Flower cultivation at Aralam farm reaps results; finds solace from human-animal conflict

Kannur's Aralam farm, plagued by human-animal conflicts, has something to cheer: flower cultivation under NREGS. 250 tribals are involved in the 5-acre project, growing Marigold, Chemanthi, Garbera, Jasmine & Rose. Market issues remain, but paint companies & sale points are being explored.

The Aralam farm in Kannur, which has been in the news for the recurrent incidents of human-animal conflicts and the destruction of farms, has something to cheer about. 

The cultivation of flowers, especially Marigold and Chemanthi started on a pilot basis by the agriculture department and Tribal Rehabilitation Development Mission under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme here is reaping success. 

A large area in the Aralam farm is being used for growing cashew, rubber and coconut plantations. But the wild elephants and other animals destroying them has turned into a huge setback to Aralam Farming Corporation Limited and tribals.

However, the flowers grown as an alternative on a pilot basis have addressed this issue, said C.K Sumesh, Assistant Agriculture Officer. 

“We cultivated Marigold last year for the Onam festival in a small area. Seeing the response it was decided to cultivate the flower over 5 acres of land this year in block 13 of the Aralam farm,” he said.

About 250 tribals have been involved in the work and they can cultivate 500 kilograms of flowers so far this season, he added. The tribals too are confident and satisfied as the crops were not damaged by the wild animals, Mr. Sumesh said. 

Though there is good cultivation, finding a market is more important. Now they are selling in the Kannur market and at religious places. However, the supply of flowers at cheap prices from other States is affecting the sale, he pointed out.