In full bloom: ‘Poovili’ fetches 45cr for farmers this Onam

T'puram: Flower business in the state capital is booming with a massive increase in production as the farmers here produced over 5,000 tonnes of flowers, yielding a revenue worth Rs 45 crore this Onam. Flowers such as Chrysanthemum, Marigold, Globe Amaranth, etc., were cultivated in 221.5 hectares. The total land used for flower cultivation, production and revenue rose this year owing to the initiative ‘Poovili-2025' launched by the district agriculture department in association with the local bodies.According to the data from economics and statistics department in 2024, the total land used for cultivation was nearly 200 hectares, but farmers could produce only less than 2,000 tonnes of flowers, yielding a revenue of less than Rs 18 crore. Production and revenue doubled this year as agriculture department technically supported them and also provided seeds and saplings for free through Krishi Bhavans. Local bodies supported the farmers financially by earmarking money from the plan fund. The production of flowers was more at Pallichal, Chirayinkeezhu, Vilappil, Maranalloor, Cherunniyoor, Kalliyoor, Elakamon, Nellanad, Peringamala, Manikkal and Ottoor areas. Nemom block produced the most, with as much as 1,522 tonnes of flowers from 47.8 hectares. In the category of panchayats, Pallichal grama panchayat produced the most, with nearly 650 tonnes of flowers from 20.2 hectares. City corporation showed an increase in the total area used for cultivation and also in flowers produced. In 2024, the corporation area could produce only less than 30 tonnes of flowers from just 1.5 hectares. But this year, the production rose to over 400 tonnes from 13.5 hectares . Chrysanthemum was cultivated the most, with 56.4% of the total production, followed by Marigold (44.9%) and Globe Amaranth and other flowers constituted 16.7%. "Hundreds of farmers who joined the initiative were given directions on planting, using fertilisers, harvesting and on marketing. Each local body earmarked Rs 32,000 for financially supporting them. The seeds and saplings were distributed to over 90% of the farmers through Krishi Bhavans and the remaining farmers through agro bazaars and local markets. The department helped the farmers in the sale of flowers as well. Several among them found local markets, but some even sold the flowers online as well," said agricultural officer Leena N. Farmers could sell flowers at Rs 100 to 120 per kg online and in local markets. "I planted nearly 3,500 plants in my 1 acre and I could harvest over eight tonnes of flowers. Last year, I did not get this much yield," said Sisupalan M, 52, a farmer from Pallichal. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Teacher's Day wishes, messages and Quotes !