Rupakheda Village in Dhar Blossoms into Madhya Pradesh's Mini Holland: How Exotic Flowers Blooming in Polyhouses Are Transforming Farmers' Fortunes?
Once dependent on traditional farming and vulnerable to unpredictable weather, Rupakheda village in Badnawar block of Dhar district has emerged as the 'Mini Holland of Madhya Pradesh'. Through polyhouses and shade-net houses, local farmers now cultivate high-value flowers such as roses, gerberas, lilies, gypsophila, blue daisies and white daisies, along with vegetables, making the village a model of modern horticulture and protected cultivation.
With a population of around 1,930 and 391 households, most farmers in Rupakheda relied on conventional crops such as wheat, gram, maize and soybean until a decade ago. Unpredictable weather, limited income and rising cultivation costs posed significant economic challenges.
The turning point came when the Department of Horticulture introduced farmers to protected cultivation techniques. Training, technical guidance and awareness about government schemes enabled farmers to adopt polyhouse and shade-net farming and diversify into high-value horticulture.
Village has 44 polyhouses
Today, the village has 44 polyhouses spread over approximately 144,407 square metres, where farmers commercially cultivate premium-quality flowers. In addition, 13 shade-net houses covering nearly 42,000 square metres are used for growing improved varieties of vegetables.
The transformation has been significantly supported by the Government of India's Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Under the scheme, farmers receive financial assistance of up to Rs 19 lakh for each polyhouse unit and up to Rs 14.20 lakh for each shade-net house, making modern protected cultivation more affordable.
Benefits of protected cultivation
Protected cultivation has not only enhanced productivity but has also improved water-use efficiency, promoted balanced fertiliser application, strengthened pest and disease management, and ensured superior-quality produce. Improved packaging and better market linkages have further enabled farmers to realise higher returns.
Rupakheda stands as a shining example of how modern technology, scientific guidance and effective implementation of government schemes can transform agriculture into a sustainable source of prosperity and employment. Driven by the enterprise of its farmers and the sustained support of the Department of Horticulture, the village has become an inspiration for farmers across Madhya Pradesh and has firmly established itself as the 'Mini Holland of Madhya Pradesh'.