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Vol 1�....... issue 10 ...... March 2012

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C o n t e n t s


8 Editorial

10 CovErStoryv Worldcelebratesv-daywithgusto Chill in Europe boosts Indian flower exports — T V Satyanarayanan & Anwar Huda

v v-daycelebrationsabroad Windfall for African and S. American growers

16 FoCuSNEpalv Present Scenario of Floriculture in Nepal — Arun Chhetri

v NepalFloriculturistsEyingtoBoostExport Want government help

v Govt help can brighten nurseries’ future

32 laNdSCapiNgv developinggreenCities:Niek roozen experience

v Fire- Safe Landscaping — Dr. M. Kannan, Dr. M. Jawaharlal and P. Ranchana

36 Expo Sri lanka Sends delegation to Flora expo 2012

46 ClimatEtalk aCampaigntogreenmotherEarth The Open Space System-Vegetation and Water and the Billion tree Planting campaign of uNeP

48 SuCCESSStory Bloomingdesert a dream that comes true — Sangita Ladha (Director), Rajesh Kumar Saini (Trainer)

52 orNamENtalS Beautiful, floriferous ornamental climber Allamanda:

A Review — B.K.Banerji, Atul Batra and A.K.Dwivedi

58 NurSEry kadiyam: A floriculture nursery hub

60 grEENiNg Green your Surroundings

66 FarmNutriENtS Water Soluble Fertilizers — R.R.Shah (MD)

78 NEWS Mughal Gardens mirror the cultural diversity of India: Pratibha Patil



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World celebrates V-Day with gusto Chill in Europe boosts Indian flower exports

A harsh winter in Europe or unusually chilly weather elsewhere, including in many parts of India, did not

obviously dampen the enthusiasm of couples on V-Day this year. Proof of it was the rise in flower sales and exports from main growing countries. Indian flower shipments this time are estimated to have gone up by about 15 per cent, compared to last year. Exports from India were particularly high to the traditional markets like Europe, Australia, West Asia and Japan.

Not only flowers, chocolates, heart and Cupid have all become symbols of this day, celebrated in honour of martyr St. Valentine of the early Roman times. But flowers, particularly red roses, have a special place in the exchange of gifts on this day.

According to Pune-based Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals, total flower export from India for this year’s Valentine’s Day was at 13 million stems, marking a robust 15 per cent growth. The flowers also fetched higher prices. Exports from Bangalore alone were about four million stems, or 10 to 15 per cent higher than last year’s V-Day, as reported by South India Floriculture Association (SIFA). In Delhi and in the national capital region, many florists found that demand exceeded the supplies. In North-east, where many farmers are now taking to floriculture, rose growers of Mizoram were happy that they could increase the production, thanks to favourable weather. But the output was down in Meghalaya and Nagaland because of extreme cold weather. Among other growing areas, growers in Pune region of Maharashtra produced more, as also those in south Gujarat.

Besides adverse weather conditions in Europe which hit flower production there, higher demand for flowers this year was partly attributed to V-Day falling on a working day. Praveen Sharma, President of the Pune-based Indian Society

of Floriculture Professionals said both producers and exporters were working hard to augment the supplies.

Sharma also said, “The quality of Indian roses is better this year, aided by favourable weather conditions around Pune. This, in turn, has helped bring higher prices. He said that around 100 acres of new area has come up under floriculture around Nashik and Kolhapur in Maharashtra, and in South Gujarat”.

For a seasonal industry like floriculture, demands usually go high during Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day. But flowers are something more special on a Valentine’s Day.

Demand in overseas markets Exporters from India said the demand

was particularly high in the traditional markets such as Europe, Australia, West Asia and Japan. A welcome feature was that some exporters, like V.H. Prasad of the Bangalore-based Blooms and Greens Pvt Ltd tried to penetrate the US market for the first time.

Prasad, however, feels that the intense cold wave in Europe had affected distribution of flowers going to the auction centre in the Netherlands. Most of the exporters made their links with buyers in all the major markets and shipped

the flowers to them directly. Dr Jayaprakash Rao, General Secretary,

of South India Floriculture Association (SIFA), said exports from Bangalore this Valentine’s Day were around 4 million stems. “The weather was good for production and so also the demand,” he said.

According to Rao, the realizations were also good this year as orders were booked at prices higher by 10-15 per cent. Apart from this, a weaker rupee also helped to increase the realizations this year. Rao expects that growers’ realizations could range from Rs 12 to Rs 25 per stem. depending on the quality and length.

But all is not as rosy as it appears, feel some growers. Those growing cut-flower growers, especially around Bangalore, continue to feel the pinch of high power and freight charges. Besides, the rising labour cost is another burden. All these affect their output adversely.

High prices The unbearably

cold winter in Europe increased


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— tvSatyanarayanan&anwarHuda


the rose prices in many producing countries, including India. In Delhi, and the NCR, florists faced a tough time to meet their customers’ demands.

According to a south Delhi florist, “It is natural for the demand to shoot up due to Valentine’s Day. Because of the harsh winter in Europe, exports of roses from India too have increased. We usually procure good quality roses from Pune and Bangalore. But since their priority is the European markets, we are not getting enough from them. We have to source roses from the local wholesale markets”.

At a florist shop in south Delhi, Neeraj Pathak, a young customer was seen trying hard to find best quality roses for his beloved. “I want to give them to my girlfriend. But I am not really getting what I wanted,” he complained. “I am getting the best that is available.” When asked about the high prices of roses, he said, “But there is no alternative. I feel the pinch, but it is something that is non-negotiable”.

The florist talked about his own procuring problems, “The roses from Maharashtra are not coming in enough quantity. So we have to sell the local north Indian variant which is not that beautiful”.

Not only roses but other gift items like chocolates too ran out of stock, said shop keepers.

Karuturi Global, India’s largest Bangalore-based rose exporter, said, “Due to extremely cold winter in Europe, we sent there most of our roses, and this affected the prices locally”.

Shyamal Adhikari, general manager (Exports) said his company’s rose exports to Europe increased by about 35 per cent compared to last year. “However, the domestic market was also lucrative. In the auction, growers got prices up to Rs. 16 per stem for some select roses,” he added.

Dr Shankar Murthy, general manager of the International Flower Auction Bangalore Limited, said, “Till February 12, the highest price per stem of rose was Rs.18 in the auction. These roses went to domestic retailers. There were others, who got the roses for export. About 60 per cent of the five lakh rose stems exported till February 12 went to The Netherlands. The increase was because of the weather conditions in Europe.”

Most of the florists in Delhi and the NCR, witnessed a massive surge in demand for roses. The owner of the Noida’s famous florist ‘Blossoms N Petals’, said, “This Valentine’s Day, we were

selling a dozen of roses for Rs 480 (Rs. 40 per stem). Customers wanting to send roses to their loved ones to Europe or other foreign countries were charged Rs. 9,000 for a dozen!”

If the delivery charges are not taken into account, the prices of a rose stem varied between Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 at most of the flower shops in the capital. But at some posh places, the price of a single rose stem was Rs.100. According to another florist in south Delhi, “The demand shot up as young people did not mind paying more for the best roses.” Another florist Jagjit Singh of Ferns N’ Petals, which has 113 outlets across the country and 34 outlets in Delhi, also confirmed that the price for a dozen of roses shot up from usual price Rs. 300 to Rs. 480 on the V- Day. Carnation was the second most loved flower on this day.

“Valentine’s Day is a golden day for florists,” All-India Cut Flower and Growers’ Association president Brij Mohan Khanagwal said. Flowers worth over Rs.10 crore were sold in a single day on V-Day in Delhi and cities of Lucknow, Jaipur, Jammu and Patiala, he said. He added that Delhi received roses mainly from Bangalore and Pune, while carnations were brought from Himachal Pradesh and Dehra Dun in addition to Bangalore and Pune.

Sher Singh Saini, a wholesaler at Ghazipur, the biggest wholesale flower market in the national Capital, said sales were nearly two times higher on V-Day as compared to any other day. In fact, this year sales have been picking up for the past one week, he added.

Delhi is Asia’s largest flower market. There are a total of about 500 flower sellers in Delhi. India’s flower production stands at around 1,000 tonnes per annum and most of the flower trade occur in the Delhi region.

Production in North-east upThe cultivators in the northeast, mainly

those in Mizoram, found it hard to meet the increased demand of the traders, who were vying with each other to get as many roses as possible during for the celebrations in the region.

Rajesh Prasad, Managing Director of Zopar Exports Private Ltd, said a total of about one lakh Dutch roses were sold for various festivals in the northeast. Of this, V-Day sales account for about 50,000 roses. Of this, about 40,000 flowers were procured from producers in the

region, while the rest were flown in from Bangalore and Pune.

Last year also, over 50,000 roses were sold in the northeast market during Valentine’s Day. Besides, rose cultivators in Mizoram, strawberry growers in Meghalaya also got good returns this time. Prices of strawberry, which is also major gift during this festival, shot up from Rs. 200 to 225 per kg.

Rose production was less in Nagaland and Meghalaya due to extreme cold. In Mizoram, the weather was a comparatively warmer, which helped to increase production.

Prasad said due to shortfall in production, the wholesale price of rose in the Bangalore auction market shot up to Rs. 6 to 9 per stick. As a result, the retail price also jumped to Rs. 20 or more as against Rs. 10 per stem during this festival last year.

Prasad, who popularized rose cultivation in the region a decade ago, said he could send, on an average, only 300 roses a day to Aizawl. Now, the Aizawl market consumes on an average 4000 roses a day!

“Every year, the demand has been growing by leaps and bounds in the country, and the northeast is no exception. The increasing demand is an indicator of the huge potential the region has for more and more local people taking up rose cultivation as a key livelihood opportunity”.

In northeast, rose is primarily grown in Mizoram, Nagaland and some areas of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

Other gift itemsBesides roses, the list of gift items on

this day was long, aided by innovative offers. The main attractions were dark chocolates, watches for women, designed in pink and red, romantic jewellery, strawberries, rose gift pack and glass heart-votives and cozy pairs of red and pink cups. Clothing and accessories brands were equally active to woo the customers with innovative offerings with romantic themes.

Chocolate sellers created some attractive products to suit all pockets. The delicacies include heart-shaped pizza, cake and chocolate praline. The Chocolate Boutique of Delhi sold chocolate dipped strawberries, rose chocolates and chocolate jewellery. The sales were impressive for shopkeepers, florists and restaurants. n


Cover Story


V-Day celebrations abroadWindfall for African and S. American growers

SALES in flower markets in Europe and elsewhere soared on V-Day, showing the same love for flowers, unmindful of

economic woes and unusually chilly winter in many parts. The flower markets reported high sales in the metropolitan areas in Chile, Mexico, Russia, Turkey, Malaysia, Philippines and China. Elaborate flower arrangements adorned the lobbies of all of the prestige hotels and finer restaurants during this V-Day.

Florists said this year there was resurgence in interest in flowers as expressions of love. In countries of recent economic expansion, rising expectations drew new consumers to the flower markets. The single stem long rose was coming back into fashion. Carnation, chrysanthemum and gerbera bouquets were giving way to Oncidium, phaleonopsis and dendrobium orchids and tropical bromeliads, which was a sign of increasing consumer sophistication.

Instead of the traditional style bouquet with a little heart on a stick and a ribbon with a card, the new trend evident this time was floriculture expressions in elegant containers and tasteful cards.

This put pressure on the growers and retailers

in two ways. First, their product had to be unusual and very top quality in beautiful containers and tasteful wrappings. Second, they had to be responsible for the logistics, the distribution chain, and guarantee that the flowers or plants that they deliver last a minimum of seven days with the consumer, and preferably two or three weeks. Only then will the consumer return to buy more, and thus give a fillip to the floriculture industry, said a florist.

South American growers also reported high global demands which they struggled to meet this V-Day season. But the snow caused delay in delivery of flowers to the customers in European countries. But thankfully, intermediaries did not hold the product too long in their coolers, speculating on making big profits during February 10-14. The massive demand of flowers has strengthened a confirmation of the potential of the industry to be the affirmation of improved economic times ahead. The sales exceeded expectations everywhere, reviving optimism in the world floriculture industry.

In Europe, couples did not mind the exorbitant prices of the imported roses as they feel they could

12 Floriculture today March 2012

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Floriculture today March 2012 1�

not afford not to buy roses on V-Day. As a man in Amsterdam said, “I will not allow price rise to play spoilsport in my relations with two women whom I love equally. I must give them the best roses. Price doesn’t matter”.

Despite winter chill, leading hotels in Europe and other parts of the world had adorned their premises to woo romantic customers on V-Day. They did not mind paying huge prices for the bookings of the hotel seats or buying gift items to express their love.

