Technician turns farmer, 31-year-old Sooraj earns Rs 1 lakh per month from jasmine cultivation

THRISSUR: A son who took over his mother’s jasmine (kutimulla) cultivation in ten cents, has now become a wholesaler of jasmine. The flower cultivation has been spread over two and a half acres. He earns a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh.

Koratty native Sooraj left his job as a technician at the Gujarat Shipyard ten years ago and became active in flower cultivation. This 31-year-old now spends twelve hours a day in his garden. He goes to his garden at 5 am with his mother, wife and younger brother to pluck flowers. It will take three and a half hours to complete. After that, it is a rush to deliver jasmine flowers for wedding purposes and festivals.

Cultivation is on one acre land owned by him and on leased one and a half acre. Harvest is high is in summer. Especially in April.

Being a member of a farming family, Sooraj was interested in agriculture during his studies. It has been 11 years since he turned to jasmine cultivation. His wife Shilpa also helps him.Two-year-old Shinvey is his son.

Can harvest for 15 years

1.The season is from February to May. The yield will be less in the later months. Can harvest for 15 years.

2. Can earn up to 1 lakh during the wedding and festival season with the yield from 2.5 acre.

3. Flowering starts within a month of planting but good yield starts within a year.

Encouragement

Their neighbours are Tamil Nadu natives and they encouraged Sooraj’s mother Sini to start jasmine cultivation in 10 cents. It was later expanded by Sooraj.

Average income

(per month on two and half acres)

Production: 200-250 kg

Price: Rs. 500-700 (per kg)

Rs 1500 is the price during festive season

Income: Rs 100000