Marigold Fields of Karnataka

Drive to outskirts of any city in Karnataka you will see Marigold Fields. These marigold fields of Karnataka is a major source of income for the locals.

Just as we crossed Hassan on our way to Chikmagalur we came across big fields of gold; fields growing Marigold flowers. Green fields dotted with orange flowers, it made a very pleasing sight.Floriculture is a big business in India. It is one of those low investment, low maintenance crops which prove to be profitable for the farmers. Since the flowers are delicate and prone to withering fast, long distance transport under refrigerated conditions is must. Hence most often the fields are near big cities. These flowers have a short growing period, yielding harvest three times a year.

Marigold Fields of Karnataka Image

Marigold Fields Karnataka

Cultivation of Marigold Flowers

Some locals are into the business of marigold fields of Karnataka. Most of them do marigold field farming on a contract basis, having tie ups with wholesalers to city or somebody in export business. Since Marigold requires mild climate they find it easy to cultivate the plants. Also marigold can be grown in a wide range of soils, as it is adapted in different soil types.

Local traders also buy for food coloring industries. But they do have their share of woes, lack of man power during harvest time, when time is precious. Any delay can cause rotting and then loss. It was a good learning experience for me talking to the young man in this shot. He seemed so matured in his thoughts and knowledge about market conditions and daily survival.

Marigold Fields of Karnataka

 

Faces of India - 126 Smiling People of Hills
Faces of India - 125 Slice of Daily Life in Rural Bengal

40 Responses to “Marigold Fields of Karnataka

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.