Farmers in Ban Wang Kung have joined forces to convert fallow paddy fields left idle after rice harvesting into marigold plantations. With low investment and good returns, they earn over 100,000 baht per rai from sales of the flowers.
Mr. Pirasak Thammathatchasit, the Chief District Officer of Sap Yai, and Ms. Chaitaya Petchbun, the agricultural officer of Sap Yai District, along with agricultural extension officers and community leaders, visited Ban Wang Kung in Tha Kub Subdistrict, Sap Yai District, Chaiyaphum Province. They encouraged the local farmers who have grouped together to convert their fallow paddy fields into marigold plantations for sale at Pak Khlong Talat market, generating income exceeding 100,000 baht per rai. They also promoted establishing a community enterprise or forming a large agricultural group to gain access to various government support programs. These initiatives aim to encourage cultivation, reduce expenses, and increase income for local residents, thereby creating employment, generating revenue, and stimulating the local economy.
Ms. Nipaporn Kobal, 54, revealed that the area was originally a paddy field left idle after rice harvest. She and over six neighboring families decided to collectively plant marigolds on six rai of land. Marigolds require low investment and little water but yield good profits. Being a nature enthusiast who enjoys cultivating and conserving ornamental plants, she was inspired to grow marigolds—a short-lived economic plant that needs little water and has many uses. Marigolds can be crafted with other flowers for offerings to monks, made into garlands for sacred worship, or used to decorate personal vehicles for good fortune. Recognizing the value and multiple uses of marigolds, she encouraged local villagers to grow them. They propagate their own seedlings or purchase high-quality Rocco Rainy variety seedlings at 1.50 baht each. After 60 days, the flowers are harvested and sold, resulting in income after expenses./* The part contains only the word 'เป็นเงิน' which translates as 'an amount of money' or 'the sum is' but incomplete without further context. */""The income ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 baht per harvest. She personally cultivates one rai and earns no less than 100,000 baht. Because marigold cultivation has proven very successful, she has encouraged neighbors to join in and acts as a mentor in plant care. This has created good supplementary employment opportunities following rice farming.
Mr. Chalerm Praikhiao, 44, a farmer from Ban Wang Kung and one of the first to cultivate marigolds and deliver flowers to the market, shared that his long experience has made him familiar with major markets in Bangkok, such as the fresh flower market at Pak Khlong Talat, which has high demand. Marigolds reach full maturity at 60 days and can be harvested continuously for up to five months with proper care, sometimes extending to six months. After that, the plants wither, and the soil is rested for about two weeks before replanting. The group plants in staggered batches to ensure a steady supply of marigolds for sale.
Customers typically order marigolds with a diameter of 3 to 4 centimeters, which sell at the farm for 40 to 50 baht per 100 flowers, and 50 to 60 baht per 100 flowers for out-of-province customers. Larger flowers measuring 6 to 7 centimeters in diameter sell at 50 baht per 100 at the farm and 70 baht per 100 for out-of-province buyers. The largest flowers, 7 to 8 centimeters in diameter, sell at 70 baht per 100 at the farm. Prices fluctuate seasonally as flower prices rise and fall.