Eldhose gave up nursing to start lotus farming; now earns Rs 50,000 per month

KOCHI: Eldhose P Raju was a nurse once. However, he retired for good, with the intention to earn more and see where he is now. Eldhose is now into lotus farming, and suffice it to say that the youngster has found his niche with sprawling success. His house is now covered in lotus of all hues with most of them placed in small bowls and tea cups. Be it the terrace, floors, or courtyard, the house exhumes the fresh country odor of pink lotus. The 'micro lotus business was tried six years back and coming to the present day, Eldhose earns easily Rs 50000 a month.

The small-sized 'spark lotus' was first grown in China. In India, it is the Liang li lotus that attracts the market. The micro lotus will be less than 5 cm in height. For this, fresh soil and cow dung should be used as manure in a ratio of 90:7:3. This should be made into an admixture and lotus should be placed inside the mix. The flower should be placed inside a small bowl easy enough to accommodate the whole. With adequate water, the pink-colored lotus will gleam inside the bowl.

Eldhose worked as a nurse in Qatar and Mumbai for a combined 13 years. It was in 2019 that he had a calling to pursue his heart rather than move on with his mundane life. He now sells the lotus root for Rs 400 each. A youtube channel describing the business will soon be a reality, says Eldhose. His wife Ranjini and the whole family are all supportive of Eldhose's farming endeavors.