The ‘Magical’ Blue Flower Changing Farmers’ Fortunes in India
The butterfly pea flower is transforming the lives of farmers across India. Once merely a climbing plant, this vibrant blue flower, known as aparajita in India, has recently garnered attention for its economic potential.
– A Surprising Journey: Nilam Brahma, a resident of Anthaigwlao in Assam, shares how her life changed when she learned that local women were successfully selling butterfly pea flowers for tea and natural dye. “Earning $50 from dried flowers shocked me; it made me believe in my own future,” she recalls. With her newfound income, Nilam invested in solar dryers to enhance her flower quality and profitability.
– Rising Demand: Traditionally cultivated in Thailand and Indonesia, butterfly pea is experiencing a surge in global demand, particularly for its use as a natural colorant. Varshika Reddy, founder of THS Impex, emphasizes that consumer preferences for natural ingredients, combined with strict regulations on synthetic dyes in the US and Europe, have opened new avenues for Indian entrepreneurs. Although the European Food Safety Authority noted safety concerns regarding its widespread use, opportunities remain.
– Empowering Farmers: Reddy is committed to enhancing production standards and raising awareness about butterfly pea as a viable crop. “We provide dedicated support and training to farmers, particularly women, in Uttar Pradesh, she says, highlighting the lack of structured market frameworks that often leaves farmers uncertain about their earnings.
– Innovation in Agriculture: Nitesh Singh, located just outside Delhi, recognizes the flower’s commercial potential. He founded Blue Tea in 2018, aiming to create an Indian brand utilizing locally sourced butterfly peas. Initially, Singh faced quality challenges and had to import flowers, but through collaborative efforts with farmers, he’s expanded his reach from five to 600 farmers nationwide.
– Harvesting with Care: The delicate process of harvesting butterfly pea flowers is predominantly done by women, who are often more adept at handling these delicate blooms. “Temperature control in drying is critical,” explains Singh. At Blue Tea, flowers undergo additional drying under careful conditions to retain their color and medicinal properties.
– Health Benefits Emerging: Beyond its captivating hue, there’s emerging evidence that butterfly pea flowers may offer health benefits. V. Supriya, an assistant professor in Chennai, noted that her research indicated improved sugar control in pre-diabetic individuals who consumed butterfly pea tea. “Its long-overlooked benefits are starting to gain recognition,” she affirms.
– Transforming Livelihoods: Pushpal Biswas, a farmer in West Bengal, transitioned from traditional crops to butterfly pea cultivation after connecting with Blue Tea. “With improved farming techniques, my production increased significantly, allowing me to lease more land and improve my income,” he explains. His success epitomizes how the blue flower is catalyzing community growth and collaboration among farmers.
As the butterfly pea flower continues to influence agriculture in India, it represents not just a unique crop but a pathway toward economic independence and community resilience for farmers across the nation.