Marigold flowers cultivated by local growers in Sattari.
VALPOI
Local marigold growers in Sattari claim to have suffered significant financial losses due to the government’s failure to address the influx of flowers from other states.
Large quantities of marigold flowers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and elsewhere were brought into Goa for sale. As a result, locally cultivated flowers failed to attract the expected demand, leaving growers disappointed and raising concerns over the government’s approach.
When contacted, some marigold growers in Sattari said marigold cultivation was promoted across Goa under the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa initiatives.
The agriculture department took the initiative to encourage farmers and distribute saplings. Approximately one lakh marigold saplings were planted in Sattari taluka, with local farmers investing considerable effort in cultivation.
However, the prolonged dry spell adversely affected the crop, creating additional difficulties for growers. Farmers had hoped that strong demand during the Dussehra festival would help them recover their cultivation expenses and earn profits.
Instead, large quantities of flowers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and other regions entered Goa over the past two days. These flowers were sold in various parts of the State, reducing demand for locally grown marigolds.
Marigold growers believe the government should have planned an effective marketing system before encouraging large-scale cultivation. While farmers were motivated to grow marigolds, insufficient attention was given to ensuring that their produce could be sold at suitable prices.
“The Goa Horticulture Corporation should have provided proper market facilities for local growers, while the agriculture department should have taken proactive steps to facilitate the sale of locally cultivated flowers,” said one marigold grower.
“The lack of adequate planning left local flowers without the expected market opportunities.”
The government continues to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat and Swayampurna Goa, encouraging farmers to increase local agricultural production and become financially independent.
However, growers argue that promoting cultivation without ensuring market access defeats the purpose of these initiatives and places the financial burden on local farmers.
Marigold flowers enjoy considerable demand during festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali. Growers have, therefore, urged the agriculture department and Goa Horticulture Corporation to coordinate their efforts, establish effective marketing arrangements and ensure that locally produced flowers receive adequate market access.
They have called on the government to introduce concrete measures alongside cultivation incentives. Otherwise, farmers who respond to government initiatives promoting agriculture and floriculture may continue to face financial losses instead of achieving economic independence.
