Rampant wild boar attack makes farmer switch to `Golden' harvest

Pathanamthitta: A 50-cent land had been lying barren in Elayil near Kodumon here for long. Agriculture had been impossible due to rampant wild boar attack. That’s when a Kudumbashree Low Income Group (LIG), eyeing Onam market, turned to marigold cultivation. Interestingly, the plan worked out and the harvest has begun.

LIG members Rema, Mallika, Girija, Haripriya and Rathi, from Ikkad region are behind the project.

The group received technical support from Kodumon agriculture officer S Adila. The women have been cultivating red and yellow colour marigolds.

It may be noted that marigold varieties are inevitable for floral carpet competitions held in connection with Onam celebrations.

Earlier, marigold was cultivated to counter pests. Later, the group realised its potential to be a main income source.