Saran farmers shift to flower cultivation

Chhapra: While crossing the national highway (NH) between Saidpur and Chaknoor areas of Dighwara block in Saran district, one is bound to stop and soak in the varied hues of nature that cover both the flanks.
Of late, a few farmers of the Dighwara block have shifted to cultivation of flowers like marigold, cherry blossom and chrysanthemum, given its economic benefit.
Earlier flower cultivation was limited to Aquilpur panchayat of the block only, but now colourful flower fields cover both the flanks of the NH between Saidpur and Chaknoor.
Farmers like Ramesh Bhagat, Yogendra Bhagat and Yogendra Singh say that their big marigold flowers are in high demand for decoration as well as for religious purposes, and have given Dighwara recognition.
Amit, a resident of Dighwara, said the flowers are in high demand with several famous temples not just in Saran — like Hariharnath temple at Sonepur and Maa Ambika Bhawani at Aami — but nearby districts as well like Baba Garib Nath Dham in Muzaffarpur district and Hanuman Mandir in Patna, besides for social functions like wedding. As such this has taken the shape of a cottage industry as in most houses now, women are engaged in making garlands, which are sent to other districts as well as neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, adding to the block's economic growth.
Local teachers like Kumar Pankaj and Hridyanand Yadav, on the other hand, point out to the scenic beauty the flower farms, making them perfect selfie spots.
While there has been no industry in Saran district, cultivation of flowers and garland making has become a cottage industry of sorts in the block, which is also famous for its production of "arta ka paat" (used during Chhath rituals) in village Jhouan.