Tripura has experienced a significant increase in flower cultivation and production in the last seven years, benefiting over 59,000 farmers in the state, as stated by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vivekananda Flower Garden in West Tripura, Nath emphasized the growing significance of floriculture, noting that flowers play a crucial role in social, cultural, and religious activities.
Flowers have become essential in various aspects of life, from greetings to religious ceremonies, and Tripura’s fertile land and ample rainfall create an ideal environment for flower farming, according to the Minister. He highlighted the transformation of flowers from mere decorations to a lucrative livelihood option, with many farmers now earning substantial incomes annually.
The Minister cited examples of successful flower cultivators like Sentu Bhowmik, Pradip Sarkar, Jayanta Dey, and Indrajit Debnath, who earn significant amounts ranging from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 12 lakh per year. Nath pointed out that the cultivation of flowers has significantly improved the economic conditions of farmers, with a shift from traditional open-field cultivation of marigold, rose, and rajanigandha.
Before 2018, flower cultivation in Tripura covered 2,738 kani of land, which has now expanded to 11,720 kani over the past seven years. The number of farmers engaged in floriculture has surged from 2,190 to 59,100, while production has increased from 1,117 metric tonnes to 2,704 metric tonnes. Moreover, the state now meets about 89% of its flower demand locally, compared to only 35% in the past, with a minimal reliance on external sources.
Protected structures are increasingly being utilized for cultivating high-value flowers such as orchids, gerbera, and anthurium, in addition to open-field cultivation. The Minister highlighted the growth in the number of units engaged in protected structure cultivation, from 225 to 504, and the rise in the share of such cultivation from 25% to 43%, reflecting the rising demand for flowers in Tripura.
Emphasizing the significance of farmers, Nath underscored that agriculture remains one of the most esteemed professions globally. He expressed the transformative power of flowers in uplifting individuals and spreading positivity, emphasizing the universal love for flowers and children.
