You might be wondering about the Marigold cultivation income when sown in 1 acre field, don’t worry we are here to let you know economics of the crop. Marigold belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is the most popular flower and ranks 3rd after roses and Chrysanthemum in India. It has a high value and can be cultivated on a small scale but it is a labor-intensive crop. Most of the farmers depend on Marigold cultivation as their main source of income.
A guide for Marigold cultivation income, cost, profits in 1 acreÂ
The universal usage of marigold in all their ceremonies like Marriage, birthday, festivals, rituals and sometimes in political social and historic occasions. This increased the market of producing flowers on a commercial basis to meet the demand in the market. During festivals like Diwali, Dusshera, Ganesh Chaturthi, Ugadi, etc. the demand is very high in the market and hence the price may reach up to 120-150 rupees per Kg. This flower has a special quality and is available in attractive shades and colors.
Varieties of Marigold
There are two varieties of Marigold which are divided based on their size and characteristics. These include-
African Marigold- Flowers are bigger in size.
French Marigold- Flowers are smaller in size.
High Yielding varieties
Below you can find the list of high yielding varieties of marigold in India.
African Hybrid Varieties: Happiness, primrose, Cracker Jack, yellow supreme, Hawaii, climax, Fiesta, New Alaska, glitters and apricot.
French Hybrid Varieties: Red bokardo, Flash, star of India, petit spray, gypsy, harmony, rusty red, and lemon drops.
Local varieties include yellow and orange, Pusa basanti gainda, MDU 1, & Pusa narangi gainda.
Required climate conditions:
Marigold has a unique quality that can thrive best in hot, dry as well as humid weather conditions. Hence they can grow throughout the year but requires mild climatic conditions for best yield. It can grow well at 15°C – 29°C. A very hot climate may affect flowering growth.
Soil conditions requirement:Â
This plant can grow in a wide range of soil. It shows good results in fertile sandy loam soils with good irrigation Soil pH should range between 6.5-7.5. Acidic and saline soils are not suitable for marigold farming.
How to prepare the land for Marigold
Plow the land with the tractor to attain tilth of the soil. Add completely decomposed cow dung to the soil to make it fertile. The average seed rate of Marigold ranges from 500gm – 1 Kg/ acre. As Marigold can grow throughout the year the farmers are beneficial to opt it for farming.
Seed sowing of Marigold
Before sowing seed should be treated with Azospirillium of 80gm in 20 ml of Rice gruel. Seeds can be sown all around the year and for raising seedlings seeds have to be broadcasted on the raised beds from May to June months. The sowed beds should be watered frequently and after one month of sowing or if the plant reaches about 15 cm height then they have to be transplanted in the main field on the side of the ridge at 45 cm x 35 cm spacing.
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Fertilizers and manures used in Marigold production
This depends on the fertility of the soil. In case of nutrient deficiencies in the soil during the last plowing at 10 tonnes of FYM per acre during the time of land preparation. Applying inorganic fertilizers like N:P: K at a ratio of 10:10: 10 per acre gives a high yield.
When and How water Marigold plants
Marigold requires constant moisture in the soil from bud formation to harvesting. Based on the soil moisture irrigation should be provided once in a week and when needed. Irrigation should be immediately given after planting in the field and light irrigation is recommended on every 3rd or 4th day after planting. As this crop is sensitive to waterlogging well internal drainage system should be maintained in the rainy season if not the yield would decrease drastically.
How to control weeds in Marigold crop
Weeding should be controlled when needed and hand weeding will be the best method.
 Pinching in Marigold farming
Pinching practice results in high yield of flowers and earthling should be done after 20 days of transplanting. After one week of earthling, pinching should be followed for a bust growth and development of lateral branches of the marigold plant.
 Pests and Diseases of Marigold plants
Thrips and caterpillar can be controlled by spraying 0.1% of Nuvacron.
Milybug can be controlled by spraying Dimethoate at 0.5 ml/Litre of water per acre.
Root rot can be controlled by using drench 1gm/ Litre of Bavisitin.
Leaf spot can be controlled by using 0.2% of Dithane M 45.
Marogold crop durationÂ
It takes about 4-5 months after planting.
Harvesting of Marigold
It can be done by picking up once in 3 days after 60 days of planting. It is mainly based on the varieties of Marigold you have chosen. French marigold starts flowering in 45 days whereas the African variety takes 60 days after transplanting.
The yield of Marigold
The yield mostly depends on the soil type, farm management practices and variety of seed chosen.
The yield varies from 2.4 – 4.0 tons/acre.
How to market Marigold flowers
As this flower has huge demands in markets they will be mostly sold in the local markets and can be transported to different places by properly packing in cartons.
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Costs involved in Marigold farming per 1 acre
Land preparation = Rs. 5,000
Planting materials = Rs. 800
Machine charges= Rs. 2,000
Manures and Fertilizers= Rs. 5,000
Plant protection= Rs. 1,000
Irrigation = Rs. 1,500
Labour Charges = Rs. 10,000
Miscellaneous cost = Rs. 2,000
Marketing cost = Rs. 2,000
10% of total cost = Rs. 2,930
Total cost = Rs. 32,230
Income returns
Farm price per 1 Kg = Rs. 60 according to Gudimalkapur market, Hyderabad as on 7th September 2019.
Income for 3 tons (an average yield per 1 acre) = 3,000 x 60= Rs. 1,80,000.
Profit and Returns
Profit = Income- Total cost incurred = Rs. 1,80,000- Rs. 32,230 = Rs. 1,47,770. Hence the profit is Rs. 1,47, 770.
Conclusion
Marigold cultivation is profitable farming with low investment and minimal care, hence many of the farmers have chosen it as their sole livelihood. Generally, yellow, red varieties are grown more and have high demand in the market. Marigold cultivation is more from July to October as it has high demand during that period of the year. At this period, the demand for Marigold will be very high then the other as these include festival months. That’s all folks about cultivation income of Marigold and yield of Marigold flowers per acre. Keep growing flowers!.
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Hello Sir ,
Thanks a lot for the Marigold cultivation information. I have 1 query:-
1. The average yeild / acre is 3 Tons. Is it per harvest or is this annual ? As in would we get 3 Tons twice in a year.
Thanks again,
Regards,
Jai
Hi
Information is appreciated.