Arup Ghosh turns marigold farming pioneer from flower vendor

Kolkata: Arup Kumar Ghosh has made his name in the floriculture sector. Currently, he is a successful entrepreneur and an inspiration to other farmers on how to expand their flower business. His journey began in 2010. Initially, he worked as a flower vendor, earning just Rs 3,500 a month. However, his knowledge of the floriculture sector helped him establish his business.

Arup started buying marigold strings for Rs 120 and selling them locally for Rs 140-150, earning a profit of Rs 2,000-3,000 for every 100 strings. This modest success encouraged him to start flower farming, marking the beginning of his success story.

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From the outset, he was determined to grow high-quality flowers. He visited Thailand to gain advanced knowledge of flower cultivation. At the Bangkok Blossom Market, he received training on cultivating the Tennis Ball marigold, a bright, durable flower ideal for shipping overseas.

Currently, Arup cultivates flowers on a farm spanning 73 bighas (about 29.2 acres). He grows a variety of marigolds in orange, yellow, and red. The demand for his orange marigolds is particularly high outside Kolkata. Last year, he sold nearly 4 crore saplings and 1,500 kg of marigold seeds, priced at Rs 25,000 per kg. The demand for his flowers is high across the country, including in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Arup achieved success through hard work and a never-say-die attitude. His innovative techniques in flower cultivation have brought him significant success. Currently, he is a role model for other farmers.