In a remarkable story of rural transformation, Ralaba village in Ganjam district has become a flourishing hub of rajanigandha (tuberose) cultivation, collectively generating more than Rs 1.2 crore in annual income. Once largely dependent on vegetable farming, the village is now known for its fragrant white blooms that reach major markets across eastern India.
The shift began when a local farmer, Jhumar Dalei, participated in an agricultural extension programme that introduced him to scientific methods of tuberose cultivation. With quality planting materials supplied by the state horticulture department and technical guidance on proper spacing, organic manuring and disease management, Dalei started cultivating rajanigandha on just half an acre of land. His efforts yielded impressive returns, earning him nearly Rs 1.10 lakh in a single season.
Encouraged by his success, more farmers in Ralaba gradually transitioned from traditional vegetable crops to floriculture. Over time, the village evolved into a dedicated floriculture cluster, supported by collective planning, better crop management practices and improved coordination among growers.
Today, Ralaba’s rajanigandha flowers are supplied to markets in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Chhattisgarh and Kolkata. Strong market linkages have helped farmers secure stable demand and better price realisation, reducing reliance on middlemen and increasing profitability.
Agriculture officials note that the Ralaba model highlights how access to knowledge, quality inputs and community participation can unlock new income opportunities in rural areas. The transformation of the village underscores the potential of floriculture as a viable diversification strategy for farmers seeking sustainable and higher returns.
