Tue, 06 Jan 2026

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 The 'magical' blue flower changing farmers' fortunes in India

Indian farmers are turning to butterfly pea flower which is in demand for its bright blue colour.

* Butterfly pea flower, also known as aparajita, was once an unknown climbing plant in India's Assam state.
* Local women started selling the flowers, which can be made into tea or dye, and earned around $50 per day.
* The global demand for natural dyes is increasing due to consumer preference for natural ingredients and stricter regulations on synthetic food dyes in the US and Europe.
* Indian entrepreneurs are developing India's market for butterfly pea flowers, despite safety concerns raised by European authorities.
* Companies like THS Impex and Blue Tea are working with farmers to raise production standards and meet quality demands.
* Butterfly pea flower has potential health benefits, including sugar control, but more research is needed.
* Small-scale farmers in India have seen significant increases in income and productivity after switching to butterfly pea cultivation.
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