Marigold Cultivation Project and possible income:
You may be wondering about the income from
growing calendula (Marigold) when it is sown in 4047 square meters (one acre) field,
let’s take a view as we are here to learn about the economics of the crop.
Calendula
belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is the most popular flower and ranks 3rd
after roses and chrysanthemums in India. It has a high value and can be grown
on a small scale, but it is a labor-intensive crop. Many flower cultivators depend
on marigold cultivation as a source of income.
Marigold cultivation cost, net income and profit in one
acre of land:
Universal use of
calendula or marigold in all their ceremonies like wedding, special occasions,
festivals, rituals and sometimes in political and historical occasions has retained
the market for flower production on a commercial basis to meet the market
demand.
During festivals
like Hindu new year, Navratra, Dusshera, Diwali etc. the market demand is very
high and hence the price can go up to Rs.280 per kg. Marigold is available in many
sizes and colors which makes this flower so special.
Types and varieties of Marigold:
There are two
varieties and about 50 species of Marigold which are divided based on their
size and characteristics.
Two of the
majorly used variety include:
African
Marigold- Flowers are bigger in size.
French Marigold-
Flowers are smaller in size.
But there are
several varieties of marigold that are proven to provide better yield in those
varieties African hybrid varieties are Happiness, primrose, Cracker Jack,
yellow supreme, Hawaii, climax, Fiesta, New Alaska, glitter and apricot.
French hybrid
varieties are Red Bokardo, Flash, Star of India, petit Spray, Gypsy, Harmony,
Rusty Red and Lemon Drops.
Apart from these
India has some local varieties that includes yellow and orange, Pusa basanti
gainda, Pusa narangi gainda and MDU-1.
Growth conditions and land preparation:
Marigold can
thrive in hot, dry as well as humid weather conditions. Hence, they can grow
throughout the year but requires mild climatic conditions for best yield.
It can grow well
at 15°C – 29°C. A very hot climate may affect flowering growth.
As per concerning to the soil conditions
marigold can grow in a wide range of soil. It shows good results in fertile
sandy loam well irrigated Soil with a pH between 6.5-7.5.
Too acidic &
saline soils are not suitable for it.
Next, to prepare
the land plow the land well to attain tilth of the soil then add organic manure
compost to the soil to make it fertile, cow dung compost or earth worm compost
are the best options for this step.
In case of
nutrient deficiencies applying inorganic fertilizers like N:P: K at a ratio of
10:10:10 per acre can give higher yields.
Sowing the seeds of Marigold:
Before sowing seed
should be coated with Azospirillum (nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the family of
Rhodospirillaceae. Azospirillum bacteria can promote plant growth.) of 200gm in 50 ml of Rice gruel.
Seeds can be
sown all around the year but best sown in warmer temperature to prevent any
fungal infection in seedlings.
For raising
seedlings seeds have to be broadcasted on the raised beds from May to June
months.
Seed beds should be watered frequently and
after one month of sowing or if the plant reaches about 15 cm to 20 cm height,
then seedlings have to be transplanted on the field on the side of the ridge at
45 cm x 35 cm spacing.
How to water Marigold plants:
Marigold
requires constant moisture in the soil throughout their lifecycle. Based
on the soil
moisture irrigation should be provided when needed, to get a better idea you
must check if the top 1 to 1.5 inches of land is dry or not, if it is dry its watering
time.
Irrigation
should be immediately given after planting in the field, light irrigation is
recommended on
every time the top 1- 1.5-inch soil gets dry.
Marigold crops
are sensitive to waterlogging, well internal drainage system should be
maintained in the rainy season to prevent rotting of the roots. Also weed management
should be done when needed, hand picking weeds is the best method as using
chemicals can harm productivity and salability of the flowers.
More about Marigold farming:
Pinching
practice results in high yields and it should be done after 20 days of transplanting
for a bust growth and development of lateral branches of the marigold plant. The
crop stays in its vegetative state (life span) for about 100 to 135 days. The harvest
can be started after 45 to 60 days of planting based on the variety of the
plant.
The total yield of gainda phool per acre:
The yield mostly
depends on the soil type, farm management practices and variety of seed chosen.
The yield varies
from 2 – 4.0 tons/acre during the course of marigold plants life.
Selling out Marigold flowers:
As this flower
has huge demands in markets it is most likely to be sold in the local markets and
can be transported to different places by proper handling and packaging.
Pests and Diseases of Marigold plants:
Caterpillar and
thrips - spraying 0.1% of Nuvacron.
Milybug -spraying
Dimethoate at 0.5 ml/Litre of water.
Root rot –
drench in 1gm/ Litre of Bavisitin.
Leaf spot - 0.2%
of Dithiane M 45.
Now let’s talk about Costs involved in Marigold
farming /1 acre of land:
Preparation of
land, Materials for plantation, Machines charge, Fertilizers, Plant safety, Irrigation,
Labor Charges, Miscellaneous cost and Marketing cost are about 50,000 in western
Rajasthan in the year of 2022. The cost will vary depending upon area you’re farming.
Income returns
The income will
be around 45 to 80 rupees per kilogram of the flower, depending upon demand and
the quality of the flower, here we are taking 50 Indian Rupees as Mandi price.
Income for 3
tons (an average yield per 1 acre) = 3,000 x 50= Rs. 1,50,000.
Profit and
Returns
Profit = Income-
Total cost incurred = Rs. 1,50,000- Rs. 50,000 = Rs. 1,00,000.
As we concluded:
Marigold farming
is profitable as it a high demand flower and grows in almost all regions of India,
it is fragrant and easy to grow with minimal care and investment the investment
to returns ratio is quite high and can be grown with minimum farming knowledge,
the flowers are easy to pick and stays fresh for several days, which makes it even
more profitable.
