Moti Lal Banjara, a resident of the Pathalgaon block in Jashpur district, Chhattisgarh hails from a family of farmers. For generations, his grandfather and father practised traditional farming, growing crops like paddy, groundnut, and pulses primarily for their own consumption. Farming was a way of life for them, not a business venture aimed at profit. Like many young people in rural India, Moti was expected to pursue education and seek a stable job.
However, his aspirations took a different turn. He envisioned transforming agriculture into a profitable business by modernizing and mechanizing traditional farming practices. Moti Lal completed his education up to the 12th grade and realized that the true potential of farming could be unlocked with the right knowledge and methods. Determined to improve his family's agricultural practices, he began regularly visiting the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) near his village.
These visits allowed him to engage with agricultural scientists and gain insights into the latest farming technologies and techniques. It was during one of these visits that he first learned about marigold cultivation—a new and promising opportunity. The high demand for marigold flowers, particularly during festive seasons, piqued his interest, and he saw it as a potential avenue to turn farming into a lucrative business.
Transition to Floriculture
Moti Lal began planting marigolds in 2014 but began on a seasonal basis alone. He was planting flowers for festivals such as Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. The returns were encouraging, but the business of flower farming was seasonal. The span of his farming income was always irregular. He kept operating this way for four years, slowly learning about floriculture.
Scientists at KVK brought him up to speed with innovative farming methods like drip irrigation and mulching in 2018. These strategies lowered labor expenses, made the best use of water, and yielded better crops. He opted for growing marigolds year-round rather than keeping it seasonal based on festivals as he was pleased with the outcome. It was a game-changer. He was able to access the market continuously by providing a constant supply of flowers. This resulted in a stable and considerable income.
High Yield and Increased Profitability
Moti Lal currently allocates a minimum of one acre of land to cultivating marigolds all year round. His yield has increased immensely through better farming practices. He mainly cultivates two varieties—Kolkatti and Laddu of marigold. He also grew the Aruna Variety gladiolus. These varieties command a high market value because of their vibrant color and long shelf life.
He has noticed that a single acre of marigold cultivation earns more than five acres of paddy cultivation. Traditional crops take months to mature and give meager returns. The floriculture gives instant and good returns as it takes less time to harvest, unlike traditional crops. He earned around Rs 3 lakh in 15 days from a single acre of marigolds in the last Diwali season. As each crop is approximately four to five months in duration, he continues the crops three to four times a year to ensure the flow of income.
He currently grows flowers on three acres which earns him an annual revenue of Rs 15-20 lakh. He also plants yellow gladiolus in addition to marigolds, increasing his production of flowers. He has a small kitchen garden with vegetables such as okra, tomatoes, and chili besides floriculture for personal use as well. This earns him an added revenue of Rs 10,000- Rs 15,000.
Investment and Market Success
Moti Lal owes much to thoughtful planning and investment in quality farming cultivation. He buys good-quality marigold seedlings from nurseries so that the plants grow well. He has a system of planting that keeps enough space between the plants for proper growth and aeration. He has also followed soil testing methods to know the correct nutrients that his farm needs so that the plants get the best care.
Its primary market is through wholesale traders. During their peak festival period, he sells directly to retailers to grab maximum profits. The marigold of the Laddu variety, in particular, is the best money earner due to its superior yield and market preference.
Sustainable Practices and Future Plans
Moti Lal is a believer in sustainable farming. He has shifted away from chemical farming. He employs organic pesticides so that his flowers are devoid of all kinds of negative chemicals to control pests. This not only helps the environment but also makes his flowers more attractive to buyers who want naturally grown flowers.
Conservation of water is another fundamental element of his agriculture. He has efficiently minimized the loss of water with maximum supply to his crops by using drip irrigation. It has been especially helpful in achieving maximum output without excessive utilization of resources.
He wants to develop his floriculture business by growing more land and trying out new flower types for the future. He also hopes to assist other farmers in shifting to floriculture by imparting his knowledge and experiences. Several farmers from surrounding villages have already come to learn from him. Some farmers have even begun their cultivation of flowers motivated by his achievement.
An Inspiration for Other Farmers
Moti Lal Banjara's success is a testament to the potential of modern agriculture if it is combined with hard work and ingenuity. He has proven that farming, if done strategically, can be a very lucrative enterprise. He enhanced his economic status by switching from conventional farming to commercial floriculture. Many other farmers have also been inspired to change their way of farming.
His journey underscores the power of lifelong learning and embracing innovative techniques. With a keen business approach to agriculture, he shows that even small plots of land can generate substantial profits. His success in floriculture offers hope, proving that it can be a highly profitable alternative to conventional farming.
