Jashpurnagar: Marigold Farming – Low Investment, High Profit

Floriculture Transforms Farmer Moti into a Successful Entrepreneur

• Consistent demand for flowers in Odisha, Jharkhand, and other states
• Earnings up to ₹5 lakh through garlands, bouquets, and flower decorations

Jashpurnagar | Floriculture has turned farmer Moti Banjara from Lokar village, Pathalgaon block, into a successful businessman. Encouraged by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, farmers are increasingly adopting flower and fruit cultivation for better profits. Marigold farming has proven to be a highly profitable business, offering quick returns with minimal investment.

Moti Banjara started marigold cultivation in 2014 on 20 decimal land. With high demand during festivals, he soon began earning good profits. Under the guidance of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dumarbhar, he adopted drip mulching technology and expanded cultivation to one acre. Later, agriculture scientists advised him to use a net house for better yield. By availing support from the Horticulture Department, he now cultivates marigolds and gladiolus on 0.2 hectares in a net house and 1 acre through drip mulching, ensuring year-round income.

During the last Diwali season, Moti earned over ₹3 lakh within 15 days by selling marigold flowers. In one season, a one-acre marigold farm can generate ₹3 lakh to ₹3.5 lakh. His 2.5-acre farm in the last Kharif season yielded substantial profits, supplying flowers across Jashpur, Sarguja, Bilaspur, Raipur, Odisha, and Jharkhand, where demand remains high throughout the year.

Several farmers in the district are now cultivating marigolds after witnessing Moti’s success. He has benefited from various Chhattisgarh government schemes, including the Saur Sujla Yojana by CREDA for solar irrigation. Additionally, he has availed warehouse construction assistance from the Agriculture Department and support for a pack house and net house from the Horticulture Department. Apart from flower cultivation, he earns an extra ₹2 lakh annually by selling bouquets and floral decorations. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Sai, Moti shared how floriculture has transformed his family’s financial condition and improved their standard of living.

Why Marigold Farming?

• Quick Yield: Marigolds start flowering within 60-70 days, ensuring rapid income.
• Low Investment, High Returns: Requires minimal investment while guaranteeing steady demand and good profits.
• Consistent Market Demand:
  • High demand during weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies.
  • Used extensively in temples, religious sites, and decorations.
• Multipurpose Crop:
  • Has medicinal properties.
  • Prices peak during festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Holi, ensuring better earnings.

With proper government support and modern farming techniques, marigold farming is emerging as a profitable venture, attracting more farmers towards floriculture.