Panaji: Around 5 lakh locally produced marigold plants have been distributed to farmers across Goa this year, helping save an estimated Rs 15–20 lakh in procurement costs and reducing the state’s dependence on planting material from other states, agriculture director Chandrahas Dessai said on Wednesday.“Marigold cultivation in the state has expanded sharply to around 100 hectares, compared with just 5 hectares earlier. Farmers are expected to earn good returns from the crop during the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festive season,” Dessai said.The agriculture department provides subsidies based on the area under cultivation and is working to improve the quality and availability of locally produced planting material.“We have the best quality marigolds growing in Goa as a result. Our endeavour is to ensure that Goans grow produce and buy locally,” Dessai said.The department is targeting marigold cultivation across the state, from Pernem in the north to Sanguem in the south. The centre for excellence at Codar farm is also working to introduce tissue-culture techniques and bring more land under cultivation, he said.Goan farmers primarily grow two hybrid varieties—Tennis Ball, a yellow variety, and Ashtaganda, an orange variety. The seedlings are sourced from nurseries in Kolhapur.In Sattari, Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) this year began distributing one lakh hybrid marigold saplings under the state sector scheme, up from 75,000 supplied to around 120 farmers last year. ZAO has targeted at least 300 farmers this year.Farmers are eligible for a subsidy of Rs 5 per seedling, subject to a minimum buy of 750 seedlings. The scheme is also open to home gardeners and small-scale cultivators, who can purchase one or two trays of seedlings.
