A Guide to the Flower Growing Industry in India

Written By Florist and Flower Delivery

India, with its diverse climate, rich cultural traditions, and vast agricultural landscape, is one of the world's most significant flower-growing nations. Flowers hold immense cultural, religious, and economic importance in India, driving a thriving industry that caters to both domestic and international markets. Here’s a florist’s in-depth guide to the flower-growing industry in India.

1. Overview of the Flower Growing Industry

Significance of Flowers in India

  • Cultural and Religious Importance: Flowers are integral to Indian festivals, weddings, and rituals. Marigolds, roses, and jasmine are widely used in garlands, temples, and ceremonies.

  • Economic Contribution: The floriculture industry contributes significantly to India’s agricultural GDP. The rise in demand for cut flowers, loose flowers, and value-added floral products has boosted the industry.

  • Exports: India exports fresh flowers, dried flowers, and floral products to countries like the UAE, Netherlands, Germany, UK, and USA.

2. Major Flower-Producing States

  1. Tamil Nadu

    • Specialty: Jasmine, marigold, crossandra, and tuberose.

    • Why Significant: Known for traditional flowers used in garlands and religious ceremonies.

  2. Karnataka

    • Specialty: Roses (especially in Bengaluru), chrysanthemums, and orchids.

    • Why Significant: Bengaluru is the hub for floriculture exports, benefiting from favorable climate and logistics.

  3. West Bengal

    • Specialty: Gladiolus, tuberose, marigold.

    • Why Significant: Known for loose flowers and floriculture in small-scale farming.

  4. Maharashtra

    • Specialty: Gerbera, marigold, anthurium, roses.

    • Why Significant: Pune and Nashik are major hubs for cut flowers.

  5. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

    • Specialty: Jasmine, chrysanthemum, and marigold.

    • Why Significant: High demand for religious flowers and rapid growth of commercial floriculture.

  6. Uttar Pradesh

    • Specialty: Rose and marigold.

    • Why Significant: Flowers are grown both for cultural purposes and industrial use, such as making rose water and perfumes.

  7. Himachal Pradesh

    • Specialty: Lilium, carnations, and gerberas.

    • Why Significant: Favorable climate for high-value cut flowers grown in polyhouses.

3. Types of Flowers Grown

a) Cut Flowers

  • Examples: Roses, carnations, gerbera daisies, lilies, orchids.

  • Market: Primarily for exports, weddings, and decorative purposes.

b) Loose Flowers

  • Examples: Marigold, jasmine, crossandra, tuberose.

  • Market: Used in garlands, religious offerings, and traditional events.

c) Specialty and Exotic Flowers

  • Examples: Anthuriums, bird of paradise, heliconias, tulips.

  • Market: Growing demand in urban areas and export markets.

4. Key Markets for Flowers

Domestic Market

  • Weddings and Festivals: Demand peaks during the wedding season and festivals like Diwali, Durga Puja, and Onam.

  • Religious Offerings: Flowers like marigold, lotus, and jasmine are indispensable for pujas and temple rituals.

  • Urban Demand: Increasing use of cut flowers in bouquets, home decor, and events in metropolitan cities.

Export Market

  • Primary Destinations: Netherlands, Germany, UK, USA, UAE.

  • Popular Exports: Roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, dried flowers.

  • Key Hubs: Bengaluru (Karnataka), Pune (Maharashtra), and Hosur (Tamil Nadu).

5. Government Initiatives and Support

  1. National Horticulture Board (NHB)

    • Provides financial assistance for floriculture projects.

    • Supports the development of cold storage, greenhouses, and post-harvest infrastructure.

  2. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

    • Promotes the cultivation of high-value flowers.

    • Focuses on technology adoption and skill development for farmers.

  3. Agri-Export Zones (AEZs)

    • Set up in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra to promote floriculture exports.

  4. Subsidies and Training

    • Subsidies for greenhouse construction, drip irrigation, and advanced farming techniques.

    • Training programs to educate farmers on modern floriculture practices.

6. Challenges in the Industry

  1. Climate Sensitivity

    • Flowers are highly sensitive to weather changes, leading to potential losses during extreme conditions.

  2. Post-Harvest Losses

    • Lack of cold storage facilities and efficient logistics often result in significant wastage.

  3. Limited Access to Global Markets

    • Competition from countries like the Netherlands and Kenya impacts India’s market share.

  4. Small-Scale Farming

    • Many farmers lack the resources to adopt modern techniques or invest in greenhouses.

  5. Price Fluctuations

    • Seasonal oversupply of flowers can lead to price drops, affecting farmer incomes.

7. Innovations and Opportunities

  1. Polyhouse and Greenhouse Cultivation

    • Allows year-round production of high-quality flowers, especially cut flowers like roses and lilies.

  2. Value-Added Products

    • Dried flowers, essential oils, potpourri, and floral extracts are gaining popularity in domestic and international markets.

  3. Floral Tourism

    • Destinations like the Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand) and Kaas Plateau (Maharashtra) attract tourists, offering opportunities for flower festivals and eco-tourism.

  4. E-Commerce

    • Online platforms like Ferns N Petals, FlowerAura, and regional startups are reshaping the flower retail market, offering convenience and wider reach.

8. Sustainability in Floriculture

  • Organic Farming: Growing demand for chemical-free flowers in urban markets.

  • Water Conservation: Drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting are being promoted in flower farms.

  • Eco-Friendly Packaging: Replacing plastic wraps with biodegradable materials for bouquets and exports.

9. Notable Flower Festivals in India

Festival Location Highlight Pushkar Flower Festival Rajasthan Exhibition of roses, marigolds, and local flowers. Valley of Flowers Bloom Uttarakhand Rare alpine flowers bloom from July to September. Rose Festival Chandigarh A celebration of roses with cultural events. Tulip Festival Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Asia’s largest tulip garden blooms in April.

10. Top florist guidelines

India’s flower-growing industry is a vibrant and diverse sector that reflects the country’s cultural richness and agricultural potential. While challenges persist, advancements in technology, government support, and rising domestic and international demand are paving the way for growth. Whether it’s the traditional marigold fields of Tamil Nadu or the export-oriented rose farms of Karnataka, the Indian floriculture industry offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Florist and Flower Delivery
Previous

A Guide to the Flower Growing Industry in Thailand
Next

A Flower Lover's Guide to Visiting Japan