Hyderabad woman paying ₹66,000 rent for 3BHK shares late-night mosquito ordeal: 'This is not normal bro'A Hyderabad woman shows a bed full of dead mosquitoes, claiming the issue persists despite living in a gated society and paying high rent. Updated on: Mar 20
The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday that it has formed an expert committee with two former Supreme Court judges and a former Attorney General to review the class 8 NCERT book chapter about corruption in the judiciary. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices
The Gujarat government has approved a revised power supply pact with Tata Power, clearing the way for the company to resume long-term supply from its 4-gigawatt Mundra plant, according to a government document seen by Reuters. Also Read | Tata Power to develop 100 MW solar project at
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar 2 was finally released in theatres on March 19 with paid previews available from March 18. However, soon after the film was officially released, its pirated version was available in Pakistan, as mentioned by some accounts on X
Delhi HC grants bail to two in NIA terror conspiracy case, cites limited roleDelhi HC grants bail to two accused in NIA terror case, citing limited role, no proof of content creation and prolonged custody of over four years. Published on: Mar 20, 2026 6:10 PM IST By Shruti Kakkar
The 'magical' blue flower changing farmers' fortunes in India
The 'magical' blue flower changing farmers' fortunes in India
"Until a few years ago, the butterfly pea flower was just another climbing plant in my village," says Nilam Brahma who lives in Anthaigwlao, a village in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.
Butterfly pea, also known as aparajita in India, grows as a vine and has a striking blue flower.
Around two years ago, Brahma heard that local women were making money selling the flowers, which can be made into tea, or a blue dye.
She decided to join them.
"The results surprised even me. The first time I earned $50 (£37) from selling dried flowers, I felt a shock. It made me believe I could control my own future," she says.
The experiment led to a small business.
I applied for a small loan and invested in solar dryers. The machines helped me dry flowers faster, preserve their colour, and meet the quality standards demanded by buyers.
Thailand and Indonesia have been the leading growers and consumers of butterfly pea flowers. But there's growing global demand for the flower, which is attracting entrepreneurs in India.
"The global demand for natural colourants is exploding," explains Varshika Reddy, the founder of THS Impex, which exports natural dyes and additives.
Behind that demand is consumer appetite for natural ingredients and tighter controls in the US and Europe on synthetic food dyes.
In 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved butterfly pea flower as a food additive.
However, in 2022 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) raised safety concerns about using the flower.
Both the EU and the UK classify butterfly pea flower as a "novel" food, meaning it still needs approval for widespread use.
Nevertheless, Indian entrepreneurs still see potential and want to develop India's market.
The crop is still seen as a backyard ornamental or medicinal plant rather than a commercial commodity," says Reddy. "There is no structured market awareness, no government classification, and no standard pricing mechanism, making farmers uncertain about returns.
She is working with farmers to raise production standards.
"We work with a dedicated cluster of farmers and their families in Uttar Pradesh, including a significant number of women farmers.
"We have established formal contracts... we provide comprehensive agronomy support, including guidance on best farming practices, irrigation management, and crop-specific techniques," she says.
Others in India have spotted the commercial opportunity.
"When you infuse the flower in hot water, it turns blue, and when you squeeze lemon into it, it turns purple. That felt magical," says Nitesh Singh, who is based just outside Delhi.
Like Reddy, he thought that the flower had much more potential in India.
"It was here for thousands of years, but nobody knew it could become clean, healthy food," adds Singh.
So, in 2018 he founded Blue Tea, hoping to grow an Indian brand, with Indian butterfly peas. To start with, it did not go well.
Initially, we had to import because we couldn't find good quality flowers in India. The flowers here had fewer petals, and once sun-dried, nothing would remain. We needed a flower with more pigment, more petals, to retain colour after drying.
Over the past seven years, Singh has been working with farmers to raise the quantity and quality.
Having started with five farmers, he now works with 600 across the country.
"Training and quality control are the biggest challenges," he says.
Plucking the flowers is a key part of the process. It's a job that is predominantly done by women.
"Their hands are softer, and they instinctively know how to pluck delicate flowers without damaging the plant. So, women are trained in how to identify the flower for plucking," says Singh.
Once harvested, the flowers have to be dried, which also has to be done with care.
"Temperature control is extremely important for drying this flower - one mistake and you lose its value," he says.
Farmers do some of the drying before the flowers arrive at Blue Tea, where the moisture is checked and further drying is done.
