Kaushal Patel, a farmer from Arad village in Halol taluka of Panchmahal district, is as busy ahead of Diwali as traders dealing in garments, sweets or crackers. He tries to ensure that every house and vehicle is adorned with marigolds on the Gujarati New Year. Kaushal is not alone, with thousands of farmers in the state taking to floriculture.
Data from the state govt's department of horticulture reveals that the area under flower cultivation in Gujarat reached 21,229 hectares in 2024-25, from zero in 1994-95. What is more, better seeds have led to total output increasing 4.6 times in the last 20 years, while acreage tripled.
Increased demand during festivals such as Dussehra and Diwali, followed by the Gujarati New Year, has led to more farmers growing flowers, particularly marigolds, local varieties of roses and gaillardia.
Kaushal says the area around Arad has many flower growers. "Demand has been steadily rising. The market absorbs local produce and even flowers from MP, Maharashtra and other places," said Kaushal.
Read more at Times of India