Kenya -- the top exporterWorld’s top rose exporters like Kenya

and Ethiopia collected huge revenue this V-Day season due to extreme weather condition in Europe. In Kenya, floriculture has become a major source of livelihood security, as it brings higher income to thousands of people, most of them women.

The country cashed in on this Valentine’s Day with renewed vigour after missing out the day last year due to post-election violence. . The west town of Naivasha, which grows 60 percent of Kenya’s flowers, was hit hard last year because of election violence that triggered ethnic clashes.

This year, however, peace having restored, Kenyans braced for a “come back” after exporters, flower vendors, hoteliers and confectionery sellers positioned themselves to make as much profit as they could due to the winter freeze in Europe -- its main market.

Gladys Njoki, who sells flowers at the busy City Market in Nairobi,said, “I already expected a windfall this year due to various reasons. I have orders from many people who want flowers delivered to their loved ones and the demand is overwhelming. I think the situation is same in other rose exporting countries as well.”.

Kenyan flowers, mostly roses, account for 25 per cent of Europe’s cut flower imports and Kenyan growers had been pushing to keep exports up for the V-Day. The Lake Naivasha Growers’ Group, an alliance of farm owners, said that V-Day accounts for one-third of their annual production.

Oserian, one of the largest farms, sold between four to six million roses during V-Day. The Kenya Flower Council, a floral industrial association formed in 1996 to represent independent Kenyan cut flower and ornamental plant growers and exporters, recorded massive surge in global demands of red roses.

Ngige of the council allayed fears that the ongoing global financial crisis would negatively affect the horticulture industry. “Flowers are emotive. They give a ‘feel-good’ feeling especially at a time when many of the Americans and the Europeans are facing a hard time due to the economic downturn.”

There have been fears that the industry, which last year fetched the country 70 billion shillings (about 878 million U.S. dollars) could be severely hit by the economic recession particularly in Europe, where Kenya is the second largest supplier of cut flowers after Netherlands. But as Netherlands itself had to import 3 lakh roses from India due to winter chill, Kenyan flowers engulfed Europe.

Ngige however expressed optimism that sector players would be able to maintain the volumes and profits derived from their exports. Although, Kenya is prone to sporadic political and sectarian violence, its floriculture industry is resilient and has the ability to rebound after hard times.

Mary Kamau, a flower grower in Naivasha, said the growers have developed a factory-style business that can deliver wrapped bunches to European supermarkets, where staff need to do nothing more than stand them in water and make money during Valentine’s Day.

“The rise of supermarket flower-selling has stabilized the flower industry in Kenya by creating constant demand and enabling farmers to get enough steady sales to guarantee quality,” she said.

Kenya emerged as a flower power when Israel scaled down its own industry. Israel has since lost business to neighboring Ethiopia, which offers tax breaks and better security.

Roses make up 74 percent of Kenya’s flower exports, followed by carnations which are the most popular flower in Britain at less romantic times because they last longest.

Govt help boosts Ethiopia’s export Many of the Valentines Day roses

presented in Europe are grown in Ethiopia. According to an estimate, over 100,000 roses are exported from Ethiopia each day! As Ethiopian government makes it easy for flower companies to obtain land and startup loans, floriculture is one of Ethiopia’s fastest-growing industries.

Ethiopia is one of the countries which has gained because of production dropping drastically in Israel.

In Israel, for the first time, flowers were imported to meet the demand on Valentine’s Day. The industry has been continuously shrinking since its peak in the 1970s and 1980s when Israel produced 1.5 billion flowers a year, including 600 million roses. Many of these flowers were for export. Today the country grows only 20 million flowers a year, said Haim Hadad, head of Israel’s Flower Growers Association. Besides growers in Ethiopia, those in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and other countries have seized a growing share of Israel’s export market because of their low labor and water costs.

As for couples celebrating V-Day everywhere, no matter where the flowers came from, love was the real winner.

n


Cover Story

Many of the Valentines Day roses presented in Europe are

grown in Ethiopia. According to an estimate, over

100,000 roses are exported from Ethiopia each

day!


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Floriculture is an important agro based labour intensive and export-oriented industry in Nepal.

Floriculture is a high value cash crop of agriculture sector. It has vital potentiality in Nepal for production and marketing because of its geographical condition and growing domestic market and neighboring countries. We have also great traditional value of flowers since long history. In present days there are volume sales of traditional flowers in temples and historical places as well as religious ceremonious.

Present scenario of floriculture business is slightly difference. Overall sector is specialized on different parts like; seasonal flowers, perennial, ornamental plants, Lawn and garden design, Cut flowers (Gladiolus, roses, orchids, carnation, Gerbera and others) Marigold and loose flowers. World wise developments also influence Nepalese sectors. The market is also different targeting different customers such as traditional and religions market, bouquet/basket market or cut flower market,

seasonal nursery market, perennial plant market, etc. Customer’s taste and behavior of each market is very different. This shows the Nepalese differential market scope.

Due to geographical and climatically condition we are able to grow up different kinds of cut flowers & ornamentals plants at Hill & Tarai region easily. We have to grab this natural opportunity by enough sharing of knowhow and connecting our nearest market. The middle hill range is feasible for many other flowers like carnation, gerbera and rose. Since few years quality of carnation is known as the best in accordance the global market as well as New Delhi (India) market.

Physical diversification for floriculture and has a diversity of ornamental plants & cut flowers which could be scientifically cultivated to promote export oriented business.

FAN is endeavor the export promotion activities to the overseas and neighboring market for Nepalese Floriculture products especially for roses, orchids, carnation, Gerbera, Gladiolus and others. Demand

Arun Chhetri, President,Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN)

FoCuS Nepal

Total turnover is Rs. 909.9 million (estimated 2010/11) the annual sales increment on an average is 10 to 15%

per annum. We are searching financial support to upgrade

technology, technical expertise and to increase cut flower

production volume for export.

Present Scenario ofFloriculture inNepal


for the products is growing every year in Nepal because of increasing number of tourists, hotel industries and increasing awareness about the floriculture product of people.

Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN)Considering the increasing awareness

of the people towards the floriculture and the number of people being involved in this sector, Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN) was established on 15th Nov. 1992with a view to organize and promotes floriculture business in Nepal. It is a not for profit, non governmental and national level professional business membership organization under the Nepalese laws and acts.

FAN works for the benefit of its members including flower growers/producers, wholesalers and retailers. It has various activities that help in enterprise growth to ultimately establish floriculture as an export oriented industry in Nepal. In addition FAN focused on enhancing product quality and market promotion of its members utilizing various tools and techniques.

The secretarial of FAN is located at FNCCI building, Teku, Kathmandu. FAN is a member of Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCI), Nepal China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (NCCCI). It has 362 general members.

Benefit of the Nepalese floricultureNumber of entities in Nepal expressed

interest in examining production of export-quality flowers. There are many climatic zones in Nepal, where different floriculture products could thrive commercially. There are regions with the low and moderate temperatures, as well as tropical regions in the south. With reference to Kathmandu Valley, it is characterized by a moderate summer temperature and low winter

The future of this business is very bright. Nepal has a great potential for the

producing flowers. Nepal’s climate and abundant sunlight, appropriate soil and adequate quantities of water are seen as major advantages.

Since Nepal is a land of extreme with a lot variation in altitude, temperature and humidity. Within a small geography wide range of flower is available and also wide range of ornament plant can be grown. Domestic market for floriculture is flourishing year by year due to increasing member of tourists, hotel industries and increasing awareness about the floriculture products.

Description 1992/93 2004/05 009/010 2010/11

Number of nurseries 80 550 625 635

Number of Districts 2 34 35 35

Land is used ( in Hectare) NA 80 110 110

No of Employment NA 2500 40000 40000

Investment NA 375 million 3 billion 3.5 billion

Number of flower Show Room in Nepal 0 56 86 86

Floriculture Yearly Turnover (In 000) (Appox.) 10,000 216,200 664,000 909900

Import of Cut flowers (%) 95 20 25 25

Import of Ornamental Plant (%) 100 90 80 80

Import of seasonal flower Hybrid seed (%) 100 100 95 95

Yearly export (in Rs.) (In 000) NA NA 60,000 191,400

Yearly Import (in Rs) (In 000) NA NA 35000 30000

Overall Annual Growth Rate of Floriculture in Nepal is 10 to 15 %

FloricultureinNepalbynumbers

FoCuS Nepal


The association should offer quality training and adequate information to its members in effort to product the floriculture of international standards for the enhancement of the floriculture sector.

The association is seriously suffering from the lack of financial support (low interest rate), lack of technical manpower in the floriculture sub-sector and research scientists in floriculture to solve the problem faced by the growers.

Overall Floriculture Scenario in NepalFloriculture in Nepal has made

tremendous progress over the last two decades and is steadily growing. The number of firms (635), number of retails sales (86), number of wholesales (6) and total turnover is Rs. 909.9 million (estimated 2010/11) the annual sales increment on an average is 10 to 15% per annum.

Export Productsa) Bulbs : Glorisa spp, Zephyranthus,

Haemanthus multiflora, Polyanthus, Kukurma, Eucharis etc

b) Tissue culture plants – Bamboo, Orchid, Aster

c) Cut flower – Gerbera, Carnation, Rose, Gladiolus

CountriesIndia, Denmark, Germany,

Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, UAE, USA, Qatar, France, Australia, Chaina PR, AustraliaMajor production belts/zones

The major production of ornamental plants, cut flower and cut foliages is distributed from the southern plains of the country to hills of the north. However, the major districts growing these crops

are Chitwan, Makwanpur, Rupendehi, Jhapa, Sunsari and Mahotary (plains) Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktpur, Dhading, Kavare, Nuwakot, Kaski (hills). However, the major production belts are located in the central region except for limited production in the eastern and western region. The production zones ranges from the tropics to sub-tropics to warm temperate. Currently, warm temperate climate is the most important flower production zone that produces not only the maximum quantity but also the maximum diversity of products.Major crops/products

The major floriculture products of Nepal can categorized as below.(i) Cut flowers(ii) Cut foliages(iii) Seasonal(iv) Potted flowering plants(v) Potted foliage plants(vi) Shrubs(vii) Trees

Local Market & Supply ScenarioDomestic cut flowers demand is also

increasing by 10 to 15% each year. We have a local demand but the cut flowers growers still could not fulfill the local market demand. In this contest, the cut flower growers should be increased additional investment to increase cut flowers production for the fulfill of domestic market as well.

The Global Market ScenariosThe global consumption of floriculture

products is predicted to be 30 per cent greater by 2014. (FAN, 2007) The world trade stood at US $ 11.9 Billion in 2005. During the period, 2001 to 2005 annual growth in world trade values of cut flowers and live plants remained at 10 and 12 per cent respectively. Top

ten floriculture products importing countries are Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Netherlands, France, Japan, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Russian Federation.

Ethiopia, Vietnam, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, and Colombia have recently achieved a remarkable success in floriculture supported by national strategic environment and favorable government policies and as such these countries managed to gain a foot hold in giant markets. Other developing countries having good achievements since a long past are Kenya, Israel, Ecuador, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Thailand, China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The developed countries supplying flowers and flower plants to the major markets are the Netherlands (highest quantity supplier), Germany, Italy, Spain, and UK.

Major imported cut-flowers and plants in the world market include Roses, Gypsophila, Hypericum, decorative foliage, Solidago, Carnation, Calla, Ruscus, Wax flower, and Sunflower. Other flowers preferred in the major markets are Chrysanthemums, Tulips, Lilly, Gerbera, Freesia, Anthurium, Gladiolus, Cymbidium Orchids, etc. Houseplants highly demanded by the market are Aglaonema, Chamaedorea Eleg., Cocos, Cordyline, Croton, Dracaena, Ficus Benjamina, Philadendron, Phoenix, Schefflera Arbor., and Yucca.

Nepal enjoys tariff preferences in most of the target markets such as USA, Japan, EU and India. Non-tariff barriers are applicable to all floriculture products in all of these markets. Normal standard requirements of the market have to be complied with. Therefore, exports of recently commercialized floriculture products to these markets are possible with the submission of phyto-sanitary certificate (PC) issued by the competent authority in Nepal.