"We use very mild temperatures for a longer time. If the heat is too high, the flower burns and you lose its medicinal quality and colour," says Singh.
As well as the eye-catching colour, there is some evidence that butterfly pea flowers have health benefits. But more research needs to be done.
"When we began reviewing literature, we realised hardly any studies had focused on butterfly pea, despite its strong functional and herbal properties. Most of the available research involved rats and mice," says V Supriya, assistant professor, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research in Chennai.
She ran a small study on people who were pre-diabetic, and found that those who consumed tea made with butterfly pea flowers, showed better sugar control, than those that didn't.
"Butterfly pea was largely overlooked. But with evidence now emerging - especially from human trials - its health benefits may make it very popular," says Supriya.
Pushpal Biswas owns a small farm in west Bengal, and was introduced to butterfly pea by Blue Tea.
"I used to grow rice and vegetables. But many a time I was not able to sell my produce and faced loses," he says.
But everything has changed over the past seven years, thanks to the new crop.
"It's an easy growing crop," he says about butterfly pea.
With scientific methods, my production jumped from 50kg to 80kg. With the money I made I took more land on lease. My land capacity increased, my production increased, and slowly, my income increased too.
For some Indian communities, the flower has made a real impact.
"In the last few years, many people from nearby villages have joined us in this cultivation," says Biswas.
This isn't just farming anymore — it has become a network, a community, a business family.
Source: BBC
Related Posts: High Alert In Jammu & Kashmir Ahead of New Year 2026 As Tourist Rush Peaks Can you spot a butterfly Prime Video cancels Countdown and Butterfly after one season each England told to hire Shastri for 2 years until next Ashes - why he's best suited Tried prescription ketamine few years ago Four years ago Indian scientists spot Milky Way-like galaxy from 12 billion years ago Humans controlled fire use 4 lakh years ago Search to resume for MH370 plane that vanished 11 years ago
A cyclone in Australia which authorities said could be among "the worst in living memory" appears to have been less damaging than feared - but concerns remain about severe flooding. Tropical Cyclone Narelle crossed the east coast of Cape York in Far North Queensland with powerful wind gusts of 220
1 days ago
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra at 50% cost? Samsung’s new plan explainedSamsung launches ‘Galaxy Forever’, letting users own a Galaxy S26 Ultra by paying 50% upfront with flexible upgrade, return, or retain options. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 5:50 PM IST Share via Copy link You may be interested in
1 days ago
A key moment of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's official visit to the US was President Donald Trump's comment on a piece of shared history - Pearl Harbor. Asked by a Japanese journalist why the US had not warned its allies it was going to strike Iran on 28 February
1 days ago
New Delhi, Mar 20 (PTI) IT major Wipro on Friday announced the launch of its AI-Data Centre solution to accelerate enterprise-scale AI adoption, while modernising core data centre environments and customer experience operations. Wipro’s AI-Data Centre (AI-DC) solution integrates NVIDIA’s AI
1 days ago
Ustaad Bhagat Singh recorded a Rs 34.75 crore opening on Day 1, falling short of expectations amid a major box office clash with Dhurandhar 2. Ustaad Bhagat Singh Box office collection: While Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge dominated theatres on March 19, Ugadi also saw the release of a major Telugu film
1 days ago
Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow 20 per cent year‑on‑year in 2026, driven by Apple’s expected entry into the segment and continued premiumisation of the smartphone market, a report said on Tuesday. New Delhi: Global foldable smartphone shipments are projected to grow
1 days ago
Samantha Ruth Prabhu coos ‘babu’ as she shows off Ugadi pachadi to sceptical Raj Nidimoru: ‘Nuvvu chesava?’As part of the promotions of her upcoming film Maa Inti Bangaram, Samantha Ruth Prabhu tried her hand at making Ugadi pachadi with Suma and Nandini Reddy. Mar 20, 2026
1 days ago
Chaitra Navratri 2026 day 3 wishes: Share these heartfelt wishes, messages, images, and quotes with your loved ones on the second day of Chaitra Navratri. Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah! Happy Chaitra Navratri 2026 Day 3 wishes: The third day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta
1 days ago
The cabinet of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was expanded on Friday with five ministers taking oath, filling all vacant positions ahead of Assembly elections scheduled early next year. Those inducted include former state BJP president Madan Kaushik (Haridwar)
1 days ago
Indian Oil, HPCL, BPCL shares surge after premium petrol price hikeThe prices of premium petrol—BPCL’s Speed, HPCL’s Power, and IOCL’s XP95—has been increased by ₹2.09– ₹2.35/litre, but there's no change in regular petrol. Updated on: Mar 20
