The Hindu Business Line : Floriculture: ‘Internal market can aid growth’

India tops in acreage under flower cultivation, but thedistribution system is pathetic, says Ms Nancy Laws, a floriculture marketing consultant from the US.

Ms Laws, who was in Coimbatore after attending Florex India 2007, the international floriculture event at Pune, recalled the way flowers were sold on the streets of Delhi and other cities in the morning.“The internal market itself would trigger growth, for export of flowers is still not a priority here,” she said.Sharing her perspective about the floriculture congress, Ms Laws said: “The event was devoted to help the producing community. Flowers are mostly used in the making of garlands and for religious purposes in India. While the country has the capacity to produce beautiful flowers, India is still a back-up source, not a major supplier.”

Largest producer

With over 1.05 lakh hectares under flower cultivation, India has emerged as the largest producer of flowers, but Holland, with flower cultivable area of 5,000 hectares, tops in exports followed by Columbia, Ecuador and Kenya. “India does not figure even among the top 10 exporting countries,” she said.

She perceives that the country has the capacity to emerge as a major supplier. “There is plenty of scope for shipping products like garlands out of here. Individual farmers are involved but they concentrate on production increase, rather than looking beyond production on quality, certification, logistics issues etc.”

According to her, “cut flowers – as an industry has not gained national importance.” “Besides that, transport costs need to be addressed, shipping regulations studied and above these, since Indian importers pay duty on flowers, exports turn costly. Only a coordinated approach would help solve these issues,” she said.

Lesson from Eucador

Citing Eucador, she said the growers and the Government worked hand-in-hand for over a decade to reach the export level of $300 million at present. The country exports not just roses, but about 200 products. It has captured the Mexican market, among others.

Ms Laws stressed on the need for imparting training to farm workers. “There is also a need for applied research. Plan for the long term,” she said.

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