Ogranised Development Floriculture is an important sub-

sector of agriculture in Nepal. This sector although had its beginning some 6 decades ago yet it has been making organized development only some 2 decades ago. Floriculture development in Nepal is largely driven by the private

% of Local Per day market supply Market Yearly Total (Internal T. Yearly

SN Product Demand Demand/stick Production) Supplied

1 Gladiolus 5000 stick 1,825,000 95% 1,733,750

2 Dutch Rose 4500 stick 1,642,500 70% 1,149,750

3 Carnation 4000 stick 1,460,000 100% 1,460,000

4 Gerbera 4000 stick 1,460,000 80% 1,168,000

5 Tuberose 3500 stick 1,277,500 40% 511,000

6 Orchid 350 stick 127,750 30% 38,325

Local Market & Supply Scenario

FoCuS Nepal


sectors while the government sector is still not very active. The apex body of the private sector in floriculture is Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN).

The growing demand is compelling enough for an increased production, the agro climatic suitability for a year round cultivation, and the economic reasons of abundance of relatively cheap labour and seemingly lower cost of production have contributed for the rapid growth of the cut flower industry in Nepal.

In context of Nepal, cut flower is an emerging business and Nepal has a good potential for it. This could help grab the opportunity at international market by exploring its potential. The quality of cut flowers is there to suit with the international standards. But we are unable to enter our products at international market in a larger scale due to several problems and constraints. The main problems facing by cut flower growers are Such as; low investment, low technical knowledge and low technology in use.

For the Nepalese floriculture industry, it should need high investment. However, at this date, investment is used by

entrepreneurs own resources which is individual and small scale. At present scenario 95% growers are investment by own resources and only 5% investment by financial & bank sectors in the floriculture industry.

Potential: Nepal has a tremendous potential in the cut flowers business. Nepal is inefficient to produce the cut flower to fulfill the regular market demands. The public sector and government have to go a long way for the development of floriculture. Even though seasonal demands of the Nepali flowers are fulfilled by domestic production itself, during off-season they are compelled to import flowers from other countries. However, Nepali flower industry is unpredictable because of uncontrolled hold of nurseries in Nepalese market.

Frequently, we are exporting the bulbs, tissue culture plants & cut flowers in Japan, Qatar, India and other countries also. At this time, many countries are demanding our cut flowers. Gulf countries (Qatar, UAE, Kuwait) are demanding 1,00,000 stick per week of cut

flowers (Carnation, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Cymbidium Orchid, Bird of Paradise, Roses) from Nepal. Japan is demanding cut flowers (Roses & Carnation) 50,000 stick per week. But, we could not have given the demanded quantities because of low volume of cut flower production in Nepal.

At this movement, we should be increased further investment for mass volume of exportable cut flowers production, upgrade high technology & technical expertise. We need a huge investment for the upgrade these things but we could not so on. So that, we are searching financial support (long-term loan at reasonable interest rate) to upgrade technology, technical expertise and to increase cut flower production volume for export.

We should also further investment for fulfillment yearly increasing demand of cut flower of local market.

If we take financial support from bank, we can go ahead and grab these flowers markets demand & supply regularly.

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Nepal floriculturists eyeing to

Nepal has emerged as a major flower producer in the Asian region. But its growers, as many others in the region, are facing several hurdles that they feel could be removed by greater support from the government. A Floriculture Today representatives Azeem Haider and Naveen Grover visited Katmandu and met a leading flower grower and exporter, and a top official of a cooperative that funds growers. Both of them were of the view that against the backdrop of rising demand, government help can do much to give a big boost to production and export of the flowers.

Boost Export Want government help

Dilip Bade, General Secretary, Finance and Managing Director, Floriculture Co-operativeLtd (FCL)

When did you start FCL?Floriculture Cooperative Ltd was established in 2010 with

a mandate to serve all types of people involved in Nepal’s floriculture industry including growers, wholesalers and retailers. We started with 28 members, mainly growers, each contributing Rs. 1 Lakh. We thus collected Rs. 28 Lakh, and applied to the government department to get the permission to start this cooperative. And this way, our journey began.

What kind of help does the cooperative provide to the growers?The main work of this cooperative is to help the floriculture

industry to expand, and for this purpose it provides financial help to those who want to achieve that goal.

Where do you get the money from?Our members ranging from nursery workers to growers have

their saving accounts with the cooperative where they deposit small sums to save their money. This collection is used to fund pro-floriculture activities. The main goal is economic and social development of the people involved in floriculture in Nepal. Since, floriculture needs massive promotion in the country, this cooperative is happy to provide as much help as it can.

What are the present activities of the cooperative?The main activity of this cooperative centres on saving and

credit. We give loans at a subsidized rate of 12 to 13 per cent, while in the open market it is above 18 per cent.

Do you give loans for the purposes other than floriculture growth?

No. We give loans only for the growth of floriculture.

How much have you funded so far?

Nearly Rs.1 crore.How many members do you have?

Above 100

What is the loan limit?It is Rs.1 Lakh without collateral and Rs.5 Lakh with collateral

(like home owner’s home registry papers or gold etc).

What are your future plans?We are working hard to expand the economy of the floriculture

and make it a powerful industry in Nepal. We have to produce more flowers as the demand outstrips supply. We have to enable the growers to export the flowers to regions like India and gulf nations. By providing financial aid at subsidized rates, we enable these people to work without worries, and this helps to increase their total outputs.

Please continue…We will buy seeds, plants, insecticides, fertilizers and

pesticides in bulk at confessional rates after necessary quality checks and provide the same to flower growers at rates which will be less than what they find in the open market. This will also do

FoCuS Nepal

2� Floriculture today March 2012


When did you start flower growing and exporting business?We began in 2000. Initially, we started growing two major

variants: roses and gladiolus. But marketing them on a reasonable scale began only four years ago when we opened our own office.

Do you sell flowers to marriage parties and local customers?No. We are major growers and wholesalers of flowers. We

sell our produce to retailers only.

How many retailers buy flowers from you?There are 68 retailers in Nepal. They buy flowers from United Flora.

How many growers are there in Nepal?There are 86 flower growers in this country. They supply their produce to United Flora.

Do the growers get government support?No, not much. The government has no policy to help

floriculture, though we are facing several problems which can be minimized by active government help. We have raised our issues at a meeting with agriculture minister, but nothing has been done so far. We will benefit if the government provides some sort of subsidy to us.

Do you export also?Yes, we are just trying. We export to a florist in Qatar. But the

people in that region prefer red and white flowers, and we are trying to fulfill their demands. The demand surpasses the supply in this sector. We need to produce more varieties and in great quantity to meet the rising demands.

Do you send flowers to India as well?Yes, we send to Delhi sometimes.

Are you planning to cover other parts of India?Yes, we can do it as we have the needed system in place. We

can do it. We are trying.

What are the main varieties that you grow?In Nepal, the number one flower is gladiolus , followed by

rose, carnation and gerbera.

What are your future plans and expectations?We see perceptible growth in the industry. We are looking for

market expansion, especially overseas. In Nepal, we see 10 to 15 per cent growth annually. But we export more than what we sell in local markets. And the demands are increasing with every passing day. We need to produce more flowers.

Loknath, owner of United Flora that buys flowers from most of the wholesalers:

FoCuS Nepal


away with the problem of middle men pocketing a major share of the growers’ hard earnings.

Do you get any government support?Very less. This industry does not attract the attention of policy

makers. We are raising our voices and hopefully, we will be heard. We get some aid but that is too meager. We got such a support from a recently launched government initiative PACT PROJECT which funded cultivation of ornamental flowers in Chitwan. We want government to help us end our floriculture hurdles and export our flowers in a systematic and hassle-free manner.

Are you exporting also?No. But we are trying our best to know the process of exporting

and attract global buyers to look at Nepal. We sell ornamental flowers in local markets, but we haven’t tried in the segment of cut-flowers so far. We need the support of foreign buyers as well as

our own government’s help to export our flowers.Do you see growth in the local markets?

In Nepal, this industry is registering a positive 10 to 12 per cent annual growth. It is expected to grow further.

What do you think about contract farming? Does this thrive in Nepal?

Contact farming has not made an impressive mark in this country. Some nursery owners are following this system, where they get 90 per cent, and the contractor 10 per cent, of the profit. Contractors buy their produce in bulk. As such, it has no hope here, as it lacks a proper system. The cooperative holds hope for this industry, as it inspires investment and attracts entrepreneurs and floriculture growers and workers to try for the growth of commercial floriculture, and to spread floriculture activities in Nepal.

Floriculture Today Reporters & Loknath (Extreme R)

Floriculture today March 20122�2� Floriculture today March 2012

When did you start The Standard Nursery?I started The Standard Nursery in 1973 with just 2 acre of

land and began to grow main varieties of seasonal plants. In these years we have learned a lot about this field and managed to become a formidable player in my country.

Now it occupies around 2 hectares of land with 29000 sq. ft. of greenhouse covered area and 1000 sq. ft. of shade covered area.

What are Nursery’s activities?The main goal of the nursery is to develop the floriculture

in the country and to introduce new products, services and technological concepts to help growers to compete. It also specializes in contract services, landscaping and established garden centers. It also holds Open House Exhibition annually that helps the floriculture trade in Nepal.

What are the varieties that you grow?We grow nearly 200 varieties, especially seasonal plants.

Major of which are fruits, ornamental, indoor and outdoor. We also grow bonsai plants which are of very good quality.

Where do you buy your plants and seeds from?We buy plants from Kolkata. The seed are also imported from

western countries like France, UK and Holland.

Whom do you supply?We supply almost all the retailers of the country.

Do you get any government support?Government help can brighten plant nurseries’ future. But

unfortunately, we do not get any support. We get some help from Floriculture Association of Nepal. They provide us useful information.

Do you export also?No. we want but cannot do it without government support.

What is the future of plant nursery in Nepal?Plant nursery has a great future as our land is fertile, water is in

plenty and climate favourable. We are doing our best to promote this industry in the country and inspire potential growers to start their business. The nursery occasionally gets inputs from the US-based experts. We have electronic and book library.

Govt help can brighten nurseries’ future

Suresh (Dinesh) Bhakta Shrestha runs The Standard Nursery: Crop Pro-Tech-Flowers & More in Bansbari, Katmandu (Nepal). He is also the former president of Floriculture Association of Nepal. He sees a bright future of plants segment but he is also of the view that it cannot be realized without government support. In a brief chat with the Floriculture Today team, he answered some vital questions:

FoCuS Nepal

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RECENTLY we visited in Bangaluru to attend the Green Landscape Summit.

We were impressed, not only by your very friendly people and your colorful country but by the city as well. Bangaluru struck us as a beautiful green city, it certainly earns the title “Garden City”.

We have never seen such enormous flowering trees in the center of a metropolis before. The effect of these trees is noticeable: the temperature in the city is a few degrees lower than the outskirts!

Not only the canopies of these big trees have this effect on the climate, roof gardens and vertical gardening attribute as well.

We were touched to find that environmental issues such as global

warming, cradle to cradle, energy efficiency and water management are the same issues that were the topics of the Summit.

It is hart warming to find that the interests on both sides of our world are the same and that the attendants of the Summit are personally involved to attribute to a healthy environment.

For many years, the office of Niek Roozen Ltd. Landscape Architects has been actively working in various countries across the globe, with a large percentage of these projects in China. An important aspect of their designs is the application of the Green City philosophy.

Green in cities is not only good for aesthetics, ecology, but also for the health and well-being of its residents and the

economy. A city with the right trees in the right place can help solve many of our environmental problems, such as air pollution, rising temperatures and noise in urban environments. Studies show that usable public green in neighborhoods has a positive effect on the health of nearby residents. When all the benefits of green are added up, it becomes obvious that the benefits of green far outweigh the costs.

The office of Niek Roozen Ltd. has increasingly been asked to work on large scale planning projects from the beginning of the master plan phase because of their vision that green in cities is an integral part of the planning process and not an afterthought. Green land uses and natural characteristics of a site are set up first, and infrastructure and buildings are added

Developing Green Cities:Niek Roozen Experience

Nicolaas Theodorus Maria Roozen, known world over as Niek Roozen was recently in India to attend Green Landscape Summit, along with Hanneke Roorda. Once back to Netherland, they shared their experiences suggestions and impression of Indian green city scenario vis-a-vis global trends.

Floriculture today March 2012 ��

after.The central green park at the World

EXPO 2010 in Shanghai was designed by Niek Roozen Ltd. together with a team of Dutch experts and designers and NITA Design Group in Shanghai, using research and design principles related to trees and their ability to clean the air. The cooling effect of the park, which had a 60% canopy cover, was appreciated by visitors all summer long. The tree species were specially chosen for their ability to clean the air of pollutants such as catching particulate matter (PM10) and absorbing gaseous pollutants.

The latter is of great importance for Bangaluru. We think there is an urgent need for inventory and research of the city trees. What is their health condition at this moment? What can be expected as to their surviving time? How can their conditions be improved? By which tree variety can they best be replaced? Research by specialists has to be done as to which local trees contribute best in your climate zone in cleaning the air.

