Marigold is one of the most popular, annual, free flowering, and short-duration flowering crops. These flowers are known for their vibrant orange and yellow blooms, which add a cheerful touch to gardens and landscapes. Marigolds are native to Mexico and Central America but are now grown worldwide. Marigold can be grown in a wide range of soil, as it is adaptable to different soil conditions. However, a well-drained loamy soil with a soil pH of 7 – 7.5 is considered ideal.
Women farmers in Puri, Odisha, are achieving success in commercial marigold cultivation through the MIDH scheme. Smt. Lili Pradhan and Smt. Banita Jena (Sadar block) manage 1.25 acres each, supplying markets in Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack. Their year-round efforts produce a sustainable net profit of ₹50,000–₹60,000 per acre, highlighting successful women-led agricultural enterprises.
Presentation -Dibyabharati Nayak