Tourists return empty-handed from flower fields in Panskura

Panshkura: Dokanda is a small village in the Panskura subdivision of the Purba Medinipur district in West Bengal, known for the winter flower blooms. Tourists, like in other years, turned to flower fields at Dokanda with a hope to witness the different varieties of flowers. However, they had to return empty-handed because they saw only green saplings in the fields instead of flowers. This sight really disappointed the visitors.

Usually, the flower market becomes vibrant in early December in this region, enticing visitors to see the different kinds of flowers, such as marigolds, dahlias, asters, and chrysanthemums, in full bloom. However, heavy rainfalls, after that, a devastating spell of floods and the impact of Cyclone Dana have ruined flower production, dismaying both the tourists and flower growers.

Floods from the Kangsabati River deposited silt across the fields in September, killing early flower crops. Flower growers tried to replant the saplings; they faced another setback due to the cyclone. The rain resulted in a new spell of floods, destroying newly planted flower seedlings.

Also Read: Kathua Horticulture Dept. plans to transform old orchards into modern ones

“We planted again after the floods, but it was too late,” said Sameer Maiti, a flower grower. “I cultivated chrysanthemums on six kathas of land, but the water killed all the plants. The flowers won’t bloom until January now. This delay has left us in financial trouble as we depend on this season for income.”

The green fields failed to lift the spirits of tourists who had traveled to see the flowers. Prabir Roy, who drove from North 24 Parganas with his family, expressed his disappointment. “We come every year, and by now, there are usually some flowers. This time, there’s nothing. We’ll return in January,” he said.

Flower growers are waiting for the month of January when flowers bloom in full swing. Currently, the well-known ‘flower valley’ remains empty, and farmers are hoping that situation will improve next month, struggling to cope with natural calamities.