There is a huge scope for exporting flowers as the demand in the global international market is increasing. Indian farmers must see floriculture as an important agricultural activity that can enhance their remuneration significantly . Government schemes can be used by farmers to build the required infrastructure to grow flowers with higher returns and even to process and export them.
India can produce almost all varieties of exotic flowers due to the different agro-climatic zones and it makes a conducive environment for the cultivation of sensitive and delicate floriculture products. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Tamil Nadu , Rajasthan , West Bengal have emerged as major floriculture centers in India.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) too has asserted that floriculture has the potential to double farm income. In India, a majority of farmers are small and marginal, which means they do not hold land more than five acres. The small landholding is not considered good for agriculture production. However, it comes as an advantage for floriculture due to its low volume high value character. Besides the diverse and adequately favorable climatic conditions, India has a few more advantages over other countries. Labor is cheaper and cost of production is also low.
There have been serious efforts by the government to improve the floriculture sector. It has allowed 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in floriculture. FDI helps in forging international collaborations, joint ventures, facilitate the introduction of modern technology and infrastructure in the country. Moreover, subsidies are given on air-freight for the export of cut-flowers and to set up supply chain infrastructures such as cold storages, pre-cooling units, refrigerated vans, greenhouses and packaging material. Institutions like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are coming up with schemes to encourage farmers to go for floriculture and to create a conducive environment for exports by identifying key agri-export zones.
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