Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Aug 19: Kiran Devadiga (36), a city-based lawyer by profession, cultivated jasmines (Shankarapura variety) in the balcony of her home. She began the cultivation in March last year.

Jasmines are grown in different parts of the country and areas are known for growing unique varieties which are different from others in size, fragrance, looks etc.

Kiran was interested in farming but because she grew up in a city, she could not afford to do that. During the lockdown, she had ample time which she utilized to rekindle her interest in farming. She diverted her energy and interest to cultivating jasmine. She was laughed at by her own family members when she explained to them about her plan to raise jasmine flowers.

Kiran studied about cultivating jasmines and thought of having her farm on the terrace. Once she found out online the methodology of terrace gardening, the other aspects were easy. She found that patience and interest in cultivation are the only two things which are needed to become a farmer. She was aided by the owner of a private nursery in the city to identify the plants which can be grown. She then zeroed in on jasmine cultivation. She bought 90 plants at Rs 3,150 and bought 100 earthen pots, which were shifted to the terrace. She got help from YouTube users having experience in terrace gardening.

Kiran now proudly says that her family members who laughed at her idea are now proud of her. They are helping her to raise the jasmine plants. They too are inspired by Kiran's success in earning Rs 85,000 from this hobby, to raise their own jasmine farms.