How Maharashtra farmer built Rs 3.5-lakh-a-month flower business on quarter-acre plot

Arjun Sabale, a farmer from Maharashtra, has built a lucrative flower business on a quarter-acre plot, earning approximately Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000 daily. In contrast to traditional flower farming, Sabale adopted protected cultivation techniques, such as polyhouse farming, after observing others and studying agriculture. He began with roses on a 10 guntha plot, expanded gradually, and now cultivates both roses and gerbera on one acre.

The flowers are grown inside a naturally ventilated polyhouse, utilizing roof vents and side curtains for optimal airflow. Sabale employs drip irrigation and weekly pest sprays to maintain plant health. He sells the flowers locally and to wholesale markets in Bengaluru, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The Top Secret variety of Dutch hybrid tea rose and gerbera produce around 1,000 and 2,000 units daily, respectively.

With the prevailing rates of Rs 5 per rose and Rs 4 per gerbera, Sabale generates approximately Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 daily from these crops. Together, the two crops yield around Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000 per day, resulting in an annual turnover exceeding Rs 3.5 lakh and net profits close to Rs 2.5 lakh.