KATHMANDU: Commercial marigold farming has become a reliable source of income for Ganga Bahadur Gole, a farmer from Silpur in Ilam Municipality-10. The vibrant marigold fields have provided him with financial stability, with Gole generating an annual income of approximately Rs 400,000 from his harvest.
Ranjita Jimi, president of the Floriculture Association of Ilam, noted that the increasing demand for marigolds in religious, cultural, and decorative contexts has significantly expanded the market potential for the crop. While Ilam is traditionally known for tea, cardamom, and ginger, flower farming is emerging as a promising new sector for local farmers.
Gole does not need to travel far to sell his produce. He operates a roadside stall along the Silpur-Maikhola section of the Mechi Highway. Travelers passing along the route frequently stop to purchase the fresh flowers. Local driver Raju Chauhan mentioned that the availability of fresh and attractive marigolds directly by the roadside makes them a popular choice for commuters.
In addition to retail sales, traders also visit Gole’s garden to purchase flowers in bulk. Gole has demonstrated that significant income can be earned by effectively utilizing small plots of land. His dedication to planting, nurturing, and maintaining the flowers has yielded strong economic results. He emphasized that connecting local agricultural production with nearby roads and markets is a viable strategy for sustainable farming income.
