Blue butterfly pea flower is changing farmers' fortunes in India

Some Indian farmers have begun selling dried butterfly pea flowers for tea and natural dye and report new income, while regulatory views differ: the US approved it in 2021 and the EU/UK treat it as a novel food after EFSA raised concerns in 2022.

Many farmers and small entrepreneurs in India are now selling butterfly pea flowers, which are used to make tea and a natural blue dye. The plant, called aparajita locally, was long treated as an ornamental or medicinal vine. In places such as Assam and Uttar Pradesh some people report new income after drying and selling the flowers. Small loans and investments in solar dryers have helped meet buyer quality standards. Notable points: - Butterfly pea grows as a vine with a striking blue flower and is used for tea and as a natural blue dye. - Nilam Brahma of Anthaigwlao in Assam said she earned $50 from her first sale of dried flowers and later bought solar dryers after taking a small loan. - Exporters such as Varshika Reddy of THS Impex are working with clusters of farmers, including many women, and provide formal contracts and agronomy support. - Thailand and Indonesia have been leading producers and consumers, but global demand for natural colorants has been rising. - Regulatory positions vary: the US Food and Drug Administration approved butterfly pea as a food additive in 2021, while the European Food Safety Authority raised safety concerns in 2022 and the EU and UK currently classify it as a "novel" food. Summary: The sale of butterfly pea flowers has given some households new income and prompted small businesses and exporters to build supply chains and quality practices. Wider commercial expansion in India depends on market development, pricing structures and regulatory outcomes in major markets. Undetermined at this time.