Bhubaneswar, Oct. 24 -- Marigold cultivation has emerged as a new source of income for tribal women in Gopikankubadi village in Odisha's Rayagada district, helping them support their families and become financially self-reliant. The flowers are now being supplied to several cities across Odisha and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, expanding beyond local markets.

Located in the foothills, the village has rocky, sloping land and challenging weather conditions. Earlier, men depended on paddy and traditional vegetable farming, but inadequate returns forced many to migrate to other states for work.

With support from the Odisha Livelihoods Mission and the block administration, women in Gopikankubadi began cultivating marigolds on five acres of la...