1 days ago
Nashik's high-profile astrologer Ashok Kharat, aka "Captain," has been arrested following a brave complaint by a 27-year-old woman. From a ₹100 crore empire to secret VVIP "Vashikaran" rituals for politicians, discover the shocking details of the SIT probe
1 days ago
Bengaluru second airport: Tender floated for feasibility, strategy report, says Minister PatilBengaluru second airport: Tender floated for feasibility, strategy report, says Minister Patil Published on: Mar 20, 2026 5:53 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Bengaluru
1 days ago
The Middle East inflows to India declined to just 89,000 mt in the week to March 19, representing only 34 per cent of total imports — the lowest share since January. New Delhi: Liquefied petroleum gas loadings from the US destined for India have risen and surpassed volumes from traditional Gulf
1 days ago
Josh Hazlewood, who played a crucial role in RCB's triumphant campaign in the IPL 2025, has not played a match since injuring his hamstring in the Sheffield Shield on November 12 last year. Former South African player Faf du Plessis has stressed the importance of Josh Hazlewood in Royal Challengers
1 days ago
Pakistan cricket is facing renewed scrutiny after a disappointing Super Eight exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 and a 1-2 ODI series loss to Bangladesh. Pakistan cricket is facing renewed scrutiny after a disappointing Super Eight exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 and a 1-2 ODI series loss to
1 days ago
New Lexus ES 500e: Lexus has introduced the new ES 500e in India, marking the brand’s first all-electric offering in the country. It is priced at Rs 89.99 lakh (ex-showroom). New Lexus ES 500e: Lexus has introduced the new ES 500e in India, marking the brand’s first all-electric offering in the
1 days ago
An Indian citizen died in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday amid the conflict in West Asia, the Indian embassy in Riyadh said on Friday. In a social media post, the embassy expressed its condolences about the person’s death in the capital Riyadh. It added that it was in touch with the person’s family
1 days ago
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has criticized Kerala's LDF government. He stated the state's reliance on remittances, lotteries, and liquor is unsustainable. Tharoor proposed 'Kerala 2.0' with new ideas for the upcoming polls. He highlighted the UDF's positive agenda beyond anti-incumbency
1 days ago
The Union government on Friday told the Supreme Court that it has set up a committee that includes former Supreme Court judges to review a chapter about “corruption in the judiciary” in a textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training, Live Law reported
1 days ago
Ronit Thakur, founder of Be Rolling Media, recently sparked an online discussion on work culture and accountability. He shared a real incident from his office involving a new employee who stopped coming to the workplace just two days after joining due to a “personal issue."Ronit Thakur
1 days ago
From Myth to reality: Oral health solutions every Indian needsAmazon's Oral Care Fest runs until March 22, offering up to 40% off on various oral health products. The event aims to debunk common myths surrounding oral care Updated on: Mar 20
1 days ago
‘No guarantee’: Cristiano Ronaldo injury crisis worsens as Portugal boss makes worrying FIFA World Cup claim Published on: Mar 20, 2026 5:25 PM IST Written by Neelav Chakravarti Share via Copy link Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo is currently out of action due to injury
1 days ago
What began as a controversial call by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the AFCON final has now snowballed into a wider debate: one that stretches all the way back to 1976. After stripping Senegal of their title and awarding Morocco the 2026 AFCON crown following a walkout
1 days ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claims the Centre plans to revoke citizenship through NRC and Census after state elections. She alleges an unofficial President's Rule is in effect. Banerjee also accuses the Election Commission of facilitating the BJP's victory by transferring officials
1 days ago
Sam Curran, England's charismatic all-rounder, is set to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League season for Rajasthan Royals due to a suspected groin injury, with the franchise exploring replacement options, according to a report. Curran, who was part of England's T20 World Cup side that recently
1 days ago
Empowered and Traditional: Mumbai women take the lead in Gudi Padwa celebrationsFrom women donning Nauvari sarees to participating in bike rallies and traditional performances, take a look at how Mumbai women took lead this Gudi Padwa Published on: Mar 20
1 days ago
China on Friday (March 20, 2026) welcomed the appointment of veteran diplomat Vikram Doraiswami as the new Indian Ambassador, expressing hope that he will make a positive contribution to the sustained improvement of Sino-India ties. Mr. Doraiswami, a 1992-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer
1 days ago
