From Kerala to Oman:
The Remarkable Journey of
Dhamodharan Muraleedharan
Visionary Leader of Dalla Poultry Production LLC
The extraordinary life of Dhamodharan Muraleedharan, the dynamic and resourceful Managing Director of Dalla Poultry Production LLC (affectionately known as Murali farm), is a captivating tale of perseverance, ambition, and relentless hard work. His journey from a modest village in Kerala to the helm of a thriving poultry enterprise in Oman is nothing short of inspiring, offering a beacon of hope and determination for young dreamers and aspiring entrepreneurs.D
Born in the well-known Karoor family in the picturesque village of Mylom in Kerala’s Kollam district, Mr. Muralidharan’s roots were deeply embedded in the simplicity and traditions of rural life. He completed his schooling at the Kottarakkara Government Boys High School, where his fascination with agriculture and farming began to blossom. Even in his early years, he eagerly assisted his father, Damodharan, and mother, Bhavani, on their expansive 100-acre farm, soaking up the wisdom and skills that would later serve as the foundation for his success.
After completing his education, Mr. Muralidharan’s passion for agriculture led him to an agricultural training center in Marthandam, in what is now Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, in 1975. This year-long course equipped him with formal knowledge and practical expertise, which he soon put to use across various business ventures. His entrepreneurial spirit led him down diverse paths, including the furniture and timber industry, as well as a successful venture in farm equipment marketing. His business acumen was further demonstrated when he took on the role of a collection agent for his father’s chit fund business. Despite his success, internal family tensions forced him to step away, as his siblings feared he might take over the family enterprise.
Undeterred by this setback, Mr. Muralidharan set out for Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, hoping to secure a job through his brother-in-law. He soon found employment as a fitter in a steel company, Nimma Narayanan & Company, earning a modest daily wage of Rs.38. Despite the challenging conditions and low pay, his unwavering commitment kept him in the job for nearly four months before he returned to Punalur. Between 1976 and 1977, he juggled various jobs, including running timber and furniture businesses and even working on a fishing boat at Needakara harbor.
Driven by an insatiable quest for better opportunities, Mr. Muralidharan ventured to Vishakhapatnam, where he learned the intricate art of steering a boat, eventually earning the title of “srank.” During one particularly fortunate fishing expedition, he secured a significant catch, showcasing his growing expertise. Despite this success, he moved on after just a month, seeking new challenges. His journey continued as he took on roles in a boat for George Majo and Company in Puri district and later as a boat watchman in Paradeep, earning a daily wage of Rs.240. His dedication and hard work eventually led to a permanent position, which he held for three years until 1982.
While in Paradeep, Mr. Muralidharan’s leadership shone as he played a pivotal role in establishing the Paradeep Malayali Samajam, fostering a sense of community among Malayalis in the area. However, a devastating cyclone forced him to leave the region, once again propelling him to seek new horizons.
Throughout 1982 and 1983, Mr. Muralidharan moved from one port city to another, working as a srank in Royapuram, Chennai, and Kochi, before eventually working in a boat of former minister and RSP leader Baby John in Kollam district. His relentless pursuit of a better life led him to Goa, and then to Mumbai, where he patiently awaited a visa for the Middle East for two months.
In March 1983, Mr. Muralidharan’s persistence bore fruit when he landed in Muscat on a gardener’s visa. His task was to transform a barren five-acre plot into a flourishing farm, a challenge he embraced with unwavering dedication. His extensive agricultural training and years of hands-on farming experience proved invaluable as he successfully expanded the farm to an impressive 100 acres. This achievement was even more remarkable considering Noha farm, owned by Mr. Mustafa Hassan Ali, was located in the remote Ruwais area, which lacked basic amenities like electricity.
In 1987, Mr. Muralidharan briefly returned to India, but by 1989, he was back in Oman with a commercial manager’s visa, ready to continue his work at the farm. He soon introduced Indian country chicken to the farm, hatching eggs using an incubator. These hardy birds quickly gained popularity, drawing customers from near and far to purchase chicks for their own ventures. Recognizing the farm’s potential, the Ministry of Agriculture, through the Barka Municipality, began purchasing these chicks for distribution to people across the region. Mr. Muralidharan’s remarkable success did not go unnoticed, and his farm was honored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Muscat Municipality for its outstanding contribution to the local agricultural sector.
Today, Murali farm in Barka stands as a thriving enterprise, raising a diverse range of poultry, including quail, turkey, country chicken, duck, goose, guinea fowl, and even peacocks, both for eggs and meat. The farm, that also had goats and cows, has become a beloved destination for Indian expatriates and locals alike, who visit not only to purchase fresh eggs and meat but also to introduce their children to the fascinating world of domestic fowl. The farm’s impact extends beyond its own operations, as it has sparked a wave of job creation in rural Oman, with many individuals turning to poultry farming using chicks supplied by Murali farm.
Despite the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted operations and caused setbacks, Mr. Muralidharan’s unwavering determination ensured the farm’s survival and eventual recovery. As demand surged once again, the farm even experienced a temporary shortage of supply. Now, with the farm back on its feet, Mr. Muralidharan is actively planning to expand his operations and relocate to a larger site to accommodate the growing demand.
In addition to his business achievements, Mr. Muralidharan remains deeply involved in his community. He serves as a core committee member of the SNDP Oman Union and is the founder of the Barka SNDP branch in 2016. In 2023, he was honored by Vellapally Natesan, the General Secretary of SNDP Union, during a visit to Muscat, recognizing his significant contributions to the community.
On the personal front, after the passing of his first wife Radhamani Murali, Mr. Muralidharan married Sasikala, a dedicated homemaker. He has two children from his first marriage. His son, Ajay Murali, holds a postgraduate degree in Sociology and works in the health sector in the United Kingdom, where he is settled. His daughter, Athira Murali, has completed her M.Sc. in animal science in Australia and is now employed in government service there. Sasikala’s son, Sachin Dev, is an aeronautical engineer in the United Kingdom.
Today, Dalla Poultry Production LLC (Murali farm) is not just a successful business; it is a testament to Mr. Dhamodharan Muraleedharan’s incredible journey—a journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a tireless pursuit of excellence. His story is a vivid illustration of how unwavering dedication and an indomitable spirit can turn dreams into reality, inspiring generations to come.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Address: Dalla Poultry Production LLC (Murali farm),
Near Al Noman China Wholesale Mart, Barka.
Contact: +968 9937 8127