An example of working with the Green City Philosophy as we do is given in the following case study.

In the summer of 2010, we were invited to participate in a design competition for an urban concept plan in Shenyang, a city north east of Beijing. The 5750ha site is located south of downtown Shenyang between the Hun River and the airport. It is unique that a landscape architect was asked as lead designer of the master plan, with architects and urban designers joining the team, instead of the other way around. The team began the design process from the green perspective: first an inventory of the existing conditions including the natural landscape and the villages that have organically grown over time and then a layout of the desired amount of green space. In the master plan, the green land uses were given a place before the infrastructure of roads and other land uses.

The amount of green space was calculated based on a standard of 75m2 green per household which is derived from research done by Dutch scientists and recreation experts. This 75m2 green was divided by a household of 2,5 people (average in China), which equals about 30m2 green per person. With a total of 500,000 residents, that means that in order to fulfill the green standard, then 26% of the total land area would need to be reserved for green. But it was not enough to simply reserve a quarter of

the area for green on one side of the site because another aspect of a green city is that every resident should have access to usable green spaces within 500m from house. This is not only proven to be healthy for residents both physically and mentally but also raises the property values in the vicinity of these green spaces and reduces the impact of the heat island effect, which can be measured up to 300m from a park. Therefore the green space was divided up and distributed throughout the entire district.

First a grid of neighborhood parks (18ha) was set up with 2km between so every household is located within 1km of a park. Then a grid of street parks (4ha) was placed so every household is located within 400m of a park, which is about a 6 minute walk. Both of these park types include uses such as active recreation and sport, passive recreation and nature. Another grid of block green (less than 1ha) with uses such as children’s playgrounds was set up so everyone was within 200m, or a 4 minute walk, from these spaces. The existing natural features and large scale green parks and green connections were then laid over the grid to create an overall green network for the entire development. The grid was faded back and used as the basis to design the overall master plan in a new creative way, resulting in a dynamic green urban plan.

Some parts of the final concept green plan, such as a few city parks and the central main axis, have been designed by us and are currently under construction.

During the panel discussion on the Summit in Bangaluru with, amongst others, the board of the Confederation of Indian Industry, being the organizers of

the Summit, we discussed the possibility of having a World Horticultural Exhibition in the near future in the environment of Bangaluru.

We all felt that this is the time for such a big event in India. Bangaluru, situated in the center of South India and having the good climate from the Mysore Plateau is certainly suitable for this exhibition. The soil of the plateau is fertile. We visited Lalbagh Botanical Gardens where we saw even more great flowering trees and we learned about the great variety in roses. We have seen the prove of this in the rose garden: a colorful collection of very healthy looking shrubs with large flowers. All in all the conditions for such an event are there.

On top of that we know that the city has developed during the last generation to the third biggest city of India and with the enormous development in High Tech Industry it is even called the ‘Silicone Valley’.

We visited the Campus of Infosys Technologies Ltd. and we really loved the landscaping. The lay out of the site is, in our view, an example of good landscaping. As a starting point the designer worked out the local conditions. These are also always our starting points when making a design for an urban development: the situation of the site in its landscape, culture, history, infrastructure and climate, research of existing green and its condition, research to indigenous green of the concerning climate zone.

Considering all the above, if the necessary precautions will be taken , Bangaluru will be ‘The Garden City’ forever. n

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THE floral industry is one of the major industries in many developing and underdeveloped

countries. The present day floral industry is a dynamic, global, fast-growing industry, which has achieved significant growth rates during the past few decades. In the 1950s, the global flower trade was less than US$3 billion. By 1992, it had grown to US$100 billion. In recent years, the floral industry has grown six percent annually.

Floriculture in Sri Lanka started as an industry in 1970. It has grown substantially during the last few years to become one of Sri Lanka’s major foreign exchange generating ventures. Sri Lanka’s stable and varied tropical climatic conditions and the geographic terrains

from sea level up to 2200 metres of humid mounts have created magnificent macro and micro environments to house many thousands of local as well as sub-tropical and temperate plants. The rich native flora contains many potential ornamental plants which could be developed to satisfy the demands of the flourishing industry in the west, middle east and far east countries.

Western, North Western and Central Provinces in Sri Lanka are the major areas where cut flowers, ornamental plants, rooted and unrooted cuttings are grown commercially. Generally, large scale commercial establishments have their cultivations under green house conditions, poly tunnels or netting. The medium and small scale growers either have their cultivations under natural shading

Floriculture Sector in Sri LankaDelegation to Attend Flora Expo 2012

— ramyaWeerakoonPresident Floriculture Produce Exporters Association, Srilanka


The majority of large scale commercial growers produce plants in collaboration with foreign partners. Technology is shared by these partners and highly advanced methods of production are followed. There are large tissue culture units available in Sri Lanka. They are specialized in the production of cut flower plants and ornamental foliage plants.

Floriculture Produce Exporters Association (FPEA) has been formed to uplift floriculture industry in Sri Lanka. It has 30 member growers & exporters. All the members of the FPEA are actively involved in the industry displayed its prowess within the realm of horticultural and agrarian produce at many international exhibitions. Satisfying the requirements of the competitive horticulture and floriculture markets and keeping pace with emerging trends in the business, producing a range of tropical, foliage plants, un-rooted cuttings and tissue cultured plants.

There will be a delegation of FPEA for the Flora Expo 2012 to be held from

3rd to 5th March 2012 in New Delhi. The delegation consists of seven leading growers and Exports in Sri Lanka ie Mike Flora International (Pvt.) Ltd, Ramya Horticulture (Pvt.) Ltd, Omega Green

(Pvt.) Ltd, Décor Foliage, Tropigreen Horticulture (Pvt.) Ltd, Frontier Holdings (Pvt. ) Ltd and Anuradha Foliage (Pvt.) Ltd.

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FLORICULTURE TODAY March 201240

WILDLAND fi res destroy hundreds of homes and acres of land every year across the

world. Fire-safe landscaping is an effective tool that creates an area of defensible space between your home and fl ammable vegetation that protects against devastating fi res. Firescaping is landscape design that reduces house and property vulnerability to wildfi re. The goal is to develop a landscape with a design and choice of plants that offer the best defensible space and enhance the property. The ideal landscaping is to surround the house with plants that are less likely to burn. It is imperative when constructing homes in wildfi re prone areas that fi re safety be a major factor in landscape design. Appropriate manipulation of the landscape can make a signifi cant contribution towards wildfi re survival. Firescape integrates traditional landscape functions and a design that reduces the threat from wildfi re. It does not need to look different than a traditional design. Firescape also includes planting for fi re safety, vegetation modifi cation techniques, use of fi re safety zones, and defensible space principles.

Planting for Fire SafetyThrough proper plant selection,

placement, and maintenance, we can diminish the possibility of ignition, lower fi re intensity, and reduce how quickly a fi re spreads, all of which increase a home’s survivability. In fi rescaping, plant selection is primarily determined by a plant’s ability to reduce the wildfi re threat. Other considerations may be important

such as appearance, ability to hold the soil in place, and wildlife habitat value. The traditional foundation planting of junipers is not a viable solution in a fi rescape design. Minimize use of evergreen shrubs and trees within 30 feet of a structure, because junipers, other conifers, and broadleaf evergreens contain oils, resins, and waxes that make these plants burn with great intensity. Use ornamental grasses and berries sparingly because they also can be highly fl ammable. Choose “fi re smart” plants. These are plants with high moisture content. They are low growing. Their stems and leaves are not resinous, oily, or waxy. Deciduous trees are generally more fi re resistant than evergreens because they have higher moisture content when in leaf, a lower fuel volume when dormant, and typically do not contain fl ammable oils.

Vegetation arrangementFrom a wild fi re fuel standpoint,

vegetation is often described in terms of its vertical and horizontal arrangement. Sometimes the arrangement is described in terms of vertical or horizontal fuel continuity. Vertical fuel continuity is also referred as “ladder fuels”.

Most wildfi res begin as surface fi res. They will not reach the crown of a tree if the vertical fuel continuity has been eliminated. Once the fi re reaches the crown of a tree, the heat intensity is increased, this can then increase the combustibility of the surrounding vegetation. Therefore, it is important to prune taller trees by removing branches

Firesacaping

Eliminate ladder fuels to minimize the movement of ground fire into the crown of a tree

Horizontal arrangement of vegetation

Keep branches trimmed at least 10 feet from your roof and eliminate combustible plants or material under the eaves and next to the house siding and vents.

Brick as fuel break

— Dr. M. Kannan, Dr. M. Jawaharlal and P. RanchanaDepartment of Floriculture and Landscaping, HC & RI, TNAU,

Coimabtore

Fire- SafeLandscapingLANDSCAPING

FLORICULTURE TODAY March 2012 41

that are close to the ground. Horizontal fuel continuity allows the fi re to spread across the landscape. Breaking up the horizontal fuel continuity through wider spacing of the vegetation can reduce the fi re intensity. The wider the spacing between plants, the greater the wind velocity must be to spread the fi re. The actual between- plant spacing depends on one’s aversion to the risk of fi re spreading to one’s home and the assoc iated chance of losing it.

Fire Safety ZonesFirescape design for defensible space

uses driveways, lawns, walkways, patios, parking areas, areas with inorganic mulches, and fences constructed of non-flammable materials such as stone, brick, or cement to reduce fuel loads and create fuel breaks. Fuel breaks are a vital component in every fi rescape design. Water features, pools, ponds, or streams can also be fuel breaks. Areas where wildland vegetation has been thinned or replaced with less fl ammable plants are the traditional fuel break.

Use non-flammable materialsUse masonary, gravel or stone walls to

separate plant groups, thus adding to the variety and improving the fi re resistance of your landscape. Another way to break up fuel continuity is to use decorative rock, gravel and stepping stone pathways, cement driveways and walkways and retaining walls as your landscape’s hardscape that is less fl ammable. Replace bare, weedy or unsightly patches near your home with ground cover, rock gardens, vegetable gardens and fi re resistant mulches

Two important zones in homeA fi re safe landscape consists of two

zones: the home defense zone and the reduced fuel zone. The home defense zone is within 30 feet of the house. The reduced fuel zone lies beyond the home defense zone and extends out at least 100 feet from the house. Greater defense zone widths are necessary when your home is on steep slope or in a windswept exposure.

Where to plant Avoid putting plants in the following

locations to minimize the movement of fi re from vegetation to the home

Adjacent to the siding Tree limbs over the roof

TreesFor slopes that are less than 20

percent, trim or space existing trees so that there is 10 feet of space between the tips of their limbs. Increase the space to 20 feet for slopes that are 20 to 40 percent. For steep slopes over 40 percent, 30 feet of spacing is needed. When planting trees, allow for future growth by spacing them 20 to 30 feet apart. If trees are over 18 feet tall, prune limbs up to a height of 6 to 15 feet to reduce the possibility of surface fi res spreading into the tree crowns. In order to avoid stress to the tree, no more than one-third of a tree’s live limbs should be removed by pruning. Eliminate other ladder fuels by removing all shrubs from around the base of trees

ShrubsDue to fl ammability, shrubs should not

be used as a visual screen for propane fuel tanks, fi rewood piles, or other fl ammable materials. To reduce the fire- spreading potential of shrubs, only plant varieties that are widely separated, low growing, deciduous and non resinous. These can be planted individually or in small clumps. Plants viz., Spanish Lavender, Sage, Heavenly Bamboo can be chosen for this purpose. The spacing between plants depends on the slope of property

Slope Spacing 0 to 20 percent 2 times the height of

the shrub 20 to 40 percent 4 times the height

of the shrub greater than 40 percent 6 times the

height of the shrub

Fire Retardant plants

Verbena

Ice plant

Iris

Yucca

Blue grass Fuchsia

LANDSCAPING


Annual maintenanceMaintenance is critical to fire safety.

Over time, plants grow vertically and horizontally mulches dry out, and leaves and twigs accumulate within and around vegetation. All of these contribute to the fuels on which a fire can feed. Even in fire safe landscapes, the accumulation of leaf litter and other debris can give fire a chance to start under porches and decks and on roofs. Regular cleanup is necessary to maintain the fire resistance of your landscape. This is especially true during the fire season.

Choose “fire smart” plantsPlanting and maintenance of trees

and shrubs is as important as actual plant selection. When planning tree planting in the landscape, remember the tree’s size at maturity. Keep tree limbs at least 15 feet from chimneys, power lines, and structures. Specimen trees can be used near a structure if pruned properly and well irrigated. There are no fireproof plants, but the ones listed here are known to be fire resistant or fire retardant. These plants can be damaged or killed by

flames, but their foliage and stems does’t contribute significantly to the fuel or intensity of a fire.

