Retired Couple Teaches 3,000 People to Grow Their Own Food

When N Madhubalan and RR Suseela retired from Tamil Nadu's agriculture department, they didn't slow down. They rolled up their sleeves and grew something remarkable.

The couple started small in 2011, turning their 1,500 square foot rooftop in Dharmapuri into a lush garden with just 10,000 rupees. They collected seeds and manure from local farmers and organizations, learning as they planted.

By 2021, they were ready to dream bigger. They purchased half an acre of land and created a mini forest with over 50 trees including mango, lemon, guava, coconut, and mahogany.

But growing food was only half the story. Madhubalan and Suseela wanted everyone to experience the joy and benefits of organic farming.

Through Madhubalan's Facebook page "Vivasayam karkalam" (Let's Learn Agriculture), the couple began offering free online classes. They teach drip irrigation, organic farming techniques, and over 50 natural soil-enhancing solutions.

The lessons are practical and accessible. They use farmyard manure, vermicompost, neem cakes, and pungam cakes to enrich their soil. "I believe the more biodiversity there is on a farm, the more stable it is," Madhubalan explains.

The Ripple Effect

More than 3,000 people have joined their 30 virtual sessions so far. Hundreds of farmers and neighbors have visited their home and farm to learn in person.

The real magic happens when students send back photos and videos. Rooftop gardens now flourish across the region, and some homemakers have turned their new skills into steady income by selling produce.

"We're happy when students send photos and videos of their rooftop gardens, and proud that some homemakers earn a decent income from selling their produce," Madhubalan says. Each photo represents someone who learned they could grow their own food, save money, and maybe even build a small business.

At 64 and 61, this couple proves retirement is the perfect time to plant seeds of change.