Haryana’s budding genius makes gold from marigold

Rohtak: A veteran farmer in Haryana has turned a trial of an exotic "Global RT Chowk" crop into a high-value enterprise, claiming returns of up to ₹4 lakh from each acre through a blend of floriculture and international innovation.Rajkumar Ahlawat, from Madodi village in the Rohtak district, has spent nearly three decades pivoting from traditional vegetables to a 35-acre floral empire. His recent success with the experimental crop marks what is believed to be the first successful trial of its kind in the region.Ahlawat's transition into high-value agriculture began with formal training from state horticulture departments. Today, he supplies marigolds, roses, and gerberas to major hubs including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Ayodhya— where his flowers featured in the high-profile Ram Temple ceremonies.However, it was a digital discovery that led to his latest breakthrough. "I first came across this crop through online videos and later consulted companies, which encouraged me to experiment," Ahlawat said. "They provided the seeds, and we began cultivation on a trial basis."The Economics of ‘RT Chowk'The trial involved 300 plants sown between Sept and Oct. By Feb, the crop was ready for harvest. Ahlawat says that the financial profile of the crop offers a significant upgrade over traditional staples. The investment is ₹70,000 to ₹80,000 for each acre. The seed cost is ₹4,000 for each killa (about 1 acre). Market prices range between ₹200 and ₹400 a kg. Total returns from each acre are up to ₹4 lakh.Beyond the immediate profit, the crop offers long-term sustainability. Once planted, it can produce for up to four years while requiring minimal water and fertiliser. Despite the success, the initiative remains a private venture. District horticulture officer Madanlal noted he had no prior information about the specific crop, characterising it as an independent effort by the farmer.Ahlawat now operates his own nursery and research and development centre, supplying seeds back to agricultural firms. His work has earned him several accolades, most recently a national award in 2025. He maintains that the path to increasing rural income lies in a departure from the status quo. "Innovation, knowledge, and experimentation are key to ensuring sustainable agriculture," he said. MSID:: 129733133 413 |