The state-run Karimbam farm in Kannur, India, has developed three high-yield hybrid marigold varieties, targeting the multi-crore Onam flower market. According to the company, this development marks a step in reducing Kerala's historic reliance on marigold imports from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
For decades, flower growers from Hosur, Coimbatore, Gundlupet, and Mysuru have catered to Kerala's festive demand, especially for chendu malli (African marigold), sending tonnes of yellow and orange blooms across the border ahead of Onam.
These flowers, planted months in advance, are important for Kerala's homes and public spaces, as Onam's floral carpets (pookkalams) are incomplete without them. The chendu malli is also traditionally used for treating allergies and burns.
However, the dependence on Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is now reducing. Karimbam farm, under the Kerala Agriculture Department, has introduced three new hybrid varieties: the bright 'Tennis Ball' yellow marigold, the vibrant 'Bush Orange', and the striking 'Buddy Purple' vadamalli. Over 200,000 seedlings, developed in bio-secure conditions at the Taliparamba-based farm, have been distributed across panchayats as part of the 'Onam Oru Kottappoovu' initiative.
Read more at ETV Bharat