Archive · 27 Sep 2025
Ex-Engineer Cultivates 'Poor Man's Rose' and Transforms Farming
Lokesh Patade, an ex-engineer, now grows geraniums, also known as the "poor man's rose."
He uses this plant to make essential oil for perfumes and air fresheners, making a good income.
He teaches farmers how to grow geraniums, which are easy to grow, and generate high profits.
He also makes air fresheners from the leftover parts of the plant.
His work helps farmers earn more and supports the environment by reducing waste.
Lokesh Patade transitioned from electrical engineering to geranium farming.
He earns around Rs 12 lakhs annually from geranium and vegetable cultivation.
He pioneered the cultivation and extraction of geranium oil in Chhattisgarh.
Lokesh manufactures organic, hydrosol-based air fresheners using geranium byproducts.
He is training farmers to adopt sustainable geranium farming practices.
- Who
- Lokesh Patade, a former electrical engineer.
- What
- He is growing geraniums, producing essential oil, and creating organic air fresheners.
- When
- Within the last few years.
- Where
- Jayramnagar, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh.
- Why
- To create a sustainable and profitable farming model.
- Main focus
- Geranium cultivation and sustainable farming
- Key Person
- Lokesh Patade, former electrical engineer
- Annual Income
- Around Rs 12 lakhs
- Geranium Oil Price
- Up to Rs 11,000 per liter
- Location
- Jayramnagar, Chhattisgarh
- Innovation
- Organic hydrosol air fresheners