Evergreen Shrubv Sagev French Lavenderv Heavenly Bamboov Japanese Mock Orangev Purple Sagev Spanish Lavenderv Kangaroo Paw

Perennialv Fuchsiav Yucca, Our Lord’s Candlev Verbenav Sweet Williamv Statice or Sea Lavenderv Blue Fescue (Ornamental Grass)v (Succulent)v Century Plantv Ice Plant v Jade Plant

Rhizome v Iris

Small Tree v Jerusalem Thorn

Tips for a Fire-safe LandscapeCreate a defensible space area by

thinning trees and bushes within 30 feet around your home.v Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood,

debris and low tree branches.v Eliminate small trees and plants

growing under trees. They allow ground fires to jump into tree crowns.

v Space trees 30 feet apart and prune to a height of 8 to 10 feet.

v Plant shrubs at least 20 feet from any structures and prune regularly Plant the most drought-tolerant vegetation within three feet of your home and adjacent to structures to prevent ignition.

v Provide at least a 10 to 15 feet separation between islands of shrubs and plant groups to effectively breakup continuity of vegetation.

v Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly

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Floriculture today March 2012 47Floriculture today March 2012 47

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RAJASTHAN, the name itself symbolizes a state with challenging climatic conditions, terrain of sandy soils, hot summer winds, low rainfall, regular water scarcity with

nearly 50% of the area in the state under desert. Water scarcity is a regular issue for the farmers on account of avg rainfall in the state being in a range of approx. 250 to 400 mm/ annum with hardly 25 to 30 rainy days per annum. The long summers with avg temperatures ranging from 40 to 45 deg celcius for nearly 4-6 months makes it complex for the growers to even think of cultivation of cut-flowers and high value exotic vegetables under protected conditions. This article aims to provide information of the successful efforts of department of Horticulture and International Horticulture Innovation and Training Centre based at Jaipur in promoting advanced hi-tech cultivation under Protected Conditions in the state with successful cultivation of cut flowers like Gerbera, Dutch Rose, Vegetables etc.

Under the National Horticulture Mission, the Rajasthan state department of Horticulture undertook intensive promotion of protected cultivation amongst the farmers since 2006 and further the establishment of IHITC in 2009 strongly supported the momentum with onsite awareness campaigns in all the districts of the state and practical training to the farmers in Hi-tech cultivation of Horticulture crops at the institute in Jaipur . The practical technical training has resulted in adaptation of Greenhouse cultivation and as of date there are more than 600 shade net houses for cultivating vegetables and nearly 800 poly houses with cut flowers and vegetables.

The examples of following successful farmers, all of whom have taken training at IHITC, Jaipur and under the technical guidance have taken up protected cultivation. The growers below have been in to growing of traditional crops like cereals, jowar etc while some have been horticulture growers but along with the existing crops have taken up cultivation under Protected conditions only corroborates the confidence of the growers in renaissance and the impact of modern institutes like IHITC in encouraging entrepreneurship, giving a scientific insight in farming and addressing livelihood sustainability through horticulture.

1) Radhey Shyam Tiwari (74 Years) is a commerce Graduate having farm house at Daulat Pura Village Nangal Siras Panchayat of Jaipur District. He is having two Poly houses each of 1008 Sq. m. area with Dutch Roses.

Blooming DesertA Dream That Comes True— Sangita Ladha (Director), Rajesh Kumar Saini (Trainer), IHITC, Jaipur

Tiwari already a horticulturist never thought of precise application of water or measuring EC and ph of soil and water for fertilizer management. The training at IHITC led to application of judicious application of fertilizers with precise measurement of EC and ph of the water and soil. This assisted him in reducing the cost of fertilizers, amount of irrigation water and production of quality cut flowers in quantity as per normal industry standards. This grower has taken up cultivation of Dutch Roses in his 2 poly houses each of 1008 Sq m. In total, he has planted 15000 plants last year and till now, he has received a production of 2.0 Lakh stems and an income of Rs. 6.00 Lakh with an average farm gate price of Rs. 3.00 per stem.

Basically he is a traditional farmer having Aonla orchards on an area of 1.25 Ha from which he earned Rs. 2.00 Lakh through sale of Aonla.

2) Sanjeev Saini (22 years) is a commerce graduate having a big joint family dependent on agriculture for livelihood. With hardly 2 ha ancestral land and with traditional cultivation of jowar and bajra and annual income of hardly Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 , the sustainability of the family was a major challenge,

Sanjeev, with technical inputs on Greenhouse management by IHITC team was convinced of the techno-commercial aspects of protected cultivation and established two polyhouse structures each of 1008 Sq m with 7500 Dutch Rose plants in each. With an annual production of nearly 1.50 lakh rose stems in a year, the growers has received Rs 3.75 lakh as gross sale value. This young

Radhey Shyam Tiwari

SuCCeSS Story


Hi-Tech farmer had received two awards from Rajasthan Dutch Roses Society, Jaipur in 2011.

He is a perfect example for those educated unemployed youths who want to make their career in this field3) Praveen Beniwal, based at Abohar bye pass, Sriganganagar in Rajasthan is an Engineer by profession with a total 15 Ha land is in to growing of Wheat & Cotton crops. The avg annual net income from the existing area was Rs 80,000/Ha/year. The grower established three poly houses each of 1008 sq m area and planted Colored capsicums. The plantation of colored capsicums, taken up in Aug 2010 resulted in production of 10 tonnes from each polyhouse which was roughly a production of 2.5 to 3 kg per plant. The avg price fetched by the grower was Rs. 30/kg leading to a gross income of Rs. 3.00 lakh per polyhouse. The produce was marketed mainly in Sriganganagar, Ludhiana (Punjab) and Delhi.

This innovative grower is upbeat of trying of new crops and have now also taken up plantation of cucumber/seedless (Kyan variety) along with colored capsicums. This grower if of the view that cluster development and a cooperative movement among greenhouse owners and support price to be declared by state government can go a long way in assisting the farmers in increasing their existing incomes.

4) Dr. Shyam Singh Bhati from Chak in Sriganganagar dist is a leading ophthalmologist by profession and have set up a single poly house of 1008 Sq m area with Dutch Roses in 2009. Dr Bhati has been in to growing of Cotton, Mustard, Wheat in 16 Ha area with average annual net income in range of approx. Rs 80,000/ Ha /year.

The dutch roses were marketed mainly in Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Jaipur, Delhi, Bhatinda (Punjab) and Malot (Punjab) fetching average price of Rs. 2.50 rose-stem. With production of again 1.60 lakh stems, the annual gross income has been Rs 4.00 lakh from a single polyhouse.

All the growers have plans for expansion. It was also observed that cultivation under protected conditions led to change in the way farming was done and even the traditional crops were taken up in a scientific way thereby inculcating a new scientific outlook in the minds of the growers. n

Sanjeev Saini

Praveen BeniwalKyan variety

Dr. Shyam Singh Bhati

SuCCeSS Story


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Allamanda cathartica (Golden Trumpet) is an ornamental plant of Allamanda genus in the Apocynaceae family, which is native from Brazil. It belongs to the Apocynaceae (dogbane family) family. The genus is named after Dr. Frederic-Louis Allamand, a Swiss botanist and professor of Natural History in Leyden in the last part of the 18th century. This plant is cited in Flora Brasiliensis by Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius. Plant is known by different names viz.’Yellow Allamanda’, ‘Golden Trumpet, ‘Yellow Bell’, ‘Angel’s Trumpet’, ‘Buttercup Flower’, ‘Bunga Akar Kuning’, ‘Wilkens-Bita’, ‘Llamarada’ and ‘Brown bud’.Its

large flowers are very fragrant. Allamandas are usually woody, ever green shrub with luxuriant growth. The plant attains height up to 2 meters and if support is provided it may grow more and goes up to 5meters. Being member of Apocynaceae, plant has milky (Latex) sap which is poisonous. This South American plant is thought to blossom best in full sunshine, and well drained soil. The golden trumpet is a vine that requires a trellis or a fence to support it. It does not twine, nor does it have tendrils or aerial roots. Plant is sensitive to frost and foliage is hardy and can tolerate temperature up to 300 F for a short time. Except to their

tenderness to frost, they grow without major impediment. All parts of the plant are considered poisonous and highly cathartic. It has a white milky sap through out its body and oozes out after a branch is broken. Several types of Allamanda are available today and it can be seen all over India growing luxuriantly in gardens and different nurseries. Some of the latest cultivars have been observed by the authors in different nurseries of Rajahmundry (Andhra Pradesh). These nurseries are multiplying the plant in large scale for sale. The names of different cultivars of allamanda and their respective morphological characters are given in Table-1. Morphological description of yellow, purple and bush allamanda and its economic importance are given below.

Yellow Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica)Yellow allamanda (Allamanda cathartica),

a prolific bloomer, is a scrambling, perennial shrub or vine grow up to 5 meters tall found on the riverbanks in Suriname; it is a fast grower. Yellow allamanda has white milky sap in all parts, which oozes out as soon as it is broken. Morphological description of plant leaf, flower and fruits are given below.

LeafThe leaves are large, glossy, smooth,

thick, opposite and pointed. The texture of the foliage is leathery. The shape of the leaves is oblanceolate to elliptical with a narrow end at the base or broad rounded apex and a tapering base. Dorsal surface of the leaf colour is deep green (Green Group 137A, Fan-3) while the ventral surface has light green colour (Yellow-Green Group 144 A, Fan-3.). Mid rib is very prominent and bulging out at lower surface. Leaf margin is entire and slightly wavy. Leaf tip is acute the mature leaf are 11 to 14 cm long and 4.5 cm broad. Leaves are emerging out from the stem node and their number varies from 2-4 leaf per node. In average the mature branch has four leaves per node which surrounds the periphery of entire stem (Fig.1b) which is smooth (Fig.1c). Petiole is small and its length is 0.4 to 0.6 cm.

FlowerGolden Trumpet vine flowers profusely

in summer and monsoon. Blooms are arranged mostly at the end of the branches. The big yellow funnel-shaped flowers are arranged in rather long racemes; mostly at the end of the branches (Fig.1a). The flowers

Beautiful, floriferousornamental climberAllamanda: A Review— B.K.Banerji, Atul Batra and A.K.Dwivedi Floriculture Section, NBRI, Rana Pratap Marg,Lucknow

Figure 1: a-c. Close up view of flower, leaf and stem (smooth) of A catharticaFigure 1: d-f. Close up view of flower, leaf and stem (hairy) of A violacea

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are large, showy, bisexual and yellow in color and their size is about 6 cm across. Sepals are small and unequal in size and their number is 5. Sepals colour is green and their nature is gamosepalous. Petals are gamopetalous and its colour is yellow. Petal size is almost equal with twisted aestivation. Dorsal left edge of the petals have light brown stripe. Sex organs are not visible in flower as they are tightly enclosed inside the flower tube and its mouth is covered with hairy papus like growth coming out from the petal surface. Stamens are epipetalous, five in number and their nature is sessile. Anther lobes are sagitate and their size is 0.2-0.3mm. Filament is totally absent. Ovary is superior. Style is 2.5cm long and its colour is white. Stigma is knob shaped and its tip is green.

FruitFruit setting is a rare phenomenon in

garden grown cultivars of Allamanda but it has been reported in some wild species. The fruits are prickly capsules. At the time of splitting of capsule winged seeds are slowly released from it. Seeds have wing for anemophilous dispersal.

Purple Allamanda (Allamanda violacea)Allamanda violacea is commonly known

as ‘Purple Allamanda’ or ‘Cherry Allamanda’. Plant is a scrambling shrub. It is also known as A. blanchetti. The plant blooms profusely. Young branches are green and full of hairs in young stage. Hairs are dense, very thin and covers entire surface of the green stem (Fig.1f). Colour of hair is white. Length of the hairs ranges from 1-2mm.Hairs disappears in

mature brown stem; however their surface remains rough and indicates that it was hairy in early stage of development. Flower colour is light violet.

LeafEach node has 4 leaves in average while

2 and 3 leaves are also visible at the upper end of the stem which is a common sight at the time of blooming.

The leaves are rough, thick, opposite and pointed. The shape of the leaves is sometimes elliptical with a narrow end at the base or broad rounded apex with an acute tip and a tapering base. Leaf margin is entire. Foliage is 9 to 10 cm long and 6 cm broad. Upper surface of the leaf is deep green (Green Group 137A, Fan-3) while the lower surface has light green colour (Green Group 143C, Fan-3.).The lower surface of the leaf is puberulent (full of small shiny hairs scarely visible to unaided eye) (Fig.1e). Mid rib is clearly visible and bulging out at the lower surface and fully covered by very small hairs.

