It is indeed an enrapturing sight. Deep orange, golden yellow, and white marigolds, along with globe amaranth in full bloom on over an acre by the side of the Thiruvizha- Thuruthankavala road near Cherthala is captivating and hints that Onam is at the doorstep.
That said, during the previous Onam seasons, Alappuzha imported the bulk of flowers from neighboring States for laying floral carpets as part of the customary celebrations. This year, however, at least Cherthala taluk aims to use locally grown flowers.
Farmers in the taluk, especially in and around Kanjikuzhy block, have undertaken the cultivation of marigold, Ceylon saltwort, globe amaranth, and so on in large tracts of land, eyeing the Onam demand for flowers.
According to farmers and Agriculture department officials, floriculture has been undertaken on more than 80 acres in the taluk. This will help meet around 15% of the demand.
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