Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the floral industry in the State is yet to bloom and the local production barely meets 2 percent of the total requirement in the State, a recent survey by Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute on the floriculture business across the State reveals that a whopping Rs 25 crore of a variety of flowers are traded in Goa annually.
With a string of national and international events besides numerous marriage ceremonies and other functions being held all round the year, Goa is said to be the largest importer of flowers than other States.
“Goa is lagging behind in production but leading in consumption of flowers compared to other States. A total of 120 flower shops are totally dependent on other states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala amongst other neighbouring states for the supply of flowers,” indicates findings by ICAR Director Dr N P Singh and Senior Scientist (Horticulture) Dr M Thangam.
The only silver lining is that recently Goa started producing significant quantity of Gerbera under protected structures (naturally ventilated polyhouse) with the support of Department of Agriculture’s various schemes. “The requirement of this variety for various functions is almost met by the state’s production. The demand varies with season. Gerbera is cultivated at Dharbhandora, Ponda, Valpoi, Sanguem and Salcette talukas,” Dr Thangam said.
Since Gerbera production has increased, the ICAR scientists are now promoting crop diversification like orchids, anthurium and chrysanthemum under polyhouse while marigold, jasmine, tuberose, crossandra and callistephus under open field and exotic flowers like heliconia, ginger lily, torch lily and other cut foliage as inter crops.
“Rose golden rod and marigold are leading flowers in cut flowers, fillers and loose flowers sections in Goan markets,” he added.
As per a national survey in 2014, Andhra Pradesh leads in loose flowers production with 2,24,410 MT cultivated over 34,850 hectares, followed by Karnataka at 2,07,500 MT cultivated in 29,700 hectares and Tamil Nadu with 3,12,970 MT grown in 28,700 hectares. West Bengal emerges the largest producer in cut flowers with 25,429 lakh pieces, followed by Karnataka and Maharashtra.
