Agriculture

Farmers from several Indian states have taken up agroforestry, which is the practice of integrating trees and shrubs with crops and livestock. Researchers weigh in on why this is a promising solution to agricultural crisis and climate change.

Jagan Prahlad Bagade, also known as ‘cactus man’, from Maharashtra grew tired of wild animals and pest attacks on his crops. So he came up with an eco-friendly and low-cost solution.

Bihar homemaker Rekha Kumari turned entrepreneur with a successful mushroom business she started at home, selling laddoos, biscuits, pickles and more and earning lakhs from it.

Urban gardener Reshma Renjan shares expert tips to grow five everyday herbs like lemongrass, rosemary, mint, and more using hydroponics right in your kitchen, without any mess, complications, or soil.

Jojo Punnackal from Ernakulam, Kerala has been growing the gac fruit — an exotic and nutritious fruit from Vietnam — for the past four years. He earns around Rs 2 lakh by selling its seeds alone.

After retirement, Idukki-native Punnoose Jacob decided to pursue farming as a hobby. He now sells his fresh produce under the brand ‘Mangalam Foods’.

Want to grow papaya at home? Terrace gardener Mythreyan N M from Chennai grows several types of vegetables and fruits, including papaya, in his 1200 sq ft terrace.

Merlin Moothedan, along with his sons Midhun and Manu Merlin, runs a six-acre mangosteen farm which has trees up to 140 years old and a fascinating origin story.

Dr C Narayanan Kutty, an award-winning retired professor from the Kerala Agriculture University, shares tips on how one can grow vegetables commercially via grafting, a method known to yield faster and better results in farming.

Urban gardener Anupama Desai shares how you can grow these five winter vegetables right at home, and why August is the perfect time to start.