Gopi earns lakhs through marigold cultivation

Raipur: Gopi Verma, a 24-year-old farmer from Dhangawan village in the Sahaspur Lohara block, has changed the concept of agriculture. He shifted from traditional farming into horticulture and flower cultivation, which are more lucrative for farmers. Currently, his earnings have boosted significantly with the year-round marigold farming. Currently, Gopi has been cultivating marigolds of Thailand and Bangalore varieties on his ancestral land using drip irrigation and other modern techniques.

He produces 8 to 10 tons of marigolds every four months, fetching him Rs 5 to 6 lakh annually. He went to Maharashtra a couple of years ago to get more scientific knowledge about marigold farming. Currently, he has expanded his farming capacity. At present, his fields are replete with flourishing flowers and lush green plants. Marigolds are harvested three times a year, with each crop ready for picking in just 45 to 60 days.

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The demand for marigolds increases in several cities of Chhattisgarh, such as Bilaspur, Janjgir-Champa, Kanker, and Dongargarh, especially during the marriage and festive times. Gopi’s flowers are being sold for Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kilogram in the market.

Gopi brings imported seeds from Thailand for summer crops, as they produce flowers round the year, while the local varieties bloom for only three to four months. He cultivates yellow, red, and white marigolds, which are used especially for floral bouquets.

Local farmers have gotten a lot of inspiration from Gopi’s success; they visit his farm to know how to cultivate marigold in scientific ways. He thinks flower farming has a great scope of earnings compared to traditional crops. Therefore, it has now become a bumper source of income for farmers.