Rent a Tree: A startup turning mango lovers into tree owners

Innovative ideas often grow from simple, everyday experiences, and Rent a Tree is a perfect example.

Founded by Kochi-based entrepreneur Umesh Damodaran, the startup reimagines how people buy and enjoy mangoes by offering them the chance to lease entire trees instead of purchasing fruit by the kilo.

The idea took shape during Umesh’s frequent travels between Kochi and Bengaluru. After sharing premium Alphonso mangoes with friends, a neighbour made an unusual request to reserve the yield of a single tree.

This sparked the concept of giving customers ownership of a tree’s harvest without the burden of farming.

Today, Rent a Tree manages nearly 250 acres of mango farms across Ratnagiri, Dindigul, and Palakkad.

Customers can lease trees through an online platform, choosing from categories based on yield capacity.

Plans range from 30 kg to 90 kg per season, with prices starting at ₹10,300. As demand rises closer to harvest time, prices also increase.

The model is simple yet effective. Customers pay upfront and receive regular updates about their tree’s condition.

During the harvest season, which varies by region, mangoes are picked every two weeks and delivered directly to customers. This ensures freshness and a personal connection to the produce.

Moreover, the startup addresses a major issue in the fruit supply chain. Typically, mangoes are harvested early to prevent spoilage during transport.

As a result, artificial ripening methods are often used, affecting both taste and health. Rent a Tree avoids this by delivering naturally ripened, freshly plucked fruits, ensuring superior quality.

At the same time, the model benefits farmers significantly. The company leases land directly from them and manages operations with local labour.

This reduces farmers’ dependence on middlemen and financiers, who often control pricing and processing. Consequently, farmers earn more stable and fair returns.

In addition to leasing trees, the startup also sells mangoes directly and processes surplus into pulp.

However, awareness remains a challenge, as trust is crucial in a model that requires advance payment.

Looking ahead, Rent a Tree plans to expand into other fruits like rambutan and mangosteen.

By blending agriculture with a customer-centric approach, the startup is creating a more transparent and rewarding ecosystem for both consumers and farmers.

Image Credit: Rentatree Website Screenshot

Image Reference: https://rentatree.in/