Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Oct 2: The Directorate of Agriculture in Goa has projected a bumper marigold harvest of 280 tonnes this season, driven by an increase in cultivation area from 25 hectares last year to 29 hectares this year, officials said.

Director of Agriculture Sandeep Foldessai said the flower is a high-demand crop during festivals such as Dussehra, Diwali, and Gudi Padwa, making it a profitable option for farmers. “Marigolds are harvested 65 to 90 days after sowing, offering a short-term cultivation cycle that benefits growers,” he added.

Currently, around 450–500 farmers grow marigolds in Goa, with yields averaging 8 to 10 tonnes per hectare. The flowers are selling at Rs 80–100 per kg, while imported marigolds fetch higher prices — Rs 120 per kg for yellow and Rs 140 per kg for orange.

Popular varieties grown in the state include Kolkata yellow, Tennis Ball yellow, Pitambari orange, Kolkata orange, and Ashtagandha orange. Trials conducted by the Goa College of Agriculture show that marigolds perform well in both Rabi and summer seasons, highlighting their suitability to Goa’s climate.

Despite the surge in local production, Goa continues to import marigolds to meet demand. “Last year, we imported 200–250 tonnes. This year, the figure may rise to 300–400 tonnes,” Foldessai noted.

The state government supports cultivation through schemes such as the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) and the National Horticulture Mission (NHM), providing up to Rs 75,000 per hectare. Under MIDH-NHM, Rs 20,000 per hectare is specifically allocated for loose flower cultivation.

Foldessai added that if future production exceeds demand, the Goa State Horticulture Corporation Limited may step in to ensure fair prices for farmers, safeguarding their income while meeting market needs.