Technique- an innovation that dramatically improved nursery efficiency and revolutionized rubber plant propagation across Kerala and beyond.
Expansion into Horticulture
In 2000, the nursery diversified into horticulture, establishing a new facility near Kalladi High School, Mannarkkad, along the Palakkad–Kozhikode highway. This center specializes in the mass production and sale of both domestic and exotic fruit plants, along with a wide variety of ornamental species. In 2022, the nursery launched its “All Kerala Free Door Delivery” Initiative for fruit and ornamental plants. For orders with a minimum invoice value of ₹2,000, customers across Kerala can now enjoy convenient doorstep free delivery.
FOUNDER'S MESSAGE
Since 1979, the Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries has been at the forefront of enhancing natural rubber production in Kerala and beyond, extending our expertise across India’s northeastern states. Over the years, we have grown into a leading name in the propagation of Indian and exotic fruit plants, supplying premium-quality materials to farmers nationwide. With the rising interest in landscaping and gardening, our offerings have expanded to include ornamental plants, and we are proud to be among India’s top live plant exporters, especially to the UAE and Oman.
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With warm regards,
Karshakasree K.C. Kuriakose (Late Chairman)
Jose Cheerakuzhy (Managing Director)
Staff and Management Team
Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries
Since 1979, the Cheerakuzhy Group
of Nurseries has been at the forefront of enhancing natural rubber production in Kerala and beyond,
extending our expertise across India’s northeastern states. Over the years, we have grown into a
leading name in the propagation of Indian and exotic fruit plants, supplying premium-quality
materials to farmers nationwide.
With the rising interest in landscaping and gardening, our offerings have expanded to include
ornamental plants, and we are proud to be among India’s top live plant exporters, especially to the
UAE and Oman.
Our decades of experience have taught us the importance of sharing knowledge. Through this platform,
we aim to document our propagation practices and supply chain innovations for the benefit of
farmers, researchers, and the wider agricultural community.
We are deeply grateful to all who have supported our journey- Hon’ble Ministers, the Chairman and
officials of the Rubber Board, esteemed officers from agricultural and government departments, legal
advisors, international delegates, political leaders, bank representatives, and members of the media
who have visited our nurseries throughout the years and most importantly, our loyal customers. Your
trust continues to inspire our growth.
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
The journey of Shri K.C. Kuriakose, from a modest farmer to
a
globally recognized innovator in rubber propagation and propagation of fruit varieties and
ornamentals, is marked by a series of prestigious national and international accolades.
Major Awards
Presented by:
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Sri Lanka (2012)
Awarded the title “Best Rubber Nursery in India”
Mr. D.E.W. Gunasekara
Minister for Human Resources
Mr. M. Ramachandran
Director, Indian Cultural Centre Colombo
Vietnam
Honored by Dato’ Dr. Kamarul Bahrain Basir, Secretary-General of ANRPC, for the Young Bud Root Trainer Technology.
Myanmar (2013)
Recognized at the International Rubber Plant Summit, Yangon for innovative propagation techniques.
OTHER AWARDS & HONORS
OTHER AWARDS & HONORS
Best Farmer
Karimpuzha Krishi Bhavan
Best Farmer
Karimpuzha Grama Panchayat
Best Agriculture Award (2013)
Asianet Cable Vision
Best Farmer
Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi (KVVES)
Special Recognition
Deepika Daily (125th Anniversary), presented by Minister K.C. Joseph
Participation in Rubber Growers Conferences – 2006, 2010
Recognition from Federal Bank
Recognition from Canara Bank
Invitation from the Ministry of Agriculture, Uganda, to explore rubber cultivation potential
Commendations from various clubs, NGOs, media, political, and religious bodies
Participation in International Rubber Conferences
Kottayam (2002), Kovalam (2012)
Participation in the 1st Farmers’ Science Congress – 2008
RECOGNITION FROM THE INDIAN RUBBER BOARD
INTERNATIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Global Rubber Conference - Ho Chi Minh City (2012)
Cheerakuzhy was invited to present its Young Bud Root Trainer System- a cutting-edge propagation technique- at the Global Rubber Conference. The method received strong interest from over 250 international delegates, especially Vietnamese plantation experts.