FlowerPurple Allamanda vine flowers profusely

in summer and monsoon. The big purple funnel-shaped flowers are arranged in rather long racemes; mostly at the end of the branches. The flowers are large, showy and their colour is deep purple (Red-Purple Group 59A, Fan-2) in the throat region while the outer side of the petals have purple colour (Purple-Group 78A, Fan-2). Flower size is 9 cm across and throat length is 3cm and its tubular base is 3cm. Colour of the tubular base is yellow (Yellow-Group 4B,

Fan-1) (Fig.1d). Sepals are small and unequal in size and their number is 5. Sepals colour is green and their nature is gamosepalous. Petals are gamopetalous. Petal size is almost equal with twisted aestivation. Dorsal left edge of the petals have deep purple stripe. Sex organs are invisible in flower as they are tightly enclosed inside the flower tube and its mouth is covered with hairy papus like growth coming out from the inner petal surface. Stamens are epipetalous, five in number and their nature is sessile. Anther lobes are sagitate and their size is 0.6mm. Filament is totally absent. Ovary is superior. Style is 3 cm long and its colour is white. Stigma is knob shaped and its tip is green.

FruitFruit setting is a rare phenomenon in

garden grown cultivars of Allamanda but it has been reported in some wild species. The fruits are prickly capsules. At the time of splitting of capsule winged seeds are slowly released from it. Seeds have wing for anemophilous dispersal.

Bush Allamanda (Allamanda nerifolia)Bush Allamanda is evergreen shrub and

its botanical name is Allamanda nerifolia. The plant attains height up to 130cm. Plant spread is very symmetrical which gave very attractive look to the plant.

LeafLeaf shape is elliptic to obovate and their

texture is leathery. Leaf length is 10cm and its colour is dull green. Each node produces 3-5 leaves in a whorl.

Table-1. Names of important cultivars of Allamanda and their respective morphological characters

S.No. varietiesofallamanda vegetativeandFloralCharacters cathartica

1. Williamsii Variety produces large yellow double flowers. Leaves are large (up to 17 cm long) in size

2. Stanstill’s This variety produces yellow double flower

3. Hendersonii Plant produces brown bud which blooms in to large 13cm wide yellow single flowers. or Leaves are large (up to 15cm long) in size and their colour is darker green. Brown Bud

4. Flore Pleno This variety produces golden yellow double flowers

5. Golden Butterfly Variety produces large 7.5-8cm wide bright yellow single flowers, large leaves up to 1�cm long

6. Schottii, A. schottii and Plant is also known as Bush/Shrub Allamanda, a.nerifolia

7. Dwarf Golden Trumpet Plant attains height up to 2 mts. smaller 6.5-cm wide (or less) bright yellow single flowers, throat streaked with orange, buds bronze, smaller/slender leaves about 5cm long, more compact

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StemMature stem is woody and deep brown

in colour while the younger twigs are green.

FlowerPlant produces flowers throughout

the year and during night hours produces fragrance. In flowering season plant produces brilliant golden yellow flowers in bunches. Flower shape is like a trumpet and its size is 5cm across. Hot and humid climate is ideal for its growth and flowering.

FruitPods are produced which are full of

prickle.

SeedsSeeds comes out from the pod after pod

became dry and subsequently raptures. Seeds are winged and their mode of dispersal is anemophilous.

PropagationAllamanda plants are general ly

propagated by mature stem cuttings. It can be multiplied by air layering methods, which is widely used at National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow for rapid multiplication of this plant in large scale. In the third week of July is ideal period for air layering. Rooting occurs with in two to three fortnights. The plant is also propagated by

mature stem cuttings and it can be multiplied by seeds.

LightAllamanda plant enjoys full sun light

for better growth and floriferous healthy flowering.

SoilPlant requires moist, rich humus soil.

Tolerant of many soil types has been reported from time to time but no salt tolerance cultivar has been reported yet, from the region where Allamanda plant is growing luxuriantly.

Varieties of Allamanda catherticaNames of some of the cultivars of

Allamanda cathertica and their characteristics are given in Table-1.

Uses of AllamandaSpectacular flowering shrub for hedges

and screens or ornamental specimen in gardens, parks and public places. The plant is suitable for landscaping along roadsides and highway medians. Ideal to be trained as a vine with support at porches and on trellis, arbors, fences and trees, as well as espaliered on a wall or cascade down a garden wall. The plant is very good in absorbing dust and can be used as a dust protector especially on boundaries of premises. It can be grown as a container plant, especially for

greenhouses or to over winter indoors in freezing climate.

i) Ornamental useThis vine could also be pruned so that

it grows as a shrub. If not pruned, it could rapidly grow to a height of 7 mts. It can be grown as a climber at the portico side and ideally suited for patios. The plant can be grown as a container plant indoors in the cooler zones. Allamanda plants are widely used in as a shrub if pruned, as a vine on a trellis and exploited in landscaping.

ii) Medicinal useAllamanda cathartica is also notable

for its medicinal properties: all parts of the plant contain allamandin, which is a toxic iridoid lactone. It produces symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, if ingested. The leaves, roots and flowers may be used in the preparation of a powerful cathartic (hence the name); the milky sap is also known to possess antibacterial and possibly anticancer properties. Gardeners exposed to the sap will develop rashes, itch, and blisters. The roots are used against jaundice, complications with malaria and enlarged spleen in Suriname’s traditional medicines. The flowers act as a laxative. Yellow allamanda has also an antibiotic action against Staphylococcus. n

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KADIYAM is a village, situated near Rajahmundry in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Due to

aggressively following a collective goal of growers, it has emerged as a major hub of floriculture nurseries. Today, there are around 600 nurseries here providing work to more than 25,000 people.

Kadiyam, famed for its attention-grabbing nurseries, is occasionally called as the ‘Plant Capital’ of the country. It impresses its visitors beyond words. The nurseries at Kadiyam, have put the region on the international horticulture map. These nurseries are earning valuable foreign exchange by exporting fruit and flower saplings worth crores of rupees.

Kadiyam is, perhaps, the only location with around 600 nurseries of small, medium and large, at a solitary place. The nurseries are adjacent to the river Godavari, and extended over Kadiyam, Kadiyapulanka and Burrilanka areas in 6,000 acres of land, and provide an ideal environment for the growth and development of plants.

It was started around a century ago by Akula Subba Rao, Ratnam Veeraraju, Ratnam Musalayya and Tadala Veera Raju, each giving one acre of land for the purpose.

In olden days, only mango, guava, sapota and coconut were the plant varieties available here. There were no transportation facilities available hence they used to carry their sapling over their shoulder in “Doli”. Plants were planted in earthen pots. The

beginning was a real tough thing. But Kadiyam could not have earned a

bright place on the global map without Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton, who is still honored in this part of rural Andhra Pradesh for his great efforts. In 1844 Cotton recommended the construction of “Anicut”, a dam with Channels, Embankments, and roads in Godavari Delta. The mammoth work started in 1847. He succeeded in completing the magnificent project in 1852.

Factors behind Kadiyam success storySoil: Here, soil is alluvial, which is very fertile and suitable for floriculture. This area of nurseries was once the river bed of Godavari. Hence, there is a mixture of sand in this soil which percolates water easily.

Water: Sir Arthur Thomas Cotton constructed the Dam and canals, which allowed continuous supply of water needed for the plants. Moreover, Kadiyam is blessed with God’s Grace, so that ground water is easily available at 20 ft depth. And quality of water is also very good.

Climate: The weather conditions are conducive for healthy growth of plants. The moderate temperature in summer and winter with moderate humidity and ample rainfall are the main advantages.

Labour: Availability of skilled workers from surrounding districts of Visakha, Vijaynagaram,and Srikakulam districts make

Kadiyam: A floriculture nursery hub

NurSery

the whole task a lot smooth and easier.Competion: Healthy competition among nurserymen under one umbrella association called Sir Arthur Cotton Nurserymen Association keeps Kadiyam very competitive and ahead.

Banks: There are branches of almost all banks including private ones in and around Kadiyam, providing loans to the farmers as and when they need it.

ShortcomingsKadiyam, however, does not have a

full rosy picture. Its list of shortcoming includes frequent power cuts, restricting plant production, no bank or government support for new players who wish to start a nursery on leased land forcing newly educated young people to shift to big cities in search of their livelihood.

The other drawbacks are:It does not have technical guidelines

for the usage of Plant protection chemicals (Pesticides, Fungicides and Insecticides) etc and usage of organic fertilizers (Vermi compost). Growers are ignorant of subsidies for setting up green-house, poly-house, and pesticides. The government should educate nursery men about its beneficial policies.

Most of the developed countries are not interested to import its plants due to their strict quarantine norms. The growers have to change the soil media and use sterilized coco pit. There is no local office for registration and licensing of Export-Import License. They have to go either to Delhi or Mumbai to get this done.

There is no proper Auction centre or Market Place to sell their products as there in Bangalore and Delhi. They don’t have enough space to conduct exhibition, seminar, or workshop to promote their business. They are bearing huge losses due to cyclonic rain every year as they are near Bay of Bengal. None of nursery people are professionally qualified to handle marketing strategies.

Currently, they categorized their micro- management into three categories1 Varieties of Flowers 2 Production Management3 Marketing

Despite negligible government support, the growers of Kadiyam have done a stupendous job and put the name of it on floriculture map. It can do a lot more provided it gets some very vital supports from the government. n


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HOME is sanctuary. It is a place that provides the powerful feeling of belongingness where

rest and renewal happens. Here we expect tranquillity and peace. We expect protection from the outside world we participate in. Thus, we invest our life-savings, our talents, ourselves to make it as relaxing, soothing and calming as possible. It serves as a showcase of stature and success. It is where we entertain friends. It is an extension of one’s identity and an avenue to display one’s taste in design, art, creativity and green.

A person spends to the best of one’s ability in construction by installing best of tiles, marbles, furniture and fittings. He procures best of gadgets like TV, music

Green YourSurroundings

system, computer and decorative items. But very few give consideration to the aesthetics that make the home pleasant to be in. Greening the surroundings should be the most important factor but quite often it is neglected.

Exterior of a house is much more important, interiors are appreciated only by those who dwell in it or by the visitors, but exteriors will be appreciated by all passer-by, neighbours and visitors. It will spell sense of aesthetics and love for the environment. A beautiful green and a bit of nature is appreciated by everyone. Very often we just fill in our space with some plants or trees without realising how it would turn out to be in days to come.

We incorporate plants and trees in our garden without realising what they would look like after few years of growth. Ordinary and common trees grow big taking up a lot of space, we neither like to cut them nor do we like to have them. They are not like furniture, TV or computers that we replace at our will. We should be very careful and thoughtful at the beginning only and plant nice and uncommon plants and trees which will spell a taste and class.

Very often we take decision of plantation from ordinary Maalis or

Dinesh Rawat

greeNiNg

gardeners and they do only suggest common and cheap plants. Thereafter we have to be with them for years and sometimes for generations. It is best to consult expert landscapers or horticulturists to get suggestions and to buy plants from reputed nurseries. These days grown up specimen palms and trees are available and these can be used to create a mature garden within few days. They may be expensive but if one considers the cost involved in rearing them and to let them grow, we shall find that it is cheaper to buy mature, grown-up and established palms, trees and shrubs.

If you live in just one room or in a very small flat in a multi storey apartment, you have ample opportunity to green the surroundings with air purifying indoor and partial shade loving plants. These plants can be placed in hanging baskets and pots in balconies, in window planters on window sills and in nice pots at entrance and in sitting room. If you live in an apartment, you should avoid using clay pots as they would create mess as they would keep breaking in the passage of time. Pots of fibreglass, plastic, terra-porcelain, cement, ceramic etc. are a better choice. n

— Dinesh Rawat


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Importance of 100% Water Soluble Fertilizers1. For National Food Security, fertilizers are required to meet

the nutritional needs to maximize the yield and quality of the crop and minimize its cost of production

2. besides maintaining ecological aspects, to sustain the growth and also higher income to the farmers. The pre-requisites for achieving this objective are optimal and balanced water and nutrition supply.

3. The agriculture productivity in India is low and uncertain as 70% of the cultivated area in the country gets low rain fall (below 1150 mm). For achieving high crop productivity and stability; expansion of irrigation system and economic use of the available water supply is warranted. The Government of India & State Governments have provided subsidy to the tune of 50% to 90% to the farmers for installation of micro (drip) irrigation system.

