THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Vattiyoorkavu native R Pushpakumar’s life has never been easy. His legs were paralysed due to polio at the age of four but he continued battling against his limitations. He has created a small fruit garden on his terrace to take care of during his retirement life. 56-year-old Pushpakumar retires on May 31. His 800 sq ft garden includes mango, guava and zapotta, all ripened.

Pushpakumar is the senior superintendent of KSEB headquarters, in Pattom. He started terrace farming a year and a half ago as a way to avoid boredom during retirement. Mango and other trees were planted in containers that look nicer than grow bags. He learned farming methods by reading and watching YouTube. The soil was prepared and the barrels were brought on rooftop with the help of the family. There are 12 varieties of mangoes including Alphonsa, Chakarakombi, Koturkonam, Mallika etc. Pushpakumar takes care of this. A wheelchair is placed on the terrace. Watering with a hose and fertilizing is done by sitting on it. Branches are cut to control growth. Last month was the second harvest. 15 kg of mangoes and more than 50 lemons were received from one tree. The central government recognized Pushpakumar’s work through Atma scheme and provided financial assistance.

His wife Jyothi and son Bharath help him. His elder son Anandu is in London for higher studies.

Pushpakumar didn’t go to school after polio crippled his legs. He completed tenth, Pre-degree by studying at home. He loved the fields and soil during childhood and which in turn made him a farmer now. He said that his farming is not aimed for sales or financial profit but to reduce pressure and increase pleasure.