Marigold Cultivation Creates New Hope
What started as a new crop is now a new opportunity for Chudamani Khamari, a farmer from Nuabarangamal MWS. Under the REWARD Project, Shakti Organisation is encouraging farmers to explore crops that can diversify their income and connect them to better markets.
With guidance from the Shakti team, Chudamani has taken up marigold cultivation on one acre of land, planting around 8,000 plants. From preparing the land and selecting seedlings to transplantation, irrigation and crop care, he has been supported with field-level guidance throughout the process.
So far, he has invested around ₹12,000–₹13,000 in cultivation. The flowers are expected to be ready for harvest in about three months, and Chudamani plans to take them to Sambalpur for sale. He is hoping to earn at least ₹1 lakh, with the possibility of better returns during the Diwali and New Year seasons, when demand for flowers is expected to rise. For Chudamani, this is more than trying a new crop. It is a chance to see what his land can offer beyond traditional farming.
And sometimes, a different crop can open the door to a different kind of livelihood.
Through the REWARD Project, Shakti Organisation continues to support farmers with technical guidance, field follow-up and market-oriented cultivation practices—helping them explore new possibilities within agriculture.