An advanced technique of growing gerbera and carnation flowers involving poly houses and using less water, which was introduced by the state Water Resources Investigation and Development (WRI&D) department at Kalimpong in Darjeeling has yielded desired results, benefiting as many as 24 farmers during off-season. The farmers are now being able to earn Rs 4,000 per month from June. The farmers were also exposed to better markets to sell the flowers. The three year project, started in November last year with an aim to provide an alternative source of income to the marginalised farmers.
The agency that was selected through tender was given the responsibility of the farmers' hand holding for every single step like training, capacity building, cultivation, flower cutting, packaging and marketing.
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