Agartala, July 19, 2025: Once struggling with dwindling farming prospects due to crop damage by monkeys, high input costs, and lack of modern techniques, the farmers of Champamura village in Sepahijala district are witnessing a fragrant revival—thanks to the vibrant bloom of marigolds.
Over 40 farmers have returned to cultivation by embracing marigold farming, encouraged by new initiatives under the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Tripura. This transformation follows the village’s inclusion in the Bishalgarh Agri Sector in 2024 and the launch of integrated agricultural development programs such as Natural Farming, Rainfed Area Development Programme, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and the State Horticulture Scheme.
Fields once left barren are now blooming with yellow and orange marigolds—locally known as genda. Traditionally used in religious rituals, weddings, and festivals, marigolds are deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural fabric.
“These flowers are not just beautiful; they are a source of survival for us now,” said Ripan Debnath, a local farmer, who earns through both cultivating and weaving garlands known as kuri. “If a farmer cultivates just one kani (about 0.16 hectares) of marigold, he can earn up to ₹10,000 per week during the harvest period,” he added.
Contrary to the traditional trend of marigold cultivation during the Rabi (winter) season, agriculture officials under the Bishalgarh sector encouraged farmers to plant marigolds during the rainy season this year. The plants thrive in warm, moist conditions, making the mid-June sowing and mid-July transplanting schedule ideal for a September to November harvest.
According to sector officials, farmers can ensure year-round supply of marigolds by strategically aligning sowing and transplanting with seasonal calendars- Rainy Season: Sow in mid-June; transplant mid-July; Winter Season: Sow in mid-September; transplant mid-October; and Summer Season: Sow in early January; transplant early February.
This allows farmers to cater to different festive seasons and events throughout the year, including Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, and weddings—where demand for marigolds is high.
During off-seasons, marigolds fetch premium prices due to limited market supply. Currently, 100 marigold flowers are being sold for ₹50 to ₹70, providing significant earning opportunities. The Tripura Horticulture Department is now actively promoting off-season floriculture as a means of boosting rural income and reducing dependency on conventional crops.
“Marigold farming can be a successful venture—even in off-seasons—by choosing the right varieties, adopting new practices, and understanding the market,” said Manik Kumar Laskar, another progressive farmer from the village.
Marigold cultivation is not only less resource-intensive but also offers quick returns. After sowing, seeds germinate in 7–10 days, and flowering begins within 45–50 days, reaching full bloom by 60–70 days. Harvested flowers are either sold fresh or woven into garlands by local artisans like Ripan, who also earns ₹1 per garland by helping fellow farmers.
“Compared to traditional crop farming, marigolds require less fertilizer and water and grow faster, making them a preferred crop among small farmers,” said a horticulture official overseeing the project.
To further enhance productivity and sustainability, officials are encouraging the use of: Improved seed varieties; Nursery raising for commercial sapling sales; Integrated pest and disease management; and Polyhouse and protected cultivation for off-season harvests.
“Floriculture, especially marigold farming, is now emerging as a viable alternative to conventional farming,” said a senior officer from the Horticulture Department. “It requires less investment, gives better returns, and is suited to the agro-climatic conditions of Tripura.”
With support from the Agriculture Department, many farmers are now also exploring digital marketing platforms to reach wholesale flower markets and event decorators. Local authorities are planning to conduct training programs to promote entrepreneurship in floriculture.
“The story of Champamura is a testament to how integrated planning and farmer motivation can bring life back to abandoned fields,” the officer added.
As the golden marigold fields sway in the wind, they no longer just signify devotion and festivity—they now stand as symbols of resilience, revival, and rural prosperity.
