October 11, 2024 | the better india |
In Karnataka’s Kadaba, Lohith Shetty transformed a 41-acre farm into a profitable venture cultivating exotic fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, and dragon fruit. Despite leaving school early due to financial constraints, Lohith gained expertise in exotic fruit cultivation through a job in Dharmasthala, which he used to establish his farm in 2016. By employing organic methods and techniques like drip irrigation, Lohith now earns over Rs 1 crore annually, with rambutan, dragon fruit, and mangosteen grown on separate plots using tailored growing conditions. His farm supplies fruit to cities across southern India and includes a nursery where he cultivates and manages exotic plants for other growers. Lohith’s story reflects innovation and resilience in farming, adapting successfully to both environmental and market demands.