Many farmers turn to floriculture in Bhagalpur

BHAGALPUR: A section of farmers at Jagatpur village under Lodipur panchayat in Sabour block of Bhagalpur district has started experimenting with cultivation of ornamental flowers and plants in their farm fields in order to increase their incomes.
Major ornamental flowers and plants being grown in Lodipur village include marigold, dahlia, rose, petunia, chrysenthemum (guldaudi in local parlance), hibiscus, balsam, bougainvillea, jasmine and dianthus.
Ornamental flowers and plants are used in decoration purposes during marriages, social events and presentations to beautify the surroundings.
Assistant director-horticulture (ADH), Bhagalpur, Vikash Kumar, said several farmers have started experimenting with cultivation of ornamental flowers and plants along with traditional farming in order to augment their income. “Huge potential and income prospects are there for the farmers in this area if cultivation is done scientifically and a proper market network is established,” the ADH added.
District agriculture officer (DAO) Krishna Kant Jha said many farmers have also opened plant nurseries after getting training from the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in order to promote farming and sell ornamental flowers and plants.
“Earlier, the traders used to procure ornamental flowers and plants from Kolkata and other places of West Bengal,” the DAO said. “We are trying to promote local cultivation for bringing positive changes in the farming patterns besides increasing the farmers’ income and making the ornamental flowers and plants available at low cost to the customers,” he added.
Deepak Jha, a nature lover, environmentalist and owner of a plant nursery, said there was vast potential in cultivation and commercial sale of ornamental flowers and plants as people have become fond of nature.