by The flower farming Industry of Our Nation
The flower farming industry in India has experienced phenomenal growth in recent decades. Flowers have traditionally been an important part of Indian culture with many rituals and ceremonies involving floral decorations and offerings. However, organized commercial flower farming is a relatively new development in the country. Some key factors that have contributed to the rise of flower farming in India include:
Ideal Climatic Conditions
India has a diverse range of climatic zones ranging from tropical to temperate enabling a wide variety of Floriculture to be grown across different regions. Parts of Northern India like Kashmir receive ideal temperatures and rainfall for producing flowers like roses and carnations. The southern states like Karnataka have appropriate warm conditions for blooming orchids and anthuriums. India’s varied climatic conditions allow flower farming to be a year-round activity.
Rise of Domestic Flower Demand
As incomes have risen in India, more people are able to afford flowers at social functions and events. Flower gifts and bouquets are commonly exchanged during festivals and celebrations. The thriving Indian wedding industry has also created huge demand for flowers needed for decorations and ceremonial purposes. The growth of malls and retail outlets has boosted flower demand from urban consumers.
European countries are major importers of cut flowers from places like India due to differences in seasons. Holland in particular imports flowers like roses, orchids, and lilies from India. The infrastructure for cold storage and transportation has improved enabling flower farming products to be exported fresh. Stringent quality standards are being followed to build credibility.
Government Support and Private Investment
Realizing the commercial potential of Floriculture farming, the Indian government has declared it an industry and extended financial assistance. Subsidies and incentives are provided to encourage greenhouse construction and mechanization. Flower farming parks have been established to nurture the growth of the sector. Private companies and entrepreneurs are heavily investing in setting up modern flower farms and packhouses across different states. This has led to a scaling up of flower farming operations.
Popular Floriculture Crops
Within the thriving Indian flower farming industry, certain flower varieties dominate production and cultivation. Here are some of the major flower farming crops:
Roses: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of roses globally. The states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are leading rose producers with favorable warm weather conditions. Technological advancements have enabled production of diverse rose varieties within greenhouses. New hybrid varieties focused on traits like disease resistance are regularly developed.
Orchids: India exports around 60% of its total orchid production making it an important foreign exchange earner. Many of the world’s unique orchid hybrids have been developed in the orchid research centers located in southern India. Advance tissue culture techniques allow mass production of orchid plants cost effectively in laboratories.
Carnations: Cooler parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are well-suited for carnation cultivation. Increased mechanization at farms has led to greater productivity and yield per acre. Like roses, carnation varieties suited to long vase life and different flower colors are continuously improved.
Chrysanthemums: Popularly called “guldaudi” in India, chrysanthemums are extensively cultivated across the country for domestic flower demand. Advance greenhouse technologies enable all-season supply of different chrysanthemum types like spider, pompon and cushion varieties.
Lilies: Asiatic lily and Easter lily varieties dominate lily flower farming in India. Major production clusters are located in Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of the northeast. Modern plant tissue culture centers produce quality lily bulblets and plants for farmers.
Floriculture Economic Contribution
As the flower farming industry blooms impressively in India, its economic impact has been growing swiftly in terms of income, jobs, and foreign exchange:
– Flower farming provides direct employment to over 2 million people engaged in cultivation, processing and marketing activities. Many more jobs are indirectly created in ancillary industries.
– India ranks 11th globally in terms of area under flower farming crops and 12th in production.
– Many rural communities are dependent upon flower farming for improved livelihoods as it offers reliable income from cultivating high-value crops.
The flower farming revolution taking place in India clearly underscores its strong growth prospects and ability to emerge as a leading global player over time. With continuous advances in technologies, varieties and farming practices, the country’s status as an important flower producer and exporter is bound to rise tremendously in the years ahead.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
