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

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.