Surguja, March 6: Ratna Majumdar, a 21-year-old from Digma village in Surguja, has transformed her family’s farming practices after marriage. By joining a women’s group under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, she secured a loan and began cultivating marigold flowers on two acres of land.
The cost of marigold cultivation is approximately one lakh rupees per acre, with production reaching up to two lakh rupees. This translates to a profit margin of about 50 to 60 percent. Notably, a crop can be harvested every three months, allowing for four harvests in a year. Ratna emphasizes that modern techniques, such as drip irrigation, have made farming easier and encourages youth to consider agriculture as a viable career.
In an interview, Ratna shared that upon moving to her in-laws’ home, she noticed they engaged in small-scale flower farming. After joining the Maa Mahamaya group, she learned that women could take loans to expand their ventures. Initially, they operated on a small scale, but now they cultivate on two to three acres. She noted that their investment ranges from one and a half to two lakh rupees, with profits reaching up to 50 percent.
The marigold plants are sourced from Kolkata, and they begin flowering within the first month. The flowers continue to bloom for three months, after which they replace the old plants with new ones. Ratna expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for supporting women through loans and urged others to join groups and pursue their small businesses. She believes that with modern technology, farming can become a significant source of employment. Ratna’s story is inspiring young people in Surguja.
Leave a Comment