Floriculture, Complete information and Business Direction of Production

Information related to flower cultivationc Flowers are being produced in India since ancient times. People used flowers in worship and religious rituals. But in today's time, the use of flowers is not limited to worship only, today people use flowers for decoration purposes at home, office, wedding, birthday and anniversary. Due to which flowers have also started being produced commercially. Flower farming is a more profitable farming.

Flower Production:

The commercial cultivation of flowers is on the rise in present-day India, primarily because the country's climate is conducive to the growth of delicate and fragile flowers. During regular seasons, there tends to be an oversupply of harvested flowers, resulting in lower prices. At times, farmers are compelled to sell their yield at a loss. Additionally, some flowers remain unsold and either wilt on the plants or spoil after being harvested. Hence, it would be advantageous for farmers to cultivate flowers during the off-season to fetch higher prices, despite the potentially higher costs involved. Moreover, there is generally a significant demand for flowers during specific occasions such as New Year, Christmas, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Valentine's Day, Graduation Day, and others. Therefore, if farmers can supply flowers during these particular dates, it would prove advantageous for them.

Timing for Flower Cultivation:

Modern flower cultivation presents an excellent opportunity for earning income, allowing for higher profits with minimal investment. Different types of flowers are cultivated in different seasons. In India, flowers are grown throughout the year, but the selection of flowers varies based on the season. During the winter season, flowers like marigold, chrysanthemum, and calendula thrive well. These flowers are hardy and can withstand colder temperatures. Conversely, during the summer season, flowers such as roses, sunflowers, and zinnias are preferred due to their ability to withstand heat and humidity. For monsoon cultivation, flowers like jasmine, lilies, and dahlias are suitable as they require ample moisture and thrive in humid conditions. These flowers bloom beautifully during the rainy season. Additionally, some flowers like orchids and anthuriums prefer controlled environments and can be cultivated in greenhouses throughout the year.

Types of Flowers:

1. Gerbera Varieties: Arka Lal The flowers are brightly colored red. It is the most suitable for outdoor cultivation, producing 360 flowers per square meter per year. It can be planted anytime.
2. Rose: Arka Sinchana Arka Sinchana is a perennial floribunda rose with a high number of flowers recognized for garden display. The flowers are bright red, and the new leaves are bronze-green, which turn into deep green when mature. It produces an average of 1250-1500 flowers per plant per year.
3. Arka Kinnari It produces two-colored flowers with a vermilion red towards the east and golden yellow towards the west. Long, centrally curved spikes with long petals make it an attractive flower. The special feature of Arka Kinnari is the long pedicels along with the flower clusters. It has shiny dark green leaves.
4. Arka Parimala These red-purple flowers are fragrant and moderately resistant to thrips and black spots. Its yield is 5.5 to 6.0 lakhs of open flowers per acre per year.
5. Marigold Flower: Arka Shahad - French marigold is a photoinsensitive type with double-colored flowers. Flowers are visible throughout the year. Flowering lasts for 6 weeks after planting for 30-35 days. Yield: 5.8 tons per acre.
6. Arka Agni The flowers are orange, horticulturally developed, quick to bloom, dense, and large in size.
7. Gladiolus: Arka Ayush This flower has a red blotch with a yellow border, suitable for cut flowers and flower arrangements.
8. Arka Ashwa (IIHR 3-34)  It has red-purple flowers suitable for cut flowers and flower arrangements. It was identified for release by the ICAR-IIHR.
9. Rajnigandha: Arka Prajwal - In this variety, only one type of flower grows on long, sturdy spikes. The buds are light pink, while the flowers are white. Its yield is 20-22 tons per hectare per year.
10. China Aster: Arka Purnima They are powder-puff types with pure white disc tubular flowers suitable for garlands, flower decorations, and cut flowers.
11. Marigold: Arka Pila Sona It is a decorative type of flower, suitable for cutting yellow flowers and making garlands.

The Importance of Flower Cultivation:

In India, flower cultivation is highly valued for its numerous advantages. It not only adds to the happiness and aesthetic appeal of people's lives but also carries significant commercial worth. Flower cultivation has paved the way for a wide-ranging market encompassing diverse products and business endeavors. With the global market expanding through entities like the World Trade Organization, the accessibility of flowers worldwide has surged. This presents abundant opportunities for countries to partake in international trade. The introduction of protected cultivation techniques in greenhouses has transformed this industry, elevating the quality of flower cultivation and boosting production. Flower cultivation not only brings economic prosperity to farmers but also generates employment opportunities across various sectors. Furthermore, it facilitates the international recognition of Indian flowers. Therefore, flower cultivation serves not only as a driver of economic progress but also holds paramount significance from both social and economic standpoints.

The Flower Market: Located in the capital city of Delhi, the largest flower market in India attracts traders from both domestic and international markets. Flowers serve primarily for decoration purposes, utilized in crafting garlands, bouquets, rose water, and floral arrangements, as well as in the production of essential oils and perfumes. In addition to these endeavors, one can capitalize on wholesale flower purchases from local growers and resell them in the market for a profit. Furthermore, flowers can be exported overseas, and those procured from markets can also be vended in nearby towns for immediate cash returns. Engaging in the flower business offers significant potential for immediate financial gains. Farmer brothers, if you grow roses in a one hectare field, you can earn double the income, and from the cultivation of chrysanthemum, you can easily earn Rs 7-8 lakh.

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