United AP tops in production of loose flowers for 2011-12

Erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka together accounted for a more than 56 per cent share of the over 16.5 lakh tonnes of loose flowers grown commercially across the country in 2011-12, a study has found. United AP alone accounts for about 23.5 per cent of the loose flowers produced throughout the country in 2011-12. Loose flower production in the (erstwhile) state saw a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 38 per cent between 2007-08 and 2011-12, according to the study, 'Value addition to rural economy: The promise of Floriculture' conducted by Assocham.

Erstwhile AP also ranked fourth among states as it produced over 70 crore cut flowers and the state has a 9.5 per cent share in the over 740 crore cut flowers produced in India in 2011-12, highlighted the study prepared by Assocham's Economic Research Bureau (AERB).

Production of loose flowers in India has clocked a CAGR of over 17 per cent between 2007-08 and 2011-12 while cut flowers' production has grown at over 14 per cent during the same period, the industry body said today. With over 1/4th share in area under flower production, United AP had highest area of over 64,000 hectares under flower production as of 2011-12, more than double of the 23,500 hectares in 2007-08, the study said. United AP's share in area under flower production across India also increased by over 11 per cent during the aforesaid period, that is, from about 14 per cent in 2007-08 to about 25 per cent in 2011-12, the study added.

The favourable factors such as warm temperature, soil conditions and relatively cheap labour and wide-ranging agro- climatic conditions have helped the growth in the production of flowers in this region, Assocham national secretary general DS Rawat said while releasing the report. Festivals, weddings, large-scale political functions and other special occasions are driving the demand for flowers for decorative use, said Rawat.Though the initial investment is very high, flower production gives much higher returns compared to traditional crops. However, one has to wait for four to five years to break even, Rawat said. Dedicated cold storage facilities for flowers close to the main production centres would boost exports while the promotion of bio-technology, especially tissue culture, and genetic engineering would only help in the realisation of the potential of the floriculture industry, the study said.

Ensuring availability of quality seeds and improved varieties of planting material, domestic development of capabilities for establishing poly-houses/shade-houses, providing loans at attractive interest rates to farmers willing to produce flowers, luring private sector investment by offering tax rebates and incentives, conducting buyer- seller meets across India and even abroad were some of the key policy recommendations listed in the study for promoting floriculture in India.

Small farms using traditional cultivation practices produce tonnes of traditional loose flowers like marigold, jasmine, China aster, chrysanthemum and crossandra. Among the major cut-flowers with stem are rose, gladiolus, tuberose and carnation, hibiscus, China aster, several annuals such as gonphera, cockscomb, golden rod, dahlia, zinnia and sunflower, Assocham said.