The Hindu Business Line : Marigold zooms on supply shortage

Industrial units engaged in value-added products from marigold oleoresin are now willing to offer farmers high prices to get the raw material, according to trade sources. The price levels have shot up to Rs 3-3.20 per kg from Rs 2 per kg of flower during the same period last year.

Early mist and delayed monsoon are said to have had an adverse impact on the growth prospects of this early summer bloom. Though the plant is said to be reasonably tolerant to dry weather conditions and sunlight, the severity in the weather conditions this year appears to have stunted its growth.

``There is a price war. We can't help but accept to pay a high rate as we have to keep our factory operations going. We need to meet the orders, fulfil our commitment to our foreign buyers,'' said Mr Mathew Varghese, Assistant General Manager (Fragrance Division), Synthite Industrial Chemicals Ltd.

In recent years, farmers have taken to cultivation of marigold as industrial units offer to buyback the flowers for extraction of the natural pigment, used in food (for colouring) and feed. The pharmaceutical properties enhance the value of the plant per se.

The area has expanded rapidly from about 5,000 acres a decade back to over 30,000 acres currently. The African marigold (native to Mexico) is the most sought after variety.

According to Mr Varghese, marigold cultivation was initially limited to Sathyamangalam in Erode district. But due to the rising demand for its oleoresin, Synthite decided to rope in farmers from Karnataka too. He said the winter crop was raised in Gundalpet area in Karnataka.

``The sowing season commences in September and the flowering starts by December or January. But due to the failure of both the North-East and South-West monsoon this year, the sowing is not over yet in the Sathyamangalam belt. Despite bad weather conditions, farmers are willing to take the risk as they are confident of reaping rich returns. But the industry will have to pay through its nose,'' he lamented.

In Gundalpet belt, the sowing would start the next season — from February onwards and the flowers could be picked in May or June, he added.

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