J'khand: Floriculture replacing opium cultivation

Floriculture is proving to be a boon for farmers of Gidhaur village in Jharkhand's Naxal-hit Chatra District. Earlier, farmers in the village were forcibly cultivating opium to earn high profits so that they could meet the extortion demands of the rebels operating in the area. But with the increase in security situation, the area has witnessed a change. The farmers have now given up illegal practice of opium cultivation and are taking keen interest in floriculture. Growing flowers like marigold is helping farmers to earn good profits, which is attracting more and more people to adopt the same practice.