A floral hope in tough times

As drought looms large on the State’s agriculture sector, farmers are struggling to find ways to sustain their lives and livelihoods. Opting for short term crops, which are in good demand, is one of the options considered by farmers. One such effort is made by Udayakumar Basappa Rajura, a farmer in Benakanala village of Koppal district, who has taken up floriculture since 2012.

Udayakumar met a lily grower when he visited Pune three years ago and was inspired by his success. Once back in the village, he contacted the Agriculture Department to get more information about the crop, feasibility of cultivation and market prospects. With the department’s guidance, he planted lily bulbs in two acres of land with 600 plants per acre. He got the first harvest in the fourth month. The flower variety was relatively new to the local market and hence, the demand was not encouraging. He explored market possibilities in different cities and Hubballi market offered some hope. Sure enough, both sale and cost matched his expectation. Looking at the prospects of this crop, even others started opting for flower crops.

Now, farmers here grow chrysanthemum, tuberose, gylardia, marigold, jasmine and cosmos. They are either grown in separate patches or as mixed crops. Lily is a perennial crop and it is said that once planted, this particular variety flowers for 15 years. Proper pruning is necessary to maintain the health and yield of the plant. Drip irrigation has helped Udayakumar maintain the crop with available water. Though lily is comparatively easy to grow, he uses chemical inputs like pesticides to keep the plants free from pests and diseases. “Sufficient quantity of organic inputs like cowdung manure and neem cake are given to enhance soil fertility,” says Udayakumar. He is also planning to replace the chemical inputs by organic ones as far as possible. 

Lily flowers, rather buds, as they are sold in the bud state, are mainly used to make garlands and in decoration. Udayakumar has observed that at present, the market demand is more than the quantity of production. He has linked up with retailers in Hubballi market through contracts. One bunch of 30 buds fetches him six rupees. The buds are harvested daily at seven in the morning. Udayakumar hires people for harvesting and packing. Packed buds are sent to buyers in Hubballi through certain buses that ply through the village. He sells around 500 such bunches every day.

The demand soars during festive seasons when buyers come to the farm and buy flowers. The buds can be stored for three days in refrigerated condition. Purchasers transfer the money online on a weekly basis. So far, Udayakumar has not faced any problem and has increased the cultivation area to four acres. Even other farmers in Benakanala and neighbouring villages have taken up lily cultivation and now, the flower is grown in about 20 acres.

Through his experience, and interaction with the Agriculture Department, Udayakumar has observed that the agro-climatic condition of the region is suitable for growing lily. Other flowers also have a good demand in the market. “Dedication, passion, interest and patience are important to achieve success in floriculture and only then will colourful flowers brighten our lives,” says Udayakumar.