Flower farming booms in Chhattisgarh, doubling farmers’ income

Raipur: Flower farming is getting popularity in Chhattisgarh because it is becoming a growing source of income along with employment opportunities for the farmers and locals. Farmers are taking a lot of interest in flower farming as its demand has been growing in religious and social events. Flowers are being used in several other industries, such as pharmaceutical, perfume, and cosmetic. Winter months are suitable for flower cultivation, as per the Horticulture Department.

Kailash Paikra, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, said that there is an immense potential for flower cultivation in the state. Flowers like marigold and tuberose can be grown in open fields, while there are the requirements of polyhouses for the farming of roses, carnations, and gerbera flowers. Numerous farmers are growing both kinds of flowers in the state, earning substantial income.

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Paikra further added that many farmers are switching from rice to flower farming because it blooms twice in a year. The total area of land for flower farming has grown to 350 acres, with most cultivation taking place near city markets, giving better prices to farmers.

It is obvious that the demand for flowers rises during festivals. Marigold prices touch up to 60 rupees per kilogram during Diwali, and a single rose can sell for 8 to 12 rupees. Flower prices change as per the season, and farmers are earning twice the profit of rice through flower farming. Farmers earn up to 2.5 to 3 lakh rupees per acre from flower cultivation, compared to 60,000 to 65,000 rupees from rice.

Therefore, flower farming is proving to be a much more profitable business for farmers in Chhattisgarh, bringing huge income as well as prosperity to the region.