Bhavnagar farmer embraces flower cultivation, boosting income

Bhavnagar: Mota Asrana is a small village in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat, where farmers are gradually moving towards flower cultivation with hopes of improving their economic conditions. Previously, farmers here grew groundnut, cotton, soybean, and wheat but faced challenges such as unpredictable weather and diseases. Now, they are focusing on flower farming for better income.

One farmer from the village has been successfully cultivating marigolds to earn daily cash. He received guidance from a family member and began growing marigolds on about two bighas of land, purchasing saplings from Kolkata. The demand for marigold flowers is high, thanks to the strong market.

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This farmer harvests 15-20 kg of marigolds regularly, selling them in different markets, including Mahuva, Palitana, and Jessore, at around 80 rupees per kilogram. This fetches him about 1,500 rupees daily. Currently, demand for flowers is expected to increase due to the upcoming wedding season, which will also likely boost prices. Marigolds start flowering three months after planting, providing farmers with income in a relatively short time.

Kataria Bhargava, a young farmer who previously helped his father with traditional farming, said, “We’ve been farming different crops for 15 to 20 years, with only a meager income. Then, my uncle guided us to try marigold farming, and we found it profitable. Flower cultivation doesn’t require hard labour and has fewer issues with pests and diseases.” The shift from traditional to floriculture among farmers in Bhavnagar district is becoming a more stable and profitable business, helping to improve their livelihoods.