The flagging-off of the first consignment of anthurium from Aizawl to Singapore last month has triggered fresh hopes for the expansion of commercial floriculture in the Northeast region. The rise in demand for fresh flowers within the region has also opened new vistas of commercial floriculture marketing.
Lack of adequate production within the region to cater to this demand has led to flower traders sourcing fresh flowers from outside the region, mostly from flower markets in Kolkata. The export consignment from Mizoram contained a total of 1,008 anthurium cut flowers packed in 50 corrugated boxes and was flown to Singapore via Kolkata. Direct air connectivity of the airports in the Northeast region with South and Southeast Asia can unlock more export potential for flower growers and distributors.
The region having a suitable climatic condition for growing flowers enjoys a natural advantage in the floriculture business, but infrastructure bottlenecks continue to pose impediments in tapping the business potential. Preservation of fragrance and freshness from farm gate till delivery to end customers plays a crucial role in the floriculture business. Flower growers and traders in the region have affordable access to smart packaging solutions that enhance the shelf life of cut flowers.
As flowers are a highly perishable commodity, growers adopting available scientific technologies for reducing post-harvest losses during handling, storage, and transportation is essential to increase profitability and commercial viability.
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