International Rubber Plant Summit – Yangon, Myanmar (March 14–15, 2013)
Following the Vietnam conference, Cheerakuzhy was invited to the 3rd Rubber Plant Summit to present advancements in Root Trainer propagation combined with Young Budding techniques. The session received high praise for practical applications and scalability.
MAJOR INNOVATIONS IN THE
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
Young Bud Root Trainer Plants
01
Young Bud 3-in-1 & 2-in-1 Plants.
02
Crown Bud Root Trainer Plants
03
Collaborative R&D with RRII
04
Protected Greenhouses
05
Automated Coir Pith Processing Machine
06
Custom Root Trainer Tools & Equipment
07
Logistics & Transport Innovations
08
Root Trainer Technology for Other Species
09
Organizational Structure of Cheerakuzhy
Group of Nurseries
Today, the Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries operates as a multi-company horticultural enterprise, offering specialized services in rubber plant propagation, fruit plant production, ornamental horticulture, live plant exports, landscaping, and agricultural contract planting. The Group Consists of:
Cheerakuzhy Rubber Nursery and Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.
The flagship company of the group, renowned for its leadership in rubber plant propagation, nursery research, and plant production innovation.
Cheerakuzhy Agro Developers Pvt. Ltd.
Engaged in the production, propagation and sale of fruit plants for both domestic and export markets.
Specializes in the export of live plants, particularly to Oman and the UAE.
Actively participates in government tenders and agricultural projects from key
agencies
such as:
Attapadi Nurseries Pvt. Ltd.
Dedicated to the production of ornamental plants, flowering plants, and landscape plants exclusively.
Supplies high-quality decorative and landscaping species to domestic and commercial markets.
Cheerakuzhy Young Bud Rubber Nursery.
Specializes in rubber plant propagation using advanced young bud and root trainer techniques.
Produces other plantation crops including Coconut varieties, Arecanut varieties, Nutmeg, forest trees like Mahogany, and Teak.
Offers a wide selection of exotic and high-yielding fruit plant varieties.
Cheerakuzhy Gardens.
Provides an extensive collection of fruit plants, exotic species, ornamental plants, and garden accessories.
Offers door delivery and retail sales across Kerala, supported by an efficient logistics network.
Cheerakuzhy Landscapers.
Specializes in landscaping services and planting contract projects for residential, commercial, and institutional clients.
Offers complete solutions including garden development, lawn installation, and ongoing maintenance.
VFPCK (Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Kerala)
PCK (Plantation Corporation of Kerala)
Rubber Board of India
Various other state and national agricultural bodies.
01
02
03
04
05
06
Licenses and Government Approvals Held by
Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries
Nursery Registration Certificate
Status : Obtained
Rubber Board Recognition
Status : Obtained
Rubber planting materials.
Rubber Planting Material Certification
Status : Obtained
meet the quality standards specified by the Rubber Board.
Shops and Establishment Registration
GST Registration
MSME (Udyam) Registration
Plant Quarantine / Phytosanitary Certification
Import/Export License
Leadership of Mr. Jose Cheerakuzhy
Mr. Jose Cheerakuzhy, son of Shri K.C. Kuriakose, is the Managing Director of the Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries.
After completing his graduation in commerce, Mr. Jose joined the family business and played a pivotal role in its rapid modernization and expansion.
His Major Achievements Include :
Elevating the nursery to be recognized as one of Kerala’s best commercial nurseries
through business professionalism and high-quality production.
Successfully launching live plant exports, with a strong presence in Oman and the UAE.
Establishing an international branch in Oman, strengthening the group’s position in
Middle
Eastern markets.
Leading the group’s participation in government projects and tenders for major
agricultural
development programs.
Introducing modern logistics systems, route-based delivery services, and advanced
customer support frameworks.
Mr. Jose’s forward-thinking leadership continues to steer the Cheerakuzhy Group toward global growth, technological advancement, and customer-centric service excellence.
