Marching towards the goal of becoming 'Swayampurna,' Goan farmers are hoping to produce enough marigolds to meet the festive demand. The most common flower grown in the State, and the favorite one for festivals, marigold or 'rosaan' as it is popularly known, has now taken to commercial cultivation.
With over 250 farmers partaking in the process of producing around 500 tonnes of marigold annually, they will still fall short of meeting the State's demand of around 2,500 tonnes. The local produce is only one-fifth of the total demand during the festive seasons as the rest is being replenished from the neighboring States -Karnataka and Maharashtra. However, as Chaturthi is approaching, they are all set to contribute their bit to be a part of the demand and supply chain.
The flower, which has an auspicious value associated with it, is in huge demand during most religious festivals, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Dussehra, and Diwali, apart from special occasions like weddings and opening ceremonies of establishments, stage decorations, and election victory celebrations.
"We usually purchase from the local market, but the large-scale cultivation is outside Goa. Goans use marigold for every occasion to tie at the entrance of the homes, factory, shops, offices, and vehicles, especially during Dussehra," shares Govind Desai, founder, Cotyar Beverages, Cuncolim.
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