Kasargod: Farmers of Kasargod have struck gold by using Marigold. Well, on learning that Marigold flower has wonderful properties to work as a pesticide, the farmers of the region started planting Marigold plants in their vegetable farms and have reaped rich dividends.For a region, which has been torn apart due to the tragic endosulfan incident, it is natural for the farmers to make extra attempts to find natural means to keep pests at bay from their farmlands.

The humble bright saffron and yellow coloured flowers with long petals forming a ball shaped flower is widely used during Onam, Diwali and most of the festivals.

Every year during the festivals, these flowers are brought from other states, but the local farmers growing Marigold has served two purposes. One, it has warded off their farms from pests and insects that feed on their produce and second that the region has witnessed increase in availability of locally grown marigold.

Farmers from Pilikodu, Chervathur, Kayur, Chemeni and nearby areas have experimented with this natural pesticide and have tasted success.

The technique is called companion planting. Here a farmer can plant certain types of plants near each other because they are mutually beneficial.

It is said that the farmers who were once disillusioned by the weather changes, plant diseases and other problems have found solace in this technique. The farmers are now planting Marigold plants even in paddy fields to make sure that the flowering plant spells its magic.

As per experts, even plants like clover, chrysanthemum and lavender too have the same properties that can ward of unwanted guests in the farms.