Kolar is one of the districts, which is responsible for increasing the demand for floriculture in the State.
Farmers in Chickballapur, Kolar, Chintamani, Shidlaghatta and other taluks have become economically strong by engaging themselves in mulberry, paddy, vegetables and fruits cultivation.
Change in attitude
However, with changing times the farmers are engaging themselves in changed agriculture practices. By making adjustments with the market forces, the farmers are now engaged in floriculture and thus reaping benefits.
Floriculture that was restricted to only a few taluks in the  Kolar district has now proved an attraction to the farmers in Bangarpet as well.
Farmers, who suffered immense loss in vegetables and fruits cultivation  have now resorted to floriculture. However, the cultivation of Marigold has come like a silver lining to the farmers now.
Farmers of Vambathuguli, Kamasamudra, Kyasamballi, Bethamangala have now taken up floriculture as an alternative form of cultivation.
Farmer C N Chinnappa, who has grown marigold in an acre of his land has  attracted the attention of the farmers’ community.
Nearly 7,000 marigold plants can be grown in an acre of land and Chinnappa has spent Rs 25,000 on this cultivation. Marigold buds blossom after 45 days of sowing and the life span of a plant is 125 days. Also every  a plant yields a minimum of one kg of flowers.
Festivals
During festivals there is a great demand for marigold flowers. In local markets a kg of marigold fetches around Rs 18 to 20.
Export
However, if the flowers are exported to Tamil Nadu one can earn double the amount. Thus, an acre of land would fetch around Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.25 lakh.
However, during Varamahalakshmi, Gauri Ganesha festival, Deepavali and Kavadi festivals a kg of marigold fetches upto Rs 40, observed Chinnappa.
Floriculture
Floriculture is a profitable venture, especially to small and medium sized farmers. Bad weather conditions and insufficient supply of water can affect the growth of flowers, he added.
Moreover, if instructions regarding the protection of flowers is taken from the horticulture department then one can reap good results in floriculture, said Chinnappa.