Farmer Ghanshyam Sahu cultivates marigolds on one hectare alongside vegetables across 4.83 hectares, promoting crop diversification and commercial horticulture
Published on: October 15, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The Floriculture Hub Incentive Scheme is encouraging farmers in Chhattisgarh to expand flower cultivation and diversify their horticultural activities. In Rajnandgaon district, farmer Ghanshyam Sahu, a resident of Mohad village in Rajnandgaon development block, has adopted commercial marigold cultivation alongside the production of several vegetables.
Under the scheme, farmers receive financial assistance of ₹37,500 for commercial flower cultivation on one hectare. The initiative aims to encourage flower production, support farm income and make horticulture a more commercially viable agricultural activity.
Farmer Cultivates Flowers and Vegetables Across 4.83 Hectares
Ghanshyam Sahu is cultivating different horticultural crops across a total area of 4.83 hectares. His crop distribution includes:
- Marigold: 1 hectare
- Cucumber: 1.62 hectares
- Chilli: 0.81 hectares
- Ivy gourd (kundru): 0.40 hectares
- Bottle gourd: 1 hectare
By combining flower cultivation with vegetable production, Sahu has diversified his farming activities rather than relying on a single crop. His approach demonstrates how farmers can incorporate multiple horticultural crops according to available land, resources and local market demand.
Marigold and Vegetables Offer Diverse Marketing Opportunities
Sahu said marigold flowers remain in demand for religious ceremonies, social functions and various events. Vegetables such as cucumber, chilli, ivy gourd and bottle gourd also have regular market demand.
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He explained that cultivating different crops increases the variety of produce available for marketing and helps reduce dependence on a single crop.
Crop diversification can also provide farmers with opportunities to market different horticultural products. The selection of crops, however, depends on local conditions, available resources and market requirements.
Focus on Crop Management and Production
Sahu follows crop-specific practices involving land preparation, planting, irrigation, nutrient management, weed control, and pest and disease management.
The inclusion of flowers and vegetables in his farming activities reflects an effort to develop horticulture on a commercial basis while responding to local growing conditions and market demand.
The Floriculture Hub Incentive Scheme provides financial support for commercial flower cultivation, encouraging farmers to consider floriculture alongside other agricultural activities.
Scheme Support Encourages Horticultural Diversification
Sahu’s initiative is being presented as an example for other farmers interested in diversifying their horticultural production. Farmers can consider combining flower and vegetable cultivation based on their landholding, available resources and local market demand.
Ghanshyam Sahu expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai for the support provided under the Floriculture Hub Incentive Scheme.
The initiative highlights the role of government assistance and crop diversification in encouraging commercial horticulture in Rajnandgaon district.
