Kerala Farmer Transforms Rubber Plantation Into Profitable Exotic Fruit Farm, Earns Rs 15 Lakh Per Acre

Image Source : The Better India

Biju Narayanan, a mechanical engineer-turned-farmer from Kannur, Kerala, has successfully transitioned from rubber cultivation to high-density exotic fruit farming, earning up to Rs 15 lakh per acre. His innovative approach, which includes multi-level cropping and direct-to-consumer sales, has turned his once-struggling rubber plantation into a thriving agribusiness.

The Shift From Rubber To Exotic Fruits

- Kerala, India’s largest rubber-producing state, has seen declining profitability in rubber farming due to rising production costs and cheap imports from Vietnam and Indonesia
- Narayanan’s family farm struggled with rubber prices dropping to Rs 110 per kg, while production costs remained at Rs 160 per kg
- In response, he replaced rubber trees with high-value crops such as rambutan, mangosteen, pepper, areca nut, coconut, and cashew
- His decision was initially met with skepticism, but his strategic approach has since proven highly successful

High-Density Farming And Multi-Level Cropping

- Narayanan adopted high-density farming, planting 100 rambutan trees per acre instead of the conventional 50-60 trees
- His multi-level cropping method maximizes land use, with tall coconut trees, mid-level mangosteen, and lower-tier crops like pepper and tapioca
- This technique allows multiple crops to thrive simultaneously, increasing yield and profitability

Direct-To-Consumer Sales And Organic Farming

- To reduce dependency on middlemen, Narayanan sells his produce directly to consumers via social media platforms like Facebook
- His rambutan harvest alone generates Rs 15 lakh per acre, with fruits sold at Rs 250 per kg
- He follows organic farming practices, using 80 percent organic fertilizers such as cow dung and vermicompost, ensuring sustainable and chemical-free produce

Future Outlook

Narayanan’s success story highlights the potential of innovative farming techniques in India. His transition from rubber to exotic fruit cultivation serves as a model for farmers seeking profitable alternatives in agriculture.

Sources: News18 Kannada, The Better India, AnimalOnly.