The two Midnapore districts in West Bengal are famous for their floriculture, with farmers in West Medinipur and East Medinipur cultivating various flowers. One flower with increasing demand is the marigold, which is essential for various pujas and social events. Production has been affected by erratic weather conditions, leading to a decline in yield.
As a result, both demand and imports of marigold flowers are decreasing in the market. The lack of rain and high temperatures during the monsoon season has caused many flowers to wilt, naturally driving up market prices. What do farmers and traders have to say about this situation?
Marigold flowers are widely used in social and religious ceremonies, making them highly versatile for both puja and decorative purposes. Currently, market demand exceeds production, causing prices to rise. Several farmers in Pingla, West Midnapore district, cultivate marigold flowers and have been profiting well each year.
Uttam Ghora, a farmer from Pingla, cultivates marigolds on several decimals of land, earning substantial profits annually. He grows marigold flowers in an area of about 18 decimals, with initial expenses ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000. With minimal fertiliser use, he reaps significant profits, often doubling his investment at current market rates. The flowers are sold both in local markets and other places, including Kolaghat, at wholesale prices.
Thus, cultivating marigold flowers, even on a small scale, can yield good annual profits. The flowers bloom within a few months with minimal care. However, due to unpredictable weather, the production has slightly decreased. Nonetheless, farmers are still making a profit by meeting market demand with their marigold cultivation.
Another farmer named Balasubramanian of Nalur Village near the Kodavasal panchayat of Thiruvarur district does marigold cultivation. While interacting with News18, he said that he has been cultivating flowers on his agricultural land for the last 8 years. During the festive season, the market of flowers yields good profit for him, the farmer added.
He shared that he buys the seeds of the flower from the Ossur area. After buying them, he sows them on his land. These seedlings grow and the flowers are ready for harvest in 45 days. Through this process, the Marigold flowers are grown and they are plucked every 3 days.
The prices for flowers increase during the festive season. Balasubramanian added that if he spends Rs 10,000 per acre for farming then he earns a profit of Rs 80,000 for each acre.
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