Rajanigandha farming transforms Odisha village into floriculture hub

In a remarkable example of rural transformation, Ralaba village in Odisha’s Ganjam district has emerged as a flourishing hub of rajanigandha (tuberose) cultivation, collectively generating more than Rs 1.2 crore in annual income. What was once a village dependent largely on vegetable farming is now known for its fragrant white blooms that travel to major markets across the region.

Rs 1.2Cr Annual Income

The turning point came when a local farmer, Jhumar Dalei, participated in an agricultural extension programme that introduced him to scientific methods of tuberose cultivation. With quality planting material supplied by the state horticulture department and guidance on best practices such as proper spacing, organic manuring, and timely disease management, Dalei began cultivating Rajanigandha on just half an acre of land. His efforts paid off handsomely, earning him nearly Rs 1.10 lakh in a single season.

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Inspired by his success, several farmers in Ralaba gradually shifted from traditional vegetable crops to tuberose farming. Over time, the village transformed into a dedicated floriculture cluster, supported by collective planning and improved farming techniques.

New Chapter In Farming Success

Today, Ralaba’s Rajanigandha flowers are supplied to markets in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Chhattisgarh, and Kolkata, ensuring stable demand and better price realisation for growers. Strong market linkages and coordinated efforts have helped farmers reduce dependency on middlemen and increase profitability.

Agriculture officials say the Ralaba model demonstrates how access to knowledge, quality inputs, and community participation can unlock new income opportunities in rural areas. The village’s journey stands as a powerful example of how innovation and initiative at the grassroots level can reshape livelihoods and create sustainable economic growth.

From adversity to opportunity, Ralaba’s blooming fields now symbolise a new chapter in Odisha’s rural success story.