4. In this context the normal cultivable area (approx. 26 mha) can increase two fold by saving water through drip irrigation over flood/conventional irrigation system as through drip irrigation water use efficiency will be achieved to the tune of 65-75% against flood/conventional irrigation system where it is around 30-35%.

5. When farmer starts using 100% Water Soluble Fertilizers whose fertilizer use efficiency is to the tune of 85% to 90% through this micro (drip) irrigation system, he will be benefited as the nutrients are delivered to the crop in the rhizosphere only and hence no wastage, no leaching and no weeds and there will be labour saving. The conventional fertilizers like Nitrogenous Fertilizer viz. Urea whose use efficiency is 40%-45%, Phosphatic Fertilizer viz. SSP, DAP whose use efficiency approx. is 20-30% and Potassic Fertilizer viz. MOP, whose use efficiency is about 60-65% have lower fertilizer use efficiencies than Water Soluble Fertilizers.

6. The use of such commodity (conventional) fertilizers increased steadily upto 1980s but then lost its momentum

during last two decades and its consumption started decreasing in developing countries as these fertilizers were not in balanced form and they were without micronutrients and secondary nutrients and they were subjected to ecological impacts viz. levels of NO3 (Nitrates), Cl2 (Chlorides), Phosphorous and Carbonates in underground water which increased to about 800-2500 ppm as against potable water which should contain only 90 ppm maximum of NO3 level. This was due to excessive and unbalanced consumption of fertilizers without giving any higher yield or any higher income to the farmers.

7. The 100% water soluble fertilizers were introduced in India especially in Maharashtra in the year 1996-97 and then throughout the country in 2003-2004 onwards. The farmers got awareness about its use efficiency, ease of application and its ecological benefits and now these are on usage because of the prominent installation of micro (drip) irrigation system through Horticulture Mission Programme.

Properties of 100% Water Soluble Fertilizers1. These fertilizers are the nutrient carriers which dissolve

quickly without leaving any un-dissolved residue & do not clog emitters, nozzles in drip, sprinkler irrigation system.

2. These are free flowing & easy to use fertilizers.

3. Every grain contains same ratio of nutrient as specified.

4. Application of 100% water soluble fertilizers i.e. fully dissolved in water through pressurized or non pressurized system in soluble form through drip/sprinkler irrigation system is called fertigation. Thus increase of fertilizer with irrigation (specially drip irrigation) ensures maximum efficiency of both water & fertilizer usage.

5. Fertigation ensures an identical pattern of distribution of irrigation water and fertilizer solution, resulting in uniform fertilizer concentration all through the wetted root zone.

6. Drip irrigation and Fertigation improves fertilizer use

Water Soluble Fertilizers— R.R.Shah (MD)

Vardhaman Fertilizers and Seeds Pvt. Ltd.Pune


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efficiency to be technically feasible, economically viable and beneficial to farmers as it reduces nutrient losses due to leaching below the root zone.

7. Water soluble fertilizers are available in ionic form viz. Anions (NO3-, H3PO4-, SO4-) and Cations (Fe++, Mn++, Ca++, Mg++, Cu++) in water solution and hence are easily absorbed by the plant roots

8. Water soluble fertilizers are generally acidic in nature and they contribute acidity to water which counter carbonates reaction, thus avoiding fixation of phosphorous with soil calcium and making all supplied available phosphorous to the plant.

9. Electrical conductivity of solution is low thus facilitating ionization and absorbance of nutrients by plant white roots by diffusion method without wasting plant energy for nutrient uptake.

10. In Calcareous soils, the continuous supply of P2O5 in low & dilute quantities minimizes fixation process of Phosphorous.

11. The Micronutrients are supplied in fully chelated form thus making the micronutrients easily available to the plants in slightly acidic pH.

Economics of 100% Water Soluble Fertilizers1. It reduces cost of labour, energy & time of application. It is

economical also as Fertigation can be switched off during rainy season & can be increased during drought situation.

2. It is ideally suitable to hydroponics (Soil less culture viz. cocopeat) and also to utilize saline water.

3. Benefits of Fertigation makes it easy to change concentration in rhizosphere or change composition of grade in accordance with crop requirements as per their growth stages, to ensure balanced nutrient supply.

4. As these fertilizers are highly concentrated and losses on use are minimum, the farmer need not carry large inventory in tractor / truck load of material.

5. Also smaller packages of 100 gms to 5 kg besides 25 Kg normal bags are also available, thus reducing inventory costs.

Face value of water soluble fertilizers Vs. its Economic benefits100% water soluble fertilizers are pure technical compounds/

molecules and they are in the purest form, they are not like the commodity fertilizer grades where some filler materials are added and/or certain ballast material/impurities from the raw material are allowed to remain besides they enjoy very high subsidy provided

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um,

6.5

18

24.5

0 cr

ushi

ng

3

0

and

gran

ular

gra

de

B

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d be

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r

(Par

ticle

siz

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m-4

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),

folia

r spr

ay p

rodu

cts.

B

iura

te :1

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Moi

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e 0.

5 to

Moi

stur

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Cal

cium

Am

mon

ium

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ate

C

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and

nitra

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5%

A

mm

onia

cal N

itrog

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N

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5%, N

O�-1

2.5%

. 22

N

A N

A M

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re o

f (C

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�) 2 - 7

6.5-

82%

,

40

2)

Tot

al A

mm

onic

al a

nd n

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NH

�No

� - 4

.5-7

.2%

ni

troge

n: 2

6%

H

2O -

12.1

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NH

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3%, N

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W

ater

sol

uble

Cal

cium

18.

8% m

in.

3)

Ca

– as

CaN

O� 0

.� m

ax.

M

oist

ure

1%

3.

Di A

mm

oniu

m P

hosp

hate

(Di A

mm

oniu

m P

hosp

hate

)-D

AP

(D

AP

)-,

N

P fe

rtiliz

er

N-N

H�-1

8%, P

2o�-4

6%,

16

38

54

N-N

H�-2

1%, P

2o�-5

3%

6

5

WS

P2o

�-41%

pH-8

-8.5

(To

be

incl

uded

in F

CO

)

pH-8

.5-9

�.

Mon

o a

mm

oniu

m

Pho

spha

te (M

AP

) 18

40

58

M

ono

Am

mon

ium

Pho

spha

te

N-N

H�-1

1%,P

2o�-5

2%,

(M

AP

), N

P Fe

rtiliz

er

6

9

WS

P2o

�-44.

2%, p

H-5

-6.5

N-N

H�-1

2%, P

2o�-6

1%,,

pH-4

-5 5.

P

otas

sium

Sul

phat

e

Pot

assi

um S

ulph

ate

(00-

00-5

0)

(00-

00-5

0)

K

2O-5

0%, S

-17%

, Cl <

1%

K2O

- 50%

, S-1

7.5%

,

Sol

ubili

ty a

t 200 -

120

-130

gm

/ltr

S

olub

ility

at 2

00 C -6

5-

40-4

8 N

A N

A ph

-2.5

-3.5

55

70

gm/lt

r ph-

6-7,

Tot

al

To

tal c

hlor

ide

as C

l - <

1%

chlo

ride

as C

I – 2

.5%

,

Sod

ium

as

NaC

l - <

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Sod

ium

as

NaC

I- 2%

Farm NutrieNtS


The nutrient based subsidy as declared by Notification No. 23011/1/2010-MPR dated 4th March, 2010 and No. 23011/1/2010-MPR dated 16th March, 2010 and latest DOF GOI letter file No. 23011/1/2010-MPR (Pt) Dt. 05.05.2011 also should be made applicable to 100% Water Soluble Fertilizers.

The nutrient based subsidy to following Water Soluble Fertilizers should be considered at par with Complex Fertilizers by the Government of India : Mono Ammonium Phosphate (12.61.00), Urea Phosphate (17.44.00), Mono Potassium Phosphate (00.52.34), Potassium Nitrate (13.00.45), Potassium Sulphate (00.00.50), Calcium Nitrate, WSF 19.19.19, 13.40.13, 18.18.18, 06.12.36, 13.05.26, 20.20.20. Nutrient base subsidy calculations are required.

by Government of India. The face value of water soluble

fertilizers is much higher than the commodity fertilizers which can be perused from some of the following examples.

The Conventional Fertilizers enjoy Central Government subsidy but Water Soluble Fertilizers which are superior in quality & also beneficial ecologically as their doses are much less than Conventional Fertilizers have not been given any subsidy by Government of India.

To bring awareness of usage of water soluble fertilizers, the NBS Scheme should be implemented to Water Soluble Fertilizers too. The current prices can be reduced by nearly 30 to 60% if NBS System is applied to Water Soluble Fertilizers which can be perused from Annexure – I.

Following table indicates the specifications of Conventional Fertilizers Versus Water Soluble Fertilizers and their respective current subsidized price and subsidy amount for Conventional Fertilizers and market price for Water Soluble Fertilizers without subsidy.

S.N

o.

Co

NvE

Nti

oN

al

SuB

Sid

iZEd

g

oi

tota

lW

atEr

So

luB

lE

iNd

uSt

ria

l/

FE

rti

liZE

r

priC

Eto

Su

BSi

dy

(rs.

/k

g)

FEr

tili

ZEr

tE

CH

NiC

al

Far

mEr

S(r

s./

kg)

g

ra

dE

priC

E

(r

s./

kg)

(rs.

/k

g)

6.

(a)

19:1

9:19

- TN

-19%

(CS

) 18

-18.

5 16

34

-34.

50

19:1

9:19

- TN

-19%

, (N

O�-4

% (m

ax)

(N

H�-5

.6%

(min

) + N

H2-1

3.4%

+ N

H�-4

.5%

(min

)+ N

H2-1

0.5%

(min

),

(min

), ,P

2o�-1

9%, (

CS

) P2o

�

P2o

�-19

(WS

), K

2O-1

9%, S

odiu

m a

s

16.2

% (W

S),

K2O

-19%

,

NA

Cl-0

.5%

.

Par

ticle

siz

e-2-

4mm

Mat

ter i

nsol

uble

in w

ater

0.5

% m

ax.

(b

) 17:

17:1

7-T

N-1

7%,

15-1

6 15

30

-31

P

2o�-1

7% (C

S),

P2o

�

14.5

% (W

S) K

2O-1

7%,(W

.S)

P

artic

le s

ize-

2-4

mm

(c

) 16

.16.

16- T

otal

N-1

6%

13-1

4 14

27

-28

57

(N

H�-8

% +

NO

�- 8%

),

P2o

�-16%

(CS

.), P

2o�-

12

% (W

.S),

K2O

-16%

(d

) 15

:15:

15-T

otal

N-1

5%,

11

13

24

P2o

�--15

%,

K

2O-1

5%,W

.S P

2o�-4

%,

N

eutra

l am

mon

ium

citr

ate

so

lubl

e ph

osph

ate

(as

P2o

�)-

15%

,Par

ticle

siz

e- 2

-4m

m

Farm NutrieNtS


Strategies for promotion of water soluble fertilizer v Manufacturers and importers of

micro irrigation systems and Water Soluble Fertilizers should come together to promote use of Water Soluble Fertilizers through fertigation on various crops. Crop schedule should be prepared and circulated

to farmers through news bulletin to enhance farmer’s knowledge.

v The Extension Department of State Directorate of Agriculture should implement the farmers training programme at Block level for bringing awareness of Water Soluble Fertilizers usage through drip

irrigation.

v The Directorate of Agriculture should promote farmers field demonstration trials with manufacturers of drip and water-soluble fertilizers. Crop and Area should be allocated while releasing license or renewal of license.

Farm NutrieNtS


Farm NutrieNtS


v Through Press, T.V. advertisements & wall posters, saving of fertilizers & water by fertigation should be depicted in local languages for usage of these systems for large areas for increased yield and quality through usage of water soluble fertilizers for enhanced fertilizer use efficiency and drip irrigation for water use efficiency.

v There is considerable savings of basic nutrients viz. N, P & K together by usage of Water Soluble Fertilizers against conventional complex fertilizers when applied as per crop growth stages which is nearly 35-40%.

v The dealers and extension staff should be trained in promoting use of Water Soluble Fertilizers.

v Increasing farmer’s participation in technology development.

