Onam flower cultivation sees rise in Kerala despite initial rain damage

KOCHI: This year's Onam season had a rough start with rain damaging vegetable crops and flower plants in some areas.

Key points

• Data from the agriculture department and Kudumbashree show that the total area under flower cultivation in the state rose from 724.13 hectares in 2025 to 1, 217 hectares this year.
• This season, 5, 688 farmer groups led flower cultivation under Kudumbashree on 1966.93 acres (795.9 hectares).
• The 'flower revolution' has been unfolding in the Gonchiyur, Sholayur, Vellakulam, Vadakke Kadambara, Dhanyam, Mele Chavadiyur, Thekkuppana, Nainampetti, Karathur, and Sambarkode hamlets.
• Last year, vegetables were grown on 8, 913 acres while flowers were cultivated on 1, 820 acres.
• In Ernakulam, marigolds that cost Rs 100 on Wednesday were sold at Rs 200 on Thursday.

What's more encouraging is the rise in acreage of flower cultivation. While the harvest is insufficient to meet the massive demand, it is still something to cheer concerning for a state that imports flowers from neighbouring states and pays through the nose.

Data from the agriculture department and Kudumbashree show that the total area under flower cultivation in the state rose from 724.13 hectares in 2025 to 1, 217 hectares this year. Of this, 422 hectares fall under agriculture department and 795 hectares under Kudumbashree.

This season, 5, 688 farmer groups led flower cultivation under Kudumbashree on 1966.93 acres (795.9 hectares). "Last Onam, Kudumbashree farmers earned Rs 10.3 crore through flower and vegetable sales. The goal this year is to surpass the amount, " remarked a Kudumbashree official, adding that the fact that the project could be expanded to more areas was another achievement.

"Last year, vegetables were grown on 8, 913 acres while flowers were cultivated on 1, 820 acres. This year, it was first decided to grow vegetables on 12, 000 acres and flowers on 2, 000 acres. As more farmer groups joined the initiative, vegetable cultivation was expanded to 20, 475.81 acres, nevertheless. Flowers were cultivated on 1, 966.93 acres, " remarked the official.

While the agriculture department's initiatives might additionally reap success, the inclement weather did do a number on the crops.

"Since plenty of areas in the state bore the brunt of bad weather, the anticipated harvest might not happen. Delayed flowering will be another matter for farmers as they will have to find a market for their produce that become harvest-ready after Onam, " stated an agriculture department officer.

According to S Shanavas, state programme officer for farm livelihoods at the Kudumbashree State Poverty Eradication Mission, an interesting instance of successful flower cultivation is the one blooming in Attapadi in Palakkad.

After the implementation of Kudumbashree's Nirapolima drive, flowers have kicked off blooming in 10 Attappadi hamlets. The initiative has sparked a vibrant floriculture movement throughout the hamlets ahead of Onam season.

Designed to promote self-reliance in flower production, the project provides local women farmers with sustainable livelihood while ensuring steady availability of fresh flowers in the festive market, Shanavas remarked, adding that flowers of different varieties and colours are being cultivated to meet market preferences. These include yellow, orange and white marigolds and white, yellow and purple chrysanthemum (jamanthi), he remarked.

Meanwhile, the 'flower revolution' has been unfolding in the Gonchiyur, Sholayur, Vellakulam, Vadakke Kadambara, Dhanyam, Mele Chavadiyur, Thekkuppana, Nainampetti, Karathur, and Sambarkode hamlets. Shanavas remarked 48 women farmers are spearheading the initiative.

"Utilising fallow and suitable agricultural land, they are raising flowers using high-yielding saplings supplied by Kudumbashree's 'Jaivika' plant nurseries. The harvested flowers will be sold directly to the public through local markets and specialised Kudumbashree Onam markets, " he remarked.

Highlighting the locality's proximity to Coimbatore, he remarked farmers will be able to sell their produce for a good rate even after Onam season ends.

Ever since Onam season set in over Kerala, flowers from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are getting dearer day by day due to the massive demand. It is festive time in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu too.

In practice, a lot of marriages are additionally taking place in these months in these states. The poor harvest due to dry weather is another reason for the cost rise, stated Srikanth Bollapally, the president of Growers Flower Council of India.

In Ernakulam, marigolds that cost Rs 100 on Wednesday were sold at Rs 200 on Thursday. "The price will go up, " remarked Bollapally.

While violet and purple asters cost Rs 600, button roses are being sold at Rs 800. While globe amaranths are selling at Rs 600, white chrysanthemums cost Rs 800, orange and yellow marigolds are priced at Rs 200 and Rs 250. While green leaves Rs 500, arali costs Rs 800.

In short, onam flower cultivation sees rise in Kerala despite initial rain damage is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.