Berhampur: In a transformative shift, around 500 tribal farmers in Kandhamal district have embraced marigold cultivation, replacing their traditional vegetable crops.
Supported by the district administration, this new venture under Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM) is proving to be a promising alternative livelihood, boosting income and offering hope to farmers.
Farmers in three blocks — Phulbani, Phiringia and Khajuripada — have taken to floriculture, cultivating marigold on 100 acres of land across 47 villages. For many, this is their first foray into commercial flower farming. “We cultivated marigold on about two acres of barren land with the help of Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Phulbani,” said Sulochana Mallick, president of a self-help group in Satanjagri village. Since their harvest began in late Nov, they have been producing 50 kg of flowers every alternate day. The flowers, sold at an average rate of Rs 60 per kg, are expected to be harvested until Feb.
Subal Mallick, a farmer from Lambagudri in Khajuripada block, also made the switch to marigold farming, growing flowers on half an acre of land previously used for vegetables. “I believe marigold is more profitable than traditional vegetable crops,” he said.
Kandhamal collector Amrit Ruturaj, who spearheaded the marigold farming project, said farmers are now earning substantial profits. “Farmers, on average, are selling marigold at Rs 50 per kg and are expected to earn up to Rs 80,000 per acre,” said Ruturaj.
P Murali Mohan, project manager of ITDA, said they provided saplings and technical support to the farmers for marigold farming under MMJJM. He added that around Rs 23 lakh was spent for the purpose. According to sources, farmers started cultivation in Oct and began harvesting in the last week of Nov.
“Farmer producers’ group (FFG) is procuring their products in bulk, which are supplied to different towns. Besides, farmers also sell flowers individually in the market at a rate of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg, depending on the quality,” said Mohan, adding that farmers have harvested around 8.5 tonnes of marigold so far.