Author: Tista Dutta
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/PP/020400015
Abstract: This article examined the economic significance of two ritualistic flowers—marigold (Tagetes spp.) and tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)— within West Bengal’s floriculture and festival economies. Drawing on published studies, market price series, government statistics and regional reports, the study analyzed cultivation patterns, value chains, seasonal market dynamics (with emphasis on Durga Puja and other festivals), employment and livelihood effects, price volatility, and the challenges of post-harvest handling and market access. The findings indicated that marigold and tuberose cultivation had provided higher seasonal employment and supplementary incomes for smallholders compared to some staple crops; marigold had shown broad-based area expansion in Bengal due to ease of cultivation and high festival demand, while tuberose had maintained a higher price per kilogram because of its fragrance and niche market. Festival-driven demand spikes had caused sharp price fluctuations that benefited producers in short windows but exposed them to market risk. Marketisation and peri-urban floriculture had enhanced supply reliability but had also encouraged monoculture practices and supply-chain intermediaries that captured a significant share of festival margins. The study concluded with recommendations for improved post-harvest infrastructure, cooperative marketing, price risk instruments, varietal diversification, and support for smallscale growers through extension and credit—policy measures that were argued to align cultural practice with more inclusive economic benefits.
Keywords: Marigold, Tuberose, Floriculture, Economic Significance, West Bengal, Festival Demand, Price Fluctuation.
Page No: 100-107