The global demand for natural food colours and natural dyes is increasing day-by-day due to the growing awareness on the benefits of natural products. Besides the use of natural pigments in the neutraceutical, pharmaceutical and poultry industry has increased the export market of diverse products from colouring plants.

   Marigold is one such plant which has got vast potential in colouring industry. Let us take a look into the prospects of marigold as natural pigment. Marigolds are flowering annuals. African marigold and French marigold are more valued as ornamental flower crops. The African marigolds contribute to the major share of loose flowers in the flower market. Marigolds are valued as an ornamental cut flower and landscape plant, because of the diversity in colour, shape and size of the flowers.

    Besides it has a rather less exploited commercial use. The flowers are a rich source of natural carotenoid pigments.....