Crystal Crop Protection Ltd (CCPL) has positioned itself as a leader in marigold research and development, a shift that has attracted international companies to India for flower exports. According to The Hindu BusinessLine, the company’s Vijeyta hybrid has become its top revenue-generating seed product, driven by its ability to replace chrysanthemums in certain markets due to a significantly longer shelf life. The hybrid’s unique structural integrity allows it to be stored in cold conditions for 20 to 25 days, a feature that facilitates long-distance transportation without damage.
The development of this variety began in 2012, with the hybrid successfully cracked in 2014, according to the publication. CCPL utilized a doubled haploid system involving pollen to create the orange-colored flower, which was previously imported from Thailand. The Hindu BusinessLine reported that the flower’s tennis-ball shape and strong stems prevent lodging, even when the plant grows above four feet. This durability has led to increased adoption by growers who seek higher returns during festival seasons, when prices can surge to ₹100 per kilogram.
Farmers in Karnataka, such as those in Kajikalhalli village near Kolar, have shifted from growing lighter flowers like chrysanthemums to the heavier marigold for better financial yields. The Hindu BusinessLine noted that local growers report income increases during festive periods, with some earning up to ₹80 per kilogram. The publication also highlighted that the flower serves different regional markets, with whole blooms used for religious purposes in northern India and petals utilized for garlands in the south.
Beyond marigolds, CCPL is expanding its horticultural portfolio by developing orchid hybrids from local germplasm. The Hindu BusinessLine stated that these indigenous orchids are expected to cost less than ₹400, offering a cheaper alternative to the nearly ₹30 crore worth of orchids India imports annually. The company plans to launch a yellow marigold hybrid next year and intends to produce seeds for jasmine and roses in the future, aiming to increase the number of growers cultivating these plants.