In Coastal Humid Tropics... Marigold-globe amaranth sequential cropping fetches more

Abstract

Marigold (Tagetes serecta) and globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa) are potential loose flower crops which have high market demand during special festive seasons. Flowers of marigold and globe amaranth retain their freshness and colour for a longer period, making them preferred items among florists. Both flowers have market demand and fetch higher price during December- April and August- September, respectively. Marigold flowers usually fetches higher price during seasons of wedding and temple festivals, whereas globe amaranth is preferred only during Onam season. Its main use is for decorating floral rangolies. The production of marigold flowers from other growing tracts is limited during December-February due to winter season. But climatic condition is favourable in coastal humid tropics paving ample scope for growing marigold during October-April. Globe amaranth is a rainy season annual which can be grown during monsoon season (May-September) so that harvesting can be done during Onam season (August-September). This crop rotation ensures continuous growing of flower intercrops throughout the year with flower production during months of peak demand. Being short duration crops, marigold-globe amaranth sequential cropping system can be adopted in a single year, providing better economic returns to farmer.