How Farmers in Chhattisgarh Are Earning Lakhs Annually by Cultivating This Crop
Raipur: Many farmers from Sakra and other villages in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh, have stepped away from traditional farming methods to cultivate Tuberose (Rajnigandha). By doing so, they are now generating an annual profit of approximately Rs 1.5 lakh per acre of land.
With assistance received through a government scheme, Ajay Vishwakarma in Sakra village abandoned paddy cultivation to adopt Tuberose farming, and today, he is earning roughly Rs 6 lakh annually from four acre land.
Initiated about eight years ago as part of a crop diversification strategy, this venture has now evolved into his primary occupation. A subsidy of Rs 75,000, received through the National Horticulture Mission, provided a strong foundation for this new beginning.
The demand for the Rajnigandha cultivated by Vishwakarma has now expanded beyond local markets, reaching major cities such as Nagpur. The consistent demand for these flowers during weddings and religious ceremonies ensures a steady stream of income for him.
Characterized by low input costs and high returns, this form of cultivation yields approximately one lakh flower sticks per acre. By farming across four acres, he generates produce worth around Rs 9.60 lakh, of which approximately Rs 5.40 lakh constitutes his net profit.
Vishwakarma admits that while there was certainly some skepticism in the beginning, success was ultimately achieved through hard work and the proper guidance provided by the district administration. He is now actively encouraging neighboring farmers to also adopt floriculture.
District Horticulture Officer Kailash Paikra stated that the National Horticulture Mission is proving to be a highly beneficial scheme for farmers. Under this initiative, farmers are moving beyond traditional paddy cultivation—adopting crop diversification strategies—and are increasingly gravitating toward floriculture. By generating higher incomes with lower investment costs, farmers are now becoming economically empowered.