Indian farmers turn to 'magical' butterfly pea flower
BBC••world
Key Points:
- The butterfly pea flower, known as aparajita in India, is gaining popularity among farmers in Assam and other regions for its commercial potential as a natural blue dye and tea ingredient, generating new income opportunities.
- Indian entrepreneurs like Varshika Reddy and Nitesh Singh are working to improve cultivation, quality control, and market structures, partnering with farmers to meet rising global demand driven by consumer preference for natural colorants and stricter regulations on synthetic dyes.
- Despite regulatory hurdles in Europe classifying the flower as a novel food, the US FDA has approved it, encouraging Indian businesses to develop the domestic market and export potential.
- Butterfly pea flower cultivation is empowering rural communities, especially women who are skilled in delicate flower plucking, and helping
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