Unveiling the economic potential of Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba) cultivation in Tamil Nadu (Dindigul district)

The cultivation of medicinal plants is gaining significant momentum, with the promotion of their commercial cultivation becoming crucial to meet the rising demands for their medicinal properties in both domestic and export markets. Glory Lily (Gloriosa superba), the official floral emblem (state flower) of Tamil Nadu, contains medicinal alkaloids such as colchicine in its seeds (the economic part), which are beneficial in treating cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and gout. Research conducted to evaluate the financial viability of Glory Lily cultivation revealed that it is feasible for farmers to cultivate alongside traditional crops. The study was conducted in the Dindigul district, which was selected purposively for its extensive cultivation of Glory Lily. Data was collected from 90 growers using random sampling and structured questionnaires. From 2011 to 2021, the compound annual growth rates for the area, production, and productivity of Glory lily cultivation in the Dindigul district were 4.18 %, 4.54 %, and 0.34 %, respectively. The overall expenses per acre for Glory Lily cultivation amounted to ? 13.7 lakhs, while the profit per acre was ?15.8 lakhs. Farmers used three primary marketing channels for Marketing Glory Lily, each with varying costs and margins. Channel I (Producer to Promoter to Processing company) was identified as the most efficient, followed by channel II (Producer to Village Commission agents to Promoter to Processing company) and channel III (Producer to Pre -harvest contractor to Promoter to Processing company). Farmers faced several challenges in cultivation and marketing, including continuous rainfall, fog, and price fluctuations. Despite the high initial capital investment required to establish Glory Lily cultivation, the projected returns over multiple harvest cycles make it an attractive and lucrative business opportunity for farmers in Tamil Nadu.