Floriculture makes Tripura youth a significant contributor to economy

AGARTALA - With the northeastern state of Tripura taking to floriculture, it has given the youth an opportunity to become not only able entrepreneurs, but also makes them able them able enough to contribute significantly to the economy of the State.

Dipak, a Tripura based young farmer, who was on a never-ending job search after completing his graduation finally began working as a laborer to sustain his family.

The youngster, who currently grows flowers like gladiolus, marigold, chrysanthemum, tuberose, orchids and anthodium in his small farm has never looked back since then.

“Others, who are in this business inspired me. Today, I am doing well and can take care of my family. Now like me many other youth are doing well and earning a livelihood from floriculture,” said Dipak.

The Government under its technology mission has been regularly organizing camps for training youth to grow flowers in a systematic way and scientific way.

“We found that growing flowers is more profitable than growing vegetables. I have been growing flowers for the past five years. When we started our venture the government provided us with saplings at a subsidized rate,” said Chitranjan, a floriculturist

Tripura, known for its rubber production, is gradually beginning to make a mark in the floriculture sector as well. Endowed with fertile soil, abundant moisture and sub-tropical climate, it offers immense scope for production of a wide variety of flowers.

The residents here are now beginning to see floriculture as a tremendous business opportunity in the region, as the demand for flowers both within and outside the State is increasing with every passing day.

“Earlier, we used to have two crops - Rabi and Kharif. But over a period of time, I have realized that flower cultivation is quite profitable,” said Basanti buni, another floriculturist.eople now think floriculture to be a more profitable business venture than vegetable cultivation.

“For the last seven years I have been practicing floriculture. It is more profitable than growing vegetables or rearing animals,” said Biswajit Paul, a floriculturist.

“Earlier, we used to work in other places, but after one of the villagers started floriculture here, we do not have to go out in search of work. We are earning well from this business,” added Ratan Chakraborthy, another floriculturist. (ANI)