In Kerala’s village of Kollam, Remabhai, 67, is defying convention and writing a new book on retirement. Retired school teacher, she has turned the garden behind her house into a thriving dragon fruit orchard here’s the best part: she’s doing it without soil.
Having retired from school teaching since 2011, Remabhai was not content to remain at home idle. She had a penchant for farming, and her hobby gardening was gardening over, which was an exercise in doing something new and environment-friendly. When she came across soil-less farming, she was curious and went on to experiment with it.
Rather than conventional farming, Remabhai employs grow bags and a specially prepared growing medium of coconut husk, cow dung manure, and compost to grow her dragon fruits. Not only does the method conserve land area and lower weed cover, but it also provides each plant with the ideal nutrients it requires regardless of soil. The outcome? Buckets full of lush green dragon fruit plants that have turned her house into a mini-farm.
She began modestly, with a couple of cuttings at best. But having been successful initially and having gained self-confidence, Remabhai diversified her farm. Today, she has over 100 dragon fruit trees around her house, and she harvests hundreds of fruits annually. Not only for eating, she sells them for the mere purpose of earning money and earning respect from the people.
What a highlight about Remabhai is her commitment to learning. At her age, she remains current with farm practices, studies plant care methods, and even provides consultancy for others who want to attempt dragon fruit farming themselves. Her success is such a pretty mix of curiosity, grit, and an open heart to adapting.
In a time when food security and sustainable farming are global concerns, Remabhai’s efforts offer a glowing example of how individual action even from the smallest corner of a village, can inspire change. With no formal training in agriculture, she’s proof that passion, when paired with innovation, can blossom into something truly impactful.
From the chalkboard to the garden, Remabhai’s transition is more than a retirement story, it’s a tale of growth, purpose, and the power of reimagining what’s possible, no matter your age.
