In Tamil Nadu's Viluppuram, Flower Farmers Prosper Despite Kanakambaram Shortage

Do you know which crop in Villupuram is considered the primary one, among all others and can sell up to 1,000 kg during the month of Adi?

In the Villupuram district, vegetables, greens, and flowers are the primary income sources for farmers. Among these, flowers are considered the top crop and one of the main income generators for the region’s farmers. Areas such as Radhapuram, Madurapakkam, and Thirukanur around Villupuram are heavily involved in flower cultivation, which proves profitable even with low maintenance.

Farmers in Villupuram cultivate various flowers, including Jasmine, Chrysanthemum and Crossandra, throughout the year. However, the cultivation of Crossandra flowers, known locally as Kanakambaram, has seen a decline. Despite the good price of Kanakambaram flowers in the current month of Adi, there is insufficient yield.

The period from Avani to Thai is considered ideal for cultivating Kanakambaram flowers. Well-drained soil and sandy loam are perfect for growing this flower. The land should be well ploughed, beds should be adequately prepared, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm. Watering should be done on the third day after sowing, followed by saltwater irrigation once every eight days.

An investment of up to 7,000 rupees per acre is required for planting Kanakambaram seeds and covering labour wages. After 80 days of planting, the flowers are ready for harvesting.

Though Kanakambaram flowers have a stable market price throughout the year, farmers face economic challenges. Traders purchase Kanakambaram at Rs. 260 per kg, and during special seasons, the price can rise to Rs. 1,000 per kg.

Farmers were engaged in cultivating Kanakambaram along with jasmine flowers up until 20 years ago. However, over time, the cultivation of Kanakambaram flowers has decreased due to several reasons, including a shortage of labourers.

Currently, Kanakambaram flowers are being sold at Rs. 1,000 per kg in Adi. While farmers appreciate the high prices, they struggle with low yields and insufficient produce. This situation highlights the challenges and opportunities in Villupuram’s flower cultivation sector.

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