Distinguished Visitors and Endorsements
Over the years, the nursery has hosted numerous dignitaries and agricultural experts, including:
Dr. N.M. Mathew
Director, RRII
Dr. K.V. Peter
Vice Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University
Shri Sajan Peter IAS
Chairman, Rubber Board
Mrs. Sheela Thomas IAS
Chairperson, Rubber Board
Dr. J. Thomas
Rubber Production Commissioner
Dr. James Jacob
Director, RRII
Sri Sabu Idikkula
Rubber Production Commissioner
Senior Ministers, political leaders, and top officials from the Agriculture Department, Rubber Board, Coconut Board, and Spices Board.
Protected Cultivation and Research Milestones
In 2002, the nursery introduced the Protected Polyhouse System, setting new
benchmarks in controlled plant
propagation in rubber nursery. The nursery has since
collaborated with the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) on:
Evaluation of Young Bud Root Trainer Systems
Drought resistance studies on RRII clones (105, 414, 430)
Water consumption comparisons across budded stumps, polybag plants, and root trainer plants
Development and refinement of the Crown Bud Root Trainer System
Legal and Industry Recognition
In 2008, the Hon’ble District Court of Palakkad, in Case No. OS-5/2003, ruled in favor of Shri Kuriakose, legally affirming the originality of the Cheerakuzhy Young Budding Technique, thereby resolving a major industry dispute.
Industry Leadership and Seminars
In May 2012, Cheerakuzhy organized a prestigious Rubber Farmers’ Seminar, inaugurated by Mrs. Sheela Thomas IAS (Chairperson, Rubber Board) and presided over by Dr. J. Thomas (Rubber Production Commissioner). The keynote address was delivered by Dr. James Jacob, Director of RRII.
Global Expansion and
Export Milestones
First International Export – Saudi Arabia (2013)
Historic Achievement :
Cheerakuzhy became the first nursery in India to export Young Bud Root Trainer rubber plants with formal approval from the Rubber Board of India.
Destination :
Al Birk, Saudi Arabia, with a climate closely resembling Kerala’s.
Project Scale :
Developed a 100-acre rubber plantation with 3,000 initial plants, followed by 17,000 additional plants, totaling 20,000 saplings.
Comprehensive Support :
Provided planting materials and scientific consultancy services for successful project establishment.
Expansion to Myanmar (2014)
On January 13, 2014, Cheerakuzhy shipped its second international consignment to Myanmar, supplying Young Bud Root Trainer saplings to a leading plantation group.
Following these successful projects, Cheerakuzhy began receiving export inquiries from Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Oman, UAE, Qatar and several African nations.
Current Export Operations
Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries is now regularly exporting live plants, especially fruit plant varieties, to the UAE and Oman by sea.
Large consignments of fruit plants are shipped in climate-controlled containers to ensure plant health and viability during transit.
High-demand ornamental plants are exported by air freight, allowing faster delivery and ensuring the plants arrive fresh and in top-quality condition.
Cheerakuzhy’s reputation for quality, reliability, and international compliance has helped establish strong partnerships with clients in the Middle East.
The group is actively working to expand its market reach to other GCC countries and Southeast Asian nations.
INROAD Project Participation (2021–2026)
Since 2021, Cheerakuzhy has played a key role in the INROAD Project, a landmark 5-year public–private partnership (2021–2026) led by the Rubber Board of India, in collaboration with the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA).
Project Goals:
Promote large-scale rubber cultivation across North East India and West Bengal
Target 200,000 hectares of new rubber plantations
Supported by leading tyre manufacturers including Apollo Tyres, Ceat, JK Tyre, and MRF
As a major nursery partner, Cheerakuzhy is contributing its expertise and planting materials to help realize the project's ambitious national targets.
A Legacy of Excellence and
Global Vision
What began as a humble nursery in 1979 under Shri K.C. Kuriakose’s visionary leadership has today grown into a diversified, internationally respected horticultural enterprise driven by Mr. Jose Cheerakuzhy’s innovative management.
With its multi-company structure, global export operations, pioneering agricultural techniques, and farmer-first policies, the Cheerakuzhy Group of Nurseries remains committed to shaping the future of rubber cultivation, fruit plant propagation, ornamental horticulture, and international plant trade.
