Shivani Gupta

After retirement, Remabhai S (58) from Kollam, Kerala, found solace in cultivating dragon fruits on her terrace using innovative soilless methods. Now, she harvests 500 kg of dragon fruit every month, earning Rs 1 lakh.

This Kharif season, farmers across India are turning to smart, sustainable methods—like using ducks to manage pests and choosing climate-resilient seeds—to grow better crops with fewer resources. These practical techniques are helping protect the environment while improving harvests. Here’s how more farmers can make the shift this season.

Gaurav Pachauri took up freshwater pearl farming after failing to crack government exams for four years. He set up a pearl farm in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, earning Rs 55 lakh within 21 months.

Rohit Kumar, a 19-year-old from Jamshedpur, transformed his life from selling phone covers on the streets to clearing the NEET UG examination. Despite financial and personal hardships, his dedication has brought him closer to becoming the first doctor in his family and village.

Inspired by the precision and density techniques employed in European vineyards, Suraj Panigrahy decided to bring this innovative approach to India’s mango farming. Using drones, drip irrigation, and sensors, he maximises yield by seven times.

After working in the corporate world, Vikrant Kale turned to his farming roots in Maharashtra. Interestingly, he transformed apple farming by cultivating up to 16,000 kg of apples annually in Maharashtra’s scorching 44°C heat.

Biju Narayanan, a mechanical engineer from Kannur, Kerala, transformed his family's unprofitable rubber farm into a thriving agro-business by adopting high-density and multi-level cropping techniques. His innovative approach has led to earnings of up to Rs 15 lakh per acre from exotic fruits like rambutan and mangosteen.

Discover how Hyderabad-based Ashok Rao turned his 2,000 sq ft rooftop into a flourishing garden with over 200 organic plant species, transforming his lifestyle post-retirement.

This Father’s Day, let’s transform the conversation by encouraging open dialogues with our fathers, reminding them it’s okay to not be okay. Mumbai-based psychiatrists, Dr Anjali Chhabria and Dr Harish Shetty, highlight children’s crucial role in helping fathers feel understood and nurtured.

Discover five proven strategies from IAS officers to excel in the UPSC CSE 2025 Mains, including smart revision, short notes, and answer crafting.