Farmers in Paliem, in Goa’s Pernem district, profiled by The Times of India on 5 October 2026, are showing how floriculture can help bring underused farmland back into production while creating new income opportunities for rural communities.
Young farmer Ravlu Parab has worked with his brothers to revive family land that had been lying fallow. The family chose marigolds as a crop that could provide income across the agricultural season, using planned planting and modern cultivation practices to build a more dependable operation.
Goa Marigold Farms Add Income Between Crops
One of the advantages of the farm’s approach is its timing. The family schedules marigold production toward the end of the bhendi, or okra, season, helping maintain a flow of farm income rather than relying on a single crop cycle.
The operation has also created employment, with seven to eight workers receiving regular work on the farm. Parab said government agriculture and horticulture programs, along with marketing support from the horticulture corporation, have helped strengthen the business.
Despite losses caused by wild animals, the family continues to expand its plans. Watermelon is among the crops being considered for the next season.
Women Are Joining Goa’s Floriculture Growth
Another example comes from farmer Sampada Tari of Bhandarwada in Paliem. Her field has been converted into a marigold-growing operation with about 2,500 plants representing two varieties.
Tari is also producing much of the planting material herself. Seedlings from the family nursery are now in demand among other farmers in Pernem, creating an additional opportunity to generate income from the farm.
Local Production Gains Momentum
The Paliem farms are part of a broader push to expand marigold production in Goa. The state’s agriculture department reported that about 500,000 locally produced marigold plants were distributed to farmers across Goa in 2026.
Growing more flowers locally can help strengthen the state’s horticultural economy while giving farmers another crop suited to strong seasonal demand. Marigolds are widely used for religious ceremonies, festivals, weddings and other occasions, making them an important part of India’s flower market.
For farmers with unused or underutilized land, the Paliem examples demonstrate the potential of combining crop planning, local demand, government support and entrepreneurship to make small-scale floriculture a viable rural business.
For a separate look at crop diversification and new plant introductions, see Two Hydrangea Brands Set North American Liner Launch for 2027.
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