After retiring at 58, Remabhai S from Kerala found purpose in growing dragon fruits on her terrace, earning ₹1 lakh monthly and inspiring others with her journey.
At 58, Remabhai S from Kollam, Kerala, has transformed her retirement into a thriving venture by cultivating dragon fruits on her terrace using innovative soilless methods. With a monthly harvest of 500 kg, she earns an impressive ₹1 lakh, turning her grief into a purposeful journey.
After dedicating 36 years to teaching zoology and serving as a headmistress, Remabhai embraced retirement in 2022. The loss of her mother around the same time left her feeling lonely and adrift. “She was a strong woman who welcomed me every day,” Remabhai recalls, reflecting on her mother’s influence. With her husband occupied with work and her son living far away in Delhi, she sought solace in gardening, transforming her terrace into a lush sanctuary.
Inspired by her son’s insights about the health benefits of dragon fruit, including its ability to lower cholesterol, Remabhai decided to cultivate this exotic fruit. Despite conventional wisdom suggesting that dragon fruits require soil, she boldly opted for a soilless planting method due to space constraints. “Since it was impractical to move soil to the terrace, I decided to become creative.,” she explains.
Remabhai successfully grows 100 dragon fruit plants in large plastic barrels filled with a nutrient-rich compost mixture. Her method involves layering green leaves, sawdust, rice husks, and compost, creating an ideal environment for root growth. Additionally, she crafts organic fertilizers from fish, prawn shells, and vegetable waste, which promote healthy growth and fruiting.
Her dedication is evident in her meticulous care for the plants. “On my terrace, 200 to 300 flowers grow every day; it makes me happy,” she shares. Her produce not only sells out quickly but is also sent to her son, Dr. Krishna Advait, who cherishes the organic dragon fruits. “My mother’s affection comes through her fresh fruits,” he says, proud of her resilience.
Beyond farming, Remabhai shares her expertise through her YouTube channel, "JC’s World," inspiring others with her journey. For her, the act of nurturing plants has alleviated loneliness and reignited her passion for life. She says, "I may be 58, but I feel 20!” with a spirit of youth that transcends time.
Remabhai's story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and the healing nature of pursuing one’s passions, proving that retirement can be the beginning of a vibrant new chapter.
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