Khirai — The Blooming Flower Valley of West Bengal
A Journey to the Village of Flowers
As the train chugs along the tracks and reaches Khirai village in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal, a mesmerizing sight of colorful flowers in full bloom greets the eyes. Khirai is known as the Flower Valley of Bengal, where fields of flowers stretch as far as the eye can see. The village, with its kutcha houses built on both sides of the road, exudes a rustic charm that is rare to find in the urban landscape.
Marigold — The Specialty of Khirai
The flower that stands out among the many varieties cultivated in Khirai is the marigold. According to local flower trader Haridas Haldar, 70% of the marigold flowers in West Bengal and 40–50% of the country’s supply come from Khirai. Marigold is not only popular in India but is also exported to other countries. The flower has a special significance during Navratri and Annapurna Puja, which increases the demand for it.
The Flourishing Flower Business
Flower cultivation has become the primary occupation of the majority of the 850 families living in Khirai. They supply flowers to local markets and also to other states such as Delhi, Odisha, Assam, Bihar, and Mumbai. The flower trade has been going on for over three decades and has helped the village prosper economically. Farmers like Devashish Nayak and Khokan Adak cultivate marigold flowers and earn an annual income of over 1.5 lakhs.
The Delightful Tourist Destination
Khirai is not just a village but also a popular tourist destination for flower lovers. During the winter season, the banks of Khirai and the adjacent Kansai river are in full bloom, attracting tourists from far and wide. The beauty of the flowers is such that they appear like a painting when the rays of the sun fall on them from behind the clouds.
From Cucumbers to Flowers — The Evolution of Khirai
Interestingly, Khirai was not always a flower valley. Until three decades ago, cucumber production was the main occupation of the farmers in the village. However, due to the lack of profitability, the farmers switched to flower cultivation, which proved to be a wise decision. Today, Khirai has gained recognition as the Flower Valley of Bengal and is contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
In conclusion, Khirai is a village that has blossomed into a blooming flower valley, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its farmers. With marigolds as its specialty, Khirai has become a hub of the flower trade and a charming tourist destination. The village’s transformation from cucumber production to flower cultivation is an inspiring example of how innovation and perseverance can bring about positive change.
