Garden of Eden in Dhanarajan's 45 cents, Rs 1.5 lakh income

KOLLAM: 52 species of fruit trees in 45 cents and most of them can be harvested everyday. The orchard of Kollam Pattathanam natives Dhanarajan-Sasikumar couple earns a profit of Rs 1.50 lakh a year. After 28 years of expat life, the couple returned 15 years ago and set up a fruit orchard. It started with mango seedlings bought from the farm. Slowly they planted other trees also. In five years, the number of species has crossed 50.

The couple wake up at 5 am. Then they spent 3 hours in the farm for watering, fertilizing and applying organic pesticides. From 4-6 pm again in the garden. Fruits are sold at Kollam.

As the cultivation became success, one and a half acres were bought in Mukhathala and fruit trees have been planted. Vegetables and tubers are also cultivated here.

'Income is not our only aim. We are not bothered by any diseases but the farming keeps us happy, said N Dhanarajan.