Kerala Hybrid Marigold to Challenge Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Flower Supply Ahead of Onam

Karimbam farm, under the Kerala Agriculture Department, has introduced three new hybrid varieties of marigolds for the Onam flower market.

Kannur: In a bold move poised to reshape Kerala’s flower economy, the state-run Karimbam farm in Kannur has developed three high-yield hybrid marigold varieties, targeting the multi-crore Onam flower market. This development marks a significant step in reducing Kerala’s historic reliance on marigold imports from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

For decades, flower growers from Hosur, Coimbatore, Gundlupet, and Mysuru have catered to Kerala’s festive demand, especially for chendu malli (African marigold), sending tonnes of yellow and orange blooms across the border ahead of Onam. These flowers, planted months in advance, are important for Kerala’s homes and public spaces, as Onam’s floral carpets (pookkalams) are incomplete without them. The chendu malli is also traditionally used for treating allergies and burns.

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