Blue Bananas to Gac Fruit: Know How This Karnataka Farmer Cultivated 1,300 Exotic Fruits, Flowers, & Plants

Nestled in the picturesque Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka, Rajendra Hindumane's verdant farm is an enchanting oasis bursting with diversity. What sets this farm apart is not just its thriving areca nut and mango orchards, but the remarkable collection of over 1,300 rare and exotic fruit plants, spices, medicinal herbs, and wild flora that Rajendra has meticulously cultivated over the past two decades.

From Vietnamese Gac and Brazilian Jaboticaba to Malaysian Cempedak and Indonesian Blue Java banana, his farm showcases an extraordinary range of botanical treasures rarely seen in this part of the world.

The Beginnings of a Passion:

Rajendra's fascination with collecting rare fruits began 20 years ago when he had a serendipitous encounter with Satyanarain Bhat, an Electronics Engineering professor. Encouraged by fellow farmer Anil Balanja and plant collector Majjigesara Subramanya, Rajendra embarked on a quest to acquire an enviable assortment of fruits and medicinal plants from around the globe.

This journey led him to countries such as Vietnam, Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, and Hawaii, where he sourced rare specimens through middlemen and reputable nurseries in Kerala and West Bengal. Fueling his passion for this costly endeavor, Rajendra diverts proceeds from the sale of areca nuts, mango pickles, and spices like cloves and cardamom to acquire these prized botanical gems.

Nurturing the Exotic:

Upon the arrival of new seedlings or seeds, Rajendra ensures their optimal growth by first nurturing them in a polyhouse. This careful observation spans several months or even multiple seasons before the plants are transplanted into the open field. Despite occasional setbacks and losses, Rajendra's dedication prevails as he persistently learns and implements agronomic practices essential for the well-being of his precious collection.

A Family Embracing Biodiversity:

Rajendra's passion for collecting exotic fruits has not only left an indelible mark on his farm but has also inspired his twin daughters, Megha and Gagana, both software engineers, to follow in his footsteps. Together, they maintain a meticulously curated database of the farm's botanical treasures, documenting essential details such as botanical names, local names, habitats, flowering and fruiting seasons, medicinal properties, and unique characteristics. Their commitment to preserving knowledge ensures the legacy of this remarkable collection.

Hidden Gems:

Within the bounds of Rajendra's farm lies an astonishing array of plants that offer a glimpse into the wonders of nature's diversity. Noteworthy specimens include the tall perennial Banana Sugarcane, renowned for its prolific yield, the Popoulu banana native to the Polynesian islands, and the self-harvesting Uduru Bakke Jackfruit, which releases its ripe fruits effortlessly. Among the hidden gems is the Anangi tree (Oroxylum Indicum), known for its large leaf stalks that gather near the trunk, resembling a pile of broken limb bones. Its leaves, seeds, and fruits find culinary and traditional applications.

A Cornucopia of Flavors:

Rajendra's farm serves as a captivating cornucopia of flavors, boasting an astounding variety of fruits. The collection encompasses 65 types of mangoes, 40 banana varieties, 30 custard apples, 150 jackfruit cultivars, along with cashew nuts, citrus fruits, sapotas, cherries, rambutans, avocados, water apples, pineapples, coffee, bamboo, nutmeg, and a selection of guava plants. The diverse assortment creates a food forest and herb garden that delights the senses and showcases the region's rich agricultural heritage.

Also Read: How this Farmer Converted 'Almirahs' into High-Yield Fodder Systems for Cattle?

Preserving Natural Heritage:

Beyond the enchanting variety of fruits, Rajendra's farm also serves as a sanctuary for rare and medicinal herbs found in the Western Ghats. Recognized by the State for its significant contribution to the conservation of these precious botanical treasures, the farm stands as a testament to the importance of safeguarding biodiversity and indigenous plant species.

Harmony with Nature:

Managing a farm amidst the Sahyadri mountains presents its own challenges, including encounters with wildlife such as monkeys, Malabar squirrels, gaurs, hornbills, and wild pigs, which can cause significant crop losses. However, Rajendra has found harmony by strategically placing 15 bee boxes, which attract stingless bees that aid in pollination, ensuring a balance between agriculture and nature's delicate ecosystem.

A Plea for Liberating Quarantine Procedures:

As an ardent collector, Rajendra advocates for more lenient quarantine procedures, especially for plant varieties already introduced or naturalized in the country. He questions the need for rigorous quarantine protocols when importing plants like Catimon Mango from Thailand, emphasizing the importance of facilitating the exchange and cultivation of diverse botanical species.

A Fruit Lover's Paradise:

In the Hindumane household, every day brings the joy of savoring an exquisite array of fruits. Rajendra's passion for cultivating exotic treasures has created a haven where nature's bounty is cherished and shared. For Rajendra and his family, their farm is indeed a paradise for fruit lovers, where flavors, fragrances, and botanical marvels unite in harmony.

Also Read: Young Farmer's Success Story: Civil Engineer Earns ₹35 Lakhs from Four-Acre 'Red Banana' Farm