Cut-flower exports likely to hit $20m this season

Exports in cut flowers are likely to rise to $20m this season with a marketing centre set up in Amsterdam acting as a major facilitator to give a boost to the trade. In view of the benefits accruing, it has now been decided to continue with the centre and build upon the gains made during the previous season. An amount of Rs 35.9 lakh has been sanctioned by the government for the purpose. This season's estimates cut flower exports are pegged at $20m and targeted to double by ‘05-06 with Amsterdam-based marketing to help increase the volumes and unit price realization, Anil Swarup, chairman, APEDA, said.

(Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 5)

Indian flowers to blossom in the land of the Rising Sun

Indian flower exporting season to the eastern countries began with the first shipment of cut flowers being dispatched to the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan, a few days ago. Exporters hope to ship nearly seven to eight million stems to that country this season. The South India Flower Association vice-president told that the demand for Indian flowers in Japan is very encouraging.

(Courtesy: The Economic Times, September 4)

Karnataka floriculture trade seeks airfreight subsidy

Floriculturists in and around India's Garden city have sought a local air-freight subsidy of Rs 15 per kg for flowers being transshipped out of Mumbai airport which is used for airlifting around 900 tonnes of Bangalore airport directly flies out 800 tonnes of floriculture cargo annually to international destinations.

(Courtesy- The Economic Times, August, 12)

Flower power: Local exports to Australia bloom

After two to three years of lull, export of flowers from south India to Australia is blooming this year. With the Malaysian Airlines introducing direct connectivity between Bangalore and Australia this year, the major problem of reaching the markets over there in time has been solved. Anne Ramesh, president of Sifa and one of the exporters of cut flowers said the long awaited rehabilitation package for the floriculture industry is likely to be announced very soon, as the series of meetings between companies, government representatives and banks for finalising the package is almost over.

(Courtesy- The Economic Times, July, 11)

Balsams in full bloom in Anaimalais

The Anaimalais in the Western Ghats has become a host to a variety of balsam flowers. Balsams, belonging to the family of geranium, were distributed all over the Western Ghats in moist and marshy localities along the streambeds. They were mainly annuals or perennials. The altitudinals range of distribution of balsams was between 1200 and 8600 feet. It was possible to introduce many species for cultivation as ornamental crops. Balsams could withstand heavy rain but were very sensitive to fire. Therefore strict fire protection in their natural habitat would help in conserving these ornamental plants. Several species of plants of agricultural and horticultural importance, which had future potential as food and fruit crops, were found in Anaimalais.

(Courtesy- The Hindu)

State floriculture market set to bloom again

The much-hyped floriculture market is set for a revival, at least in Maharashtra. Among the steps being taken by the state agriculture department to boost the sector is the setting up of an auction house in Pune, bringing together supplier and buyers. An action plan for the auction house, to be set up in consultation with the Agriculture University here, is to be drawn up within a month.

(Courtesy-The Economic Times)

Zonal panels to design revival scheme for floriculture sector

The national committee on formulating a rehabilitation package for the ailing floriculture industry in the country has decided to form zonal committees for working out a suitable package for floriculture units on a case-to-case basis. Each zonal committee will comprise five members, representatives the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Apeda, concerned lending institution, and the borrower. The zonal committees have been directed to chalk out the appropriate package and report the same to the national committee within three months.

(Courtesy-The Economic Times)

An expansion plan of floral auction centre

The first floral auction centre in Banglore, which began functioning in 1995, has witnessed a steady rise in business. During 1997-98 it did business worth Rs.19.63 lakh which rose to Rs.78.60 lakh the next fiscal.

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Indian floriculture industry losing out in Australian market

The Indian floriculture industry seems to be losing out in the lucrative Australian flower market. The demand for Indian flowers peaks during the months June through August (when it is winter in Australia). During ‘99-00, India shipped about 120 tonnes (each tonne is the equivalent of 30,000 stems) to Australia. Exports to Australia brought around $2m in earnings last year.

Senior floriculture industry sources say, "The industry had planned to export around 150 tonnes, including about 30 to 40 tonnes in time for the Sydney games. However, the domestic production of flowers in Australia during the lean months this year has registered a growth of about 20 to 25% and this has hit our fortunes." The industry has also been affected by the non-availability of regular freighters to ship consignments on time. Quite often consignments from India arrive on Sunday mornings, when the clearing costs are very high.

Industry sources further add that the Indian exporter is thus forced to take on the additional costs. Indian freight charges have also risen from Rs.90 per kilo to Rs.120 per kilo, adding to the misery of the small Indian growers. The new challenge, sources say, is from the African growers, who are also targeting the Australian market.

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