A four-acre hibiscus farm on the outskirts of Chengalpet is drawing attention not only for its vibrant blooms but also for transforming the flowers into herbal tea, now sold across Tamil Nadu under the brand name “Idhazh”. Located inside the 34-acre state horticulture farm at Athur, the organically cultivated hibiscus fields have become the standout feature of this government-run model farm, which showcases sustainable agriculture and integrated farming practices.
Integrated Farming Model
The farm, established in 1961, is equipped with polyhouses, shade-net nurseries, indoor plant greenhouses, vermicompost units, tissue culture laboratories, and organic production centres. According to P A Mohan, Deputy Director of Horticulture in Chengalpet, the flowers are hand-picked, naturally dried using solar driers, and processed at a dedicated hibiscus tea production centre set up by the Tamil Nadu Horticulture Development Agency (TANHODA). The tea powder is blended with dry ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, amla, and clove before being packed and marketed through TANHODA outlets across the state. District rural development agencies and self-help groups are promoting the farm under the guidance of Collector S Malathi Helen.
Health Benefits and Varieties
Officials note that hibiscus tea has become popular among health-conscious consumers seeking natural herbal beverages. The farm also cultivates and propagates 45 hybrid hibiscus varieties, including Brackenridge, Hawaiian rose, Mount Everest, yellow red tropical, white burgundy, and orange queen, for commercial sale. “The farm has been developed as a first-of-its-kind integrated model in Tamil Nadu to support farmers with high-quality saplings, organic inputs, and practical training in sustainable farming methods,” said Mohan.
Diverse Agricultural Activities
In addition to hibiscus, the farm produces fruit saplings such as mango, guava, amla, sapota, and acid lime through scientific propagation techniques like grafting and layering. Vegetable seedlings including brinjal, chilli, and tomato are raised year-round in modern nursery facilities.
Urban Attractions
A major attraction for urban visitors is the indoor plant greenhouse, featuring varieties like philodendron, aglaonema, calathea, and anthurium, which are in high demand among households in and around Chennai.
Natural Farming and Education
The facility promotes natural farming through the production of vermicompost, panchakavya, and other organic formulations made from dung and urine of indigenous cows reared on the campus. Medicinal plants grown at the farm are used to prepare organic pest repellents and bio-inputs. The farm has also become an educational and agri-tourism destination, with about 1,200 students visiting last year to learn about sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and eco-friendly farming practices.
