THE GOAN NETWORK
VALPOI
The cultivation of marigolds is expected to get a major boost in Sattari taluka ahead of the Dussehra, Diwali and Ganeshotsav festivals, with the Valpoi Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) setting an ambitious target of planting one lakh marigold saplings this year.
Various parts of the taluka will be in full bloom with 'Tennis Ball' and 'Ashtagandha' varieties of marigolds. The colourful flower fields and home gardens will become the attraction of Sattari, and this initiative is also expected to be financially beneficial for local farmers.
The ZAO has appealed to interested farmers, women's self-help groups, voluntary organisations and individual beneficiaries to register by August 12. Registered beneficiaries will be provided with marigold saplings from August 17, the office informed.
This year, emphasis will be given on the cultivation of 'Tennis Ball' and 'Ashtagandha' varieties of marigold.
These varieties have been chosen as they are extremely suitable for Sattari's climate and soil. These flowers are large in size, have attractive colour and thick petals, and hence, are in greater demand in the market.
Good response to scheme
The marigold cultivation initiative has been continuously implemented in Sattari taluka for the last five years. In the initial years, saplings were provided at subsidised rates under the ‘ATMA’ scheme, attracting many farmers to this initiative.
With increased local production, dependence on flowers coming from other states has reduced to some extent. Along with this, local farmers got a good market, making marigold cultivation a good source of income.
The area under cultivation is increasing every year, and due to religious programs, festivals, temple rituals, wedding ceremonies and public events, there is good year-round demand for marigold flowers.
Target of 1 lakh saplings
Valpoi ZAO Vishwanath Gawas said the target for this year has been set at one lakh marigold saplings, but added that it is important for interested people to register on time.
"Last year, many people did not register in advance. As a result, due to low availability of saplings in the final stage, some beneficiaries could not get saplings. To avoid such a situation this year, registrations must be done before August 12,” he said.
These saplings will then be made available to individual farmers, women's self-help groups, voluntary organisations, youth clubs and other interested beneficiaries.
The ZAO has also appealed to every family to plant at least 20 marigold saplings in their home gardens, to ensure that flowers required for Dussehra, Diwali, Ganeshotsav and home worship are available from their own homes. This will not only save expenses but will also keep the environment around the house beautiful and pleasant, the ZAO added.
Bid demand for marigolds
The agriculture department has assured that marigold producers need not worry about the market, given the huge demand for marigolds in the local market.
This year, the Valpoi ZAO will publish a list and contact numbers of flower producers to allow customers buy fresh flowers directly from farmers, thereby reducing the interference of middlemen.
According to the ZAO, marigolds from other states are plucked 2-3 days before they reach Goa, while customers buying flowers directly from local farmers can get fresh and good quality flowers.
Reducing marigolds from other states
Local flower producers have requested the government impose restrictions on marigolds arriving in large quantities from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
A similar demand was made last year as well, but producers say no effective decision was taken on it. During the festive season, large-scale sale of outside flowers meant local producers did not get the right market price. Flowers of some farmers got spoiled due to lack of sales and they suffered financial losses.
Producers have expressed hope that this year the government will take necessary steps keeping in mind the interests of local farmers and to boost local production.
