A floral renaissance is underway in Tripura, where flower cultivation has surged, delivering substantial incomes to over 59,000 farmers over the last seven years, according to Minister Ratan Lal Nath.
Post-inauguration of West Tripura’s Vivekananda Flower Garden, Nath underscored flowers’ ubiquity in blessings, worship, and festivities. The state’s advantageous agro-climate—fertile soils and ample precipitation—has fueled this growth from hobby to high-profit venture.
Real-world impacts: Annual earnings of 8 lakhs for Barjala’s Suntu Bhumik, 12 lakhs for Kanchannala’s Pradeep Sarkar, and 8-9 lakhs apiece for Chandibari’s Jayanta Deb and Baikhora’s Indrajit Deb Nath.
Metrics reflect the momentum: Cultivated area escalated from 2,738 kanis (pre-2018) to 11,720 kanis; farmer count from 2,190 to 59,100; production from 1,117 to 2,704 metric tons. Local supply now covers 89% of needs, minimizing 21% imports.
Protected farming for exotic varieties has expanded from 225 to 504 structures, boosting their proportion from 25% to 43%, catering to premium market demands.
Hailing farming’s noble stature, Nath poetically added, ‘Flowers radiate positive vibes, much like children, beautifying existence.’ This initiative heralds a vibrant, self-reliant future for Tripura’s agriculture.