From mint · Anjali Thakur · · 1m 10s
Kerala Farmer's Organic Lemon Success
Kerala farmer Rajan Mathew earned ₹13 lakh by switching from rubber to organic lemons.
In brief
Kerala farmer Rajan Mathew earned ₹13 lakh by switching from rubber to organic lemons. Rajan Mathew earned ₹13 lakh in peak-season earnings by growing organic lemons on his 0.8-acre farm. Originally reported by mint.
Quick answers
- Why Switch?
- Declining rubber returns and Kerala's reliance on Tamil Nadu lemons prompted Mathew to grow lemons locally during the pandemic.
- What is the key takeaway from Kerala Farmer's Organic Lemon Success?
- Rajan Mathew earned ₹13 lakh in peak-season earnings by growing organic lemons on his 0.8-acre farm.
Rajan Mathew's Farm Shift
Rajan Mathew returned to Kerala after nearly three decades in the Gulf to replace rubber with organic lemon farming.
Peak Season Earnings
His 0.8-acre organic lemon orchard produces five tonnes annually at ₹260 per kg during peak demand.
Why Switch?
Declining rubber returns and Kerala's reliance on Tamil Nadu lemons prompted Mathew to grow lemons locally during the pandemic.
“I wondered why we couldn't grow them here”
100 Trees, Five Tonnes
100 lemon trees yield five tonnes annually through varieties like Ganapathi and Kaji Nimu lemons.
Organic Farming Methods
Mathew uses organic inputs like Jeevamrut and fish amino acid for soil health and has organic certification.
Direct Sales Model
Mathew sells lemons directly to customers and accepts bulk orders for weddings and events.
Kerala's Crop Shift
Kerala farmers explore alternatives to rubber amid changing weather and supply-chain challenges.
The main idea
Rajan Mathew earned ₹13 lakh in peak-season earnings by growing organic lemons on his 0.8-acre farm.
