‘I Eat What I Harvest’: 68-YO Ex-Banker Grows 200+ Organic Veggies & Fruits on His Terrace

In the serene precincts of Hyderabad, there is a home that embodies the essence of life through its lush green rooftop garden. Stretching over 2,000 square feet, this rooftop is a tapestry of vibrant plant species — from vegetables and fruits to a brilliant array of flowers.

Among the leafy expanses, one can find tomatoes, coriander, mint, spring onions, garlic, and even drumsticks – a remarkable sight in an urban setting. Fruits are no strangers to this rooftop either. Mangoes, figs, pomegranates, sweet lemons, and oranges flourish, transforming the space into a veritable orchard.

The owner of this lush green haven is Ashok Rao.

Ashok’s journey into gardening took root during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as an exploratory venture soon blossomed into a fulfilling daily routine. Today, his terrace garden boasts over 200 plants, each thriving under his devoted care.

His passion for vegetables is evident in every corner of his garden. Although he modestly claims he might not grow everything, the rooftop yields a bounty sufficient to sustain him and his wife, Neeraja Kumari (60), gracing their dining table with fresh and colourful produce every day.

A labour of love and daily care

Neeraja shares the couple’s deep appreciation for greenery. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, we stayed confined to our home, avoiding visitors and not visiting anyone either, which left us feeling quite bored. My husband came up with the idea of starting a rooftop garden,” she tells The Better India.

“We reside in a villa within a gated community that spans 350 square yards. We’ve been maintaining this garden for the past four years. While my husband takes on a larger role, I actively participate by providing manure and removing weeds. Over time, I’ve grown passionate about caring for the plants, tending to them as if they were my children,” Neeraja adds.

She noted that the couple no longer needs to purchase vegetables from the market, as their rooftop garden provides more than enough.

As a diabetic, Ashok carefully manages his diet, focusing on consuming minimal carbohydrates. His diet is rich in salads. “I was recommended to have four small meals a day instead of one large meal. I typically have rice in one portion and salads in the other three meals,” he says.

For many, success in gardening comes with challenges, particularly when growing a diverse range of vegetables. Yet, Ashok finds joy in relying mainly on what his rooftop yields, rarely purchasing produce from outside. “I refrain from buying any vegetables from the market. I prepare my salads and other meals using whatever I harvest from my rooftop. We adjust our meals according to what our rooftop provides,” he smiles.

“On days when certain produce is abundant, we get creative with dishes like tomato rice, coriander rice, or mint rice,” he adds.

From banking to blooms

Before embarking on this horticultural journey, Ashok was an Assistant General Manager at City Union Bank until 2014. After years devoted to his banking career in the city, the 68-year-old embraced a quieter life on the periphery of Hyderabad, where he finds peace amidst the encroachment of urban development. 

Following his retirement, and particularly inspired by the constraints of the pandemic, he transformed his rooftop into a thriving garden — a project fueled by a love for nature and a quest for change.

“For many years, we focused on our careers and contributing to the growth of our organisation. Later, I decided to focus on what truly matters to us as we plan for the future,” Ashok shares.

“The isolation of the pandemic lockdowns nudged me towards the meditative allure of gardening. People like me don’t have many friends, and without other hobbies, some might turn to activities like playing cards,” Ashok reflects. But for him, the joy of gardening and indulging in healthy meals prevailed.

Neeraja adds, “Instead of languishing in boredom, this activity gives us something rewarding to do. It provides us with exercise, promotes health, and brings us peace.”

Their meticulous planning and enthusiasm for gardening have resulted in a space where every inch celebrates life and growth.

This commitment of Ashok extends to sustainable composting techniques. “I make my own compost by layering kitchen waste, dry leaves, branches, cow dung, and soil. Once the drum is filled, I let it sit for 45 days. Then, I stir it regularly for about a week. After that, it is ready to use. This enriches my garden’s fertility,” he adds.

In addition to this, Ashok uses vermicompost and sprays neem oil on his plants every 15 days to control pests. “I also spray diluted cow urine on my plants. For this, I mix one mug of cow urine with 10 litres of water. This concentration must be carefully maintained, as a stronger solution can damage the plants. I also sprinkle ash powder on black bean plants. Another method is to mix starch powder with water. The sticky solution traps pests, which can then be washed off the next day by spraying the plants with water,” he explains.

More than just a garden

Ashok’s dedication to urban organic gardening has earned him recognition from the Telangana horticulture department, and his work is often highlighted in local media. Despite these accolades, Ashok remains focused on the sheer joy of nurturing life.

His connection with his garden goes beyond mere sustenance. It is a personal journey — an exploration into self-sufficiency and the small joys of life. His garden is more than a hobby; it’s a narrative of transformation and continual learning. “Gardening,” he says, “is not about monetary returns. It’s about the happiness it brings and the health it nurtures.”

For Ashok, retirement is not a time for rest but a canvas on which to paint a new chapter. His garden, born out of necessity during isolation, has become a symbol of personal growth and a continuous quest for knowledge.

“I found tranquility amidst chaos and discovered not just a hobby but a new way of life — one where each day begins with the simple act of tending to a leaf with care. Through gardening, I have found not only solace but also a vibrant reminder that life, much like a carefully nurtured plant, can flourish in the most unexpected places,” he smiles.

Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Ashok Rao.

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