Onam pookkalam demand drives 50-hectare marigold cultivation in Kollam

Kollam: With Onam approaching, the Department of Agriculture has expanded marigold cultivation across 50 hectares in Kollam district to meet the demand for traditional floral carpets (pookkalam).

Marigold cultivation is underway in all 11 blocks of the district, with Kottarakkara accounting for the largest area at nine hectares. Anchal and Punalur blocks have eight hectares each under cultivation, while Vettikavala and Chithara have five hectares each. Sasthamcotta has 4.5 hectares, Chavara and Chathannoor three hectares each, Kundara 2.5 hectares, and Iravipuram and Chadayamangalam one hectare each. In Kottarakkara block, cultivation is also being carried out under the leadership of the Ezhukon and Vettikavala panchayats.

The cultivation has been undertaken exclusively to cater to the demand for Onam flower carpets. The Department of Agriculture is offering subsidies of up to Rs 20,000 per hectare. Farmers received marigold saplings at Rs 3 each, while faster-growing varieties were priced at up to Rs 5 per sapling. Yellow and orange varieties dominate the cultivation, with only limited planting of white-flowered marigolds. Saplings were distributed to both individual farmers and groups by the end of June.

In addition to the Agriculture Department's initiative, marigolds are also being cultivated under panchayat schemes and by Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups in several parts of the district.

The flowers are expected to be ready for harvest within the next two weeks. Marigolds are the only flowers being cultivated on such a large scale, as varieties such as vadamulla and kuttimulla require significantly higher investment, greater labour, and more expensive planting material.

Farmers Concerned About Market Access

Farmers say the cultivation is viable only because of the seasonal demand during Onam. They expect most sales to take place directly from the fields at the time of harvest, while additional sales will be made through Onam markets organised by local bodies.

However, securing markets beyond the festive season remains a challenge. Flower shops in the district continue to source supplies from Tamil Nadu for temples and other regular requirements. Since traders receive a steady supply from Tamil Nadu throughout the year, many are reluctant to purchase locally grown flowers for a short period. Farmers also point out that year-round marigold cultivation is not economically viable under the current market conditions.