Nagaland farmer transforms small flower hobby into commercial enterprise

Vesalu Puro, a former government trainer from the Chakhesang Naga tribe, has transformed a small-scale hobby into a commercial floriculture enterprise in the Phek district of Nagaland. Spanning 1.5 hectares, her farm addresses a growing local demand for flowers used in weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals.

Initially facing challenges such as limited access to quality planting materials and technical knowledge, Puro’s enterprise expanded through scientific intervention. The ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Phek introduced her to ‘Arka Amar’, a high-yielding gladiolus variety from the ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research in Bengaluru. This variety is noted for its orange-colored spikes and strong market appeal.

In addition to receiving 6,000 healthy corms, Puro underwent training in scientific cultivation practices, including land preparation, nutrient management, irrigation, and post-harvest handling. Her transition from a contractual employee to a commercial farmer serves as a model for sustainable livelihoods and women's entrepreneurship in rural Nagaland.