The Hindu Business Line : More farmers in Kodagu take to growing anthurium

Commonly known as `Coorg anthurium,' this floriculture product has carved a niche for itself in the domestic market. Though Kodagu is naturally blessed with low temperature, good rainfall and a fertile soil, which are essential for anthurium cultivation, only a few farmers have taken up this as a commercial venture.

The Secretary of Coorg Floriculturists' Association, Mr Shivaprasad, told Business Line that the initial investment is an entry barrier for most farmers. The cultivation of anthurium on an acre requires an investment of around Rs 50 lakh. Fluctuations in the coffee market have made farmers think twice before investing in any other crop, he said.

Only five units took up anthurium cultivation in Kodagu in 2003, and there was none during 2004. He hoped that the increased lending to the agriculture sector would encourage farmers to take up its cultivation in a big way.

Canara Bank loans: Agreeing with this point, Mr R.K. Madhukar, General Manager of Canara Bank, Mangalore Circle, said the bank has come out with an area-specific scheme for the crop. The bank is planning to advance Rs 37.5 crore for the crop's cultivation in Kodagu district in the next three years. The bank can advance 75 per cent of the project cost , he said.

To popularise anthurium cultivation, the Canara Bank had organised an interactive meet with prospective growers at a customer's house in Virajpet of Kodagu district recently. Mr Madhukar hoped that anthurium cultivation would gain momentum in the district.

Mr Shivaprasad, who has been cultivating anthurium for the past 10 years, said that anthurium commands a good price in the domestic market. More than 70 per cent of anthurium produced in India is cultivated in Kodagu district. "The demand is so high that the growers here are not in a position to meet even 50 per cent of the domestic requirement, leave alone the overseas market," he said.

Apart from popularising anthurium cultivation in Kodagu, the Coorg Floriculturists' Association is also looking at popularising other varieties. The members of the association identify other varieties and cultivate them on a pilot basis. "We popularise their cultivation, only if profitable," he added.

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