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P.S. Sundar

Coonoor, Dec. 29 Carnation growers in Nilgiris have appealed to the Government to grant them a subsidy for replantation to tide over their financial crisis.

Carnation is grown in greenhouses in 29.36 acres in the Nilgiris. Growers have to incur an expenditure of Rs 10 lakh to cultivate carnation in 1,000 sq mt of greenhouse. Of this, greenhouse costs them Rs 6.5 lakh for which horticulture department gives them 50 per cent subsidy. Farmers meet the remaining expenses through bank loans.

After two years, replantation has to be done. But, for this, no subsidy is available. “A 1,000 sq. mt greenhouse can take 20,000 plants. At Rs 8/plant, farmers have to spend Rs 1.6 lakh for re-planting. They should also change poly-sheets spending Rs 50,000/greenhouse. Farmers are facing difficulty to raise this fund. So, we have sought replantation subsidy covering 50 per cent of the cost of planting and poly-sheet,” Dr S. Ramu, Secretary, Nilgiri Flower Growers’ Association, told Business Line.

A quality greenhouse will last for 15 years. Since capital investment has been made, farmers are using their greenhouse to cultivate less-profitable vegetables defeating Government’s mission to promote floriculture.

“Annually, farmers can reap Rs 2 lakh profit from a greenhouse. Hence, to promote floriculture and empower the growers, the Government should grant replantation subsidy,” Dr Ramu stressed.

More Stories on : Horticulture/Fruits & Vegetables | Tamil Nadu

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