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Kerala is making history in floriculture by reviving barren land
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A triumphant ‘Kerala Story’ is unfolding across the small towns and villages of Kerala, where once-unproductive expanses of barren land have emerged as a top attraction for tourists seeking to revel in the beauty of marigold cultivation and indulge in the fragrant air.
Situated on the outskirts of the capital city, over sixty acres of previously barren land in the small town of Kattakada have been artfully transformed into a vibrant and welcoming tapestry of blooms, just in time for the upcoming Onam festivities. This innovative initiative has not only altered the region’s landscape but has also countered Kerala’s reliance on neighboring states for flowers during the Onam season.
The ‘Our Onam, Our Flowers’ initiative was conceptualized by Kattakada MLA IB Sathish and subsequently embraced by the local self-government and the women’s self-help group ‘Kudumbhashree.’ Its aim is to ensure that Kerala’s demand for flowers during festivals, including Onam, can be met independently.
Approximately 400 tonnes of flowers, primarily sourced from neighboring states, flood the local market during the ten-day festival. In 2020, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan temporarily restricted flower imports from other states due to the COVID-19 situation, triggering significant opposition from local traders. Typically, flowers arrive from places like Gundalpet, Thovai, Trichy, and Sundarapandiapuram during the Onam season to be distributed in various markets across Kerala.
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During the previous Onam season, the concept of ‘Our Onam, Our Flowers’ was introduced by MLA IB Sathish, as shared by Pallichal gram panchayat president Mallika with The New Indian.
“As part of this initiative, 10 acres of barren land were transformed into marigold gardens in Kattakada alone. Looking ahead, 25 acres of land were dedicated to marigold cultivation in Pallichal village. For the past 40 years, this area remained barren, with some portions being unused forest land. Aligned with the state government’s plan to repurpose and cultivate barren land, we formulated this idea. With the support of landowners, we took up the challenge,” she added.
“MGNREGA workers dedicated days of effort to turn this vision into reality. Saplings were provided by panchayat members and the agriculture department, and the Kudumbhashree JLG (Joint Liability Group) members managed maintenance. This accomplishment was the result of a collaborative endeavor involving all stakeholders,” Mallika conveyed.
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Floriculture’s remarkable success is not confined to Thiruvananthapuram. Marigold cultivation commenced in Cheranalloor grama panchayat and Edapally panchayat in Ernakulam district during June of this year.
In recent years, the Kerala government has also organized the ‘Oru Muram Pachakari’ (a basket of vegetables) challenge, motivating individuals to cultivate organic vegetables in their backyards to meet the requirements of Onam celebrations.
Meanwhile, unforeseen climatic variations, characterized by intense downpours and scorching summers, have led to water scarcity, presenting a significant challenge for floriculture.
Local traders, speaking to The New Indian, emphasize the necessity of making more land available for marigold cultivation to reduce the state’s dependence on neighboring regions. This step could further advance Kerala’s journey towards self-reliance and environmental stewardship.
