Ahead of Onam, Kerala Government Promotes Marigold Cultivation

The Kerala government, through its farming department Cheranalloor Krishi Bhavan, has begun promoting marigold flower farming among locals in advance of the Onam festival. The goal is to use the flowers to make floral carpets and other ceremonial decorations for the Onam season.

Normally, Kerala imported the majority of its flowers, particularly marigolds, from neighbouring states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, but this year, the government's farming department Krishi Bhavan has been providing saplings and fertilisers to farmers who wanted to cultivate marigolds for the season.

Shyja KS, the Cheranalloor Krishi Bhavan's Agricultural Officer, told that this project is part of the public planning project. "As part of the public planning project, Cheranalloor Krishi Bhavan has implemented this project under the joint auspices of Cheranalloor Grama Panchayat and Edapally Block Panchayat." We were able to begin the project in the second week of June this year due to favourable weather. "The project was completed successfully, and the harvest time coincided with the Onam season," the officer stated.

Shyja also discussed how the project was implemented in groups and how they intend to expand it to other areas.

"We worked on this project in several groups. For cultivation, the youth and 'Kudumbashree' workers came forward. We provided local farmers with saplings, fertiliser, and dolomite. They have been receiving orders, and I believe sales will increase in the coming days. We also intend to expand cultivation in other areas," the officer told.

The farmers appeared to be pleased with the results. They discussed mental happiness rather than profit. "First, we prepared the soil, and then we laid down the mulching paper." My family has also helped me with this project. "Although I am not expecting much profit this year, I am very happy," Prasad, a farmer, informed.

"The sapling and fertilisers were provided by Krishna Bhavan." They also paid us weekly visits. "This year, 700 saplings have been planted, and the flowers will be thriving by Onam," said another farmer, Vidhu.