Once struggling with dwindling farming prospects due to crop damage by monkeys, high input costs, and lack of modern techniques, the farmers of Champamura village in Sepahijala district are witnessing a fragrant revival—thanks to the vibrant bloom of marigolds.
Over 40 farmers have returned to cultivation by embracing marigold farming, encouraged by new initiatives under the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Tripura. This transformation follows the village's inclusion in the Bishalgarh Agri Sector in 2024 and the launch of integrated agricultural development programs such as Natural Farming, Rainfed Area Development Programme, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), and the State Horticulture Scheme.
Fields once left barren are now blooming with yellow and orange marigolds—locally known as genda. Traditionally used in religious rituals, weddings, and festivals, marigolds are deeply intertwined with the region's cultural fabric.
"These flowers are not just beautiful; they are a source of survival for us now," said Ripan Debnath, a local farmer, who earns through both cultivating and weaving garlands known as kuri. "If a farmer cultivates just one kani (about 0.16 hectares) of marigold, he can earn up to ₹10,000 per week during the harvest period," he added.
Read more at North East Today