Summaryadvantagesof100%WaterSolubleFertilizersv equal distribution v Balance Nutrient application

v eliminates Soil compaction v Lower Cost of Production

v reduces cost of labour & energy v Higher productivity

v controlled concentrate application v control loss of Nutrient

v Balance Nutrient Supply v Increase Water Use Efficiency

v Increase Nutrient Use Efficiency v control chemical concentration in Soil

v More return from Per unit input applied

CONCLUSION For effective Enhanced Usage of Water Soluble Fertilizers,We viz.,

• Farmers • Manufacturers/Importers and • State & Central Government Officials should join hands to

increase three Use Efficiencies viz.– The Water-Use-Efficiency: by using Drip Irrigation/Sprinkler– The Nutrient-Use Efficiency: by using Water Soluble

Fertilizers– The Knowledge-Use Efficiency: by educating & imparting

technical services to the farmers by providing water, soil, tissue testing besides water soluble composite grades with NPK+S+Mg+TE together and Calcium application separately alongwith soil & crop specific schedules to enhance farmers income from their qualitative & quantitative farm output.

Farm NutrieNtS




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PRESIDENT Pratibha Patil visited the Mughal Gardens in Rashtrapati Bhavan to open it for the people

in February, and was overwhelmed by the beauty of the gardens. She said exuberantly, “The multitude of colourful, fragrant flowers spread across the gardens mirror the diversity of India and its people”.

Patil said the country comprises people from different castes, creeds and religions, and the gardens, comprising different varieties of flowers, give us the message to live in harmony with each other. She invited people to visit the ‘Udyanotsav’ to soak in the splendour and magnificence of the flora on display. The annual opening of Mughal Gardens has been christened ‘Udyanotsav’ since 2011.

This year, the main attractions at the historic Mughal Gardens are the floral carpets and a new bonsai garden with about 200 plants, besides a special cactus corner.

Referring to the arrangements, an official from the Horticulture section of the President’s Estate said, “This year, we decided to try the floral carpets, as it is both economical as well as beautiful. Floral carpet design is a manifestation of

imagination and skill of the gardeners. It can be used to decorate homes, offices and also functions.”

A new Bonsai Garden has been established to enrich the variety of collections and styles with about 200 Bonsai plants. A cactus corner has also been created. Self Help Groups (SHGs), set up to make the Estate an eco-friendly sustainable urban habitat, has put up a stall for the sale of vermi-compost and organic compost manure, which are manufactured inside the Estate. There is also a curio shop with different kinds of Rashtrapati Bhavan souvenirs for sale. Organically grown winter season vegetables are on display.

Floral carpets adorning immaculately manicured lawns, palette of colours and range of flowers in the sprawling Rashtrapati Bhavan—‘Careless Love’, ‘Kiss of Fire’, and ‘Lady X’ are there to capture the visitor’s imagination.

The floral carpet spread over 15 acres, reflects months of hard work and imagination that the horticulture department of Rashtrapati Bhavan put in. The gardens has over 120 varieties of roses, hybrid tulips, stalks, daisy, dehlia, pansies, and bonsai plants

“We have to plan the pattern for Gardens months before. We try and plan the colour scheme at the time we plant seeds,” said Nigam Semwal, officer of horticulture at the Mughal Gardens.

The floral gardens are a symmetric pattern of flowers embedded on the grass in the shape of a carpet. While the Mughal Gardens houses long garden, spiritual garden, herbal garden, and musical fountains, President Pratibha Patil’s personal favourite is the circular garden that has marigolds and pansies accompanying bubble fountain.

“I like the Circular Garden. I come here for a walk sometimes. The variety of flowers in this garden is symbolic of the country’s unity and diversity we are maintaining,” Patil said.

The bulbous tulips in red, yellow, and white spread over rectangular spaces are the first set to catch visitor’s eye. The tulips, in full bloom during the month of February, were planted in the month of October. After sauntering by the tulip beds and fountains, roses and pansies delight the visitors with their intriguing names and radiant hues. Some of the attractions are Mother India, Lady X, Iceberg, First Prize, Eiffel Tower, Careless Love, and Just Joey among others.

Mughal Gardens see huge crowds every year. Last year, the Gardens were decked up with the theme of vertical garden — the concept of developing a floral wall. The rectangular Mughal Gardens were designed by Sir Edward Lutyens, who laid out the architectural pattern of New Delhi capital city, and are adjacent to the main Rashtrapati Bhavan building.

TimingsThe Gardens are open to the general

public on all days from February 10 to March 15 from 10am to 5pm, but entry will be open only up to 4pm. The Udyanotsav will remain closed every Monday for maintenance activities. It will also remain closed on March 8 on due to Holi.

The entry and exit to the Gardens are from gate number 35 of the President’s Estate, which is located near North Avenue at the extreme end of Church Road, about 300 metres west of the Cathedral Church of the Redemption.

Mughal Gardens mirror the cultural diversity of India: Pratibha Patil

President Pratibha Patil poses with the flowers at the annual opening of Mughal Gardens Udyanotsav, at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on February 09, 2012

NewS


Rajahmundry: A young farmer from Sri Satyadeva Nursery of Kadiyam and the vice-president of INA PullaVeeraVenkataRao was awarded the ‘State Best Citizen of Andhra Pradesh-2012’ from the former Odisha chief minister DrGiridharGamang.

He received the award in the programmeorganised under the aegis of AP State Cultural Awareness Society in Visakhapatnam.

Speaking on this occasion, Gamang lauded the role of Kadiyam nurseries in spreading lakhs of varieties of plants to all corners of the country which are helping the cause of environmental development in the country.

Minister of State for Human Resources DaggupatiPurandeswari, Yalamanchili MLA KannaBabu and the former MP BhattamSrirama Murthy were among those who were present.Related News

Kadiyam farmer wins State Best Citizen award

NewS

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Contact:

JOSEPB NO. 882, COCHIN - 5

Email: [email protected]: 09809688688

LAND FOR SALE200 acres fertile, level land, one block, with ground water availability, ideally suitable for High Tech Horticulture / Floriculture, with clear Title Deeds, in Chinnamannoor, Theni District Tamil Nadu on way to Meghamalai, is available for sale.


A tiny tribal village ‘Umarpada’ in south Gujarat is all set to usher in a rose revolution that could change the fortunes of around 1,500 farm workers. The transformation is expected to increase the income of these workers ten-fold.

These tribal workers have agreed to join hands with Surat-based JJ Flora Cooperative Society to produce Dutch roses and gerbera flowers and their target is to ship branded roses to western markets including the US, Europe and Japan by next Valentine season.

Along with 50 tribal farmers, the cooperative society, which has a mandate to strengthen the floriculture industry in the state, has already started initial production of Dutch roses in 30 acres. The plan is to grow in the next three years more than 1 crore cut-flower roses of various varieties in an estimated area of 500 acres -- 20,000 rose stems per acre.

To achieve this target, the society has invested close to Rs 25 crore through bank funding for the initial production and formed an arrangement with the tribals for revenue sharing.

SOME fruits of Israel’s technological development in agriculture sector are about to fall in India soon, as the Karnataka Planters’ Association (KPA) has decided to adopt the much appreciated ‘kibbutz model’

Shyambhai Vasava, sarpanch of Umarpada.Vasava , has leased his 10-acre land to the society for rose cultivation and is learning the green-house applications and processes to grow roses under strict weather conditions. These tribal people, who worked as labourers in agricultural field earlier, are expected to earn more than ten times their current wages.

Rose needs full sunlight at least 5-6 hours a day and should be planted with timely water supply. The cooperative society is providing training and development to the farmers, right from seeding the plant with drip irrigation facility till the process of cutting roses.

Kamlesh Hirapara, chairman of the society, told, “We want to change the face of the village and have partnered with the tribal villagers by taking their granted land for rose production. We are seeing 30% surge year-on-year in rose demand in India for red, yellow and white roses. The tribal farmers want to participate in the growth story of India’s rising floriculture industry that is likely to cross Rs 8,000 crore by 2015 from the current turnover of Rs 3,700 crore”.

The global floriculture industry is pegged at Rs 6 lakh crore and is expected to grow up to Rs 9 lakh crore by 2015. India has a poor share of 0.61% to global floriculture industry and is set to reach 0.89% in next three years.

Sayadbhai Sama, another villager, who decided to grow in 10 acres of land, told, “The villagers have no experience in rose production. But with required training, we expect to utilize our farm for proper use than keeping it idle or for small cotton production. I do not want my young boy to work for others.”

Umarpada village has a population of 4,100, out of which, nearly 80% are tribal and are depending on daily farm wages. But this new rose revolution is certainly bringing rosy prosperity in their otherwise dull life.

agujarattribalvillagesettogrowredroses

of drip irrigation for their plantations. The members of KPA were impressed by the irrigation model during their coffee area scientific symposium (CASS) in Israel.

Marvin Rodrigues, Chairman of KPA,

said, “After visiting the Naan Dan Kibbutz near Tel Aviv, we were able to get a first-hand experience of irrigation facilities created to raise avocado, citrus, banana and mango plantations. It was installed by

kpatobringkibbutzmodelofdripirrigation

NewS


American Professors Visit Kadiyam, laud its achievementsA group of professors from Wyoming University, Miami, US visited Sri Satyadeva Nursery in Kadiyam on 13th February, 2012, and were amazed by the great progress made by the nurserymen there.

Eric Sandeen, professor and director of Wyoming University, shared his thoughts and ideas about American nursery sector with Pulla Veera Venkata Rao, Vice-president of INA. He Praised the Outstanding achievements brought in the Kadiyam Nursery Sector. The growers, he said, have brightened its name throughout Asia. The Professors group had gathered useful information from Nursery management about different plants that are grown in the Nursery. They expressed happiness at seeing well known books like “TROPICA” and “HORTICA” in the Nursery Field. They discussed about American Quarantine Methodology for Plants with P. V. V. Rao. The list of other eminent persons who accompanied the professors group included Salil Kader of U.S. Consulate, Dr. K.S. Ramesh and Tadala Veera Swam.

one of the largest drip irrigation companies Netafim Ltd”.

“We were also able to visit the banana tissue culture lab and the dairy farm in kibbutz, which has an area of around 1,000 acres. By using this irrigation system, one can expect a 30 per cent increase in yields in major crops,” he added.

KPA members, who are negotiating with Naan Dan Jain Irrigation for installing drip irrigation at their estates, were also taken to study Naan Dan Jain Irrigation facility at the same kibbutz. ElIyahu Ram, General Manager, Asia Naan Dan Irrigation, made a presentation on drip irrigation system with special emphasis on coffee in Brazil and Guatemala.

Rodrigues said during the visit to Naan Dan Kibbutz, members had an opportunity to study overhead drip irrigation systems developed by them and also visited the vegetable farms where brinjal and citrus are cultivated on a large scale.

Israel also produces fruits such as strawberries, dates at a large scale for exports. Besides this, it is a major exporter of flowers to Europe and wine producer as well.

“The kibbutz also has a climate control green house facilities. We were shown fertigation (application of fertiliser through the drip system) which increases yield as well as saves on labour cost,” said Nishant R Gurjer, Convener of KPA’s scientific committee.

NewS


TO lessen the farming woes of farmers, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has launched a new scheme that encourages banks to give post-harvest loans. It is a great move as farmers always wonder how the price of produce suddenly goes up the moment it leaves their hands. The crop in their hands is quoted below the MSP (minimum support price). A week or two later, prices in the secondary and tertiary markets skyrocket, leaving fruits of their labour somewhere else.

Farmers who sell their produce very cheap soon after harvest due to lack of working capital and for repaying crop loans can now aspire for low-cost loans. They need not sell their produce for low prices just to meet small time needs.

About 10.62 crore farmers in the country having “Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)” will be eligible for these loans.

Though, banks give loans for post-harvest needs of farmers, the interest rates charged range in 15-17 per cent which is expensive for farmers. The new initiative by NABARD will allow banks to give loans at 7 per cent. Besides, it will offer interest subvention, taking care of interest burden on additional funds the banks might require.

P Mohanaiah, Chief General Manager of NABARD (Andhra Pradesh), said, “In most cases, they go for distress sale, with prices falling well below the minimum support price (MSP). They do not get any advantage of the real demand in the market for their produce. The new scheme will help them discover better price. They can wait till market favours them”.

THE state government of Bihar is all set to establish a modern floriculture centre at Bhaganbigha in Nalanda district for cultivation of flowers, including rose, jasmine, gerbera and tuberous, in greenhouses, glass houses and Shednet houses.

Agriculture secretary-cum-director, National Horticulture Mission (NHM), N Vijaylakshmi, said that a single greenhouse would cover 10,000 square metres with facilities for controlling temperature and humidity level for creating ideal climatic condition for growing the respective flowers round the year. Every greenhouse will have a fogger for creating misty rain for providing moisture to flowering plants.

She said the state government, in collaboration with NHM, has planned development of floriculture in a big way. Extreme weather conditions - temperature below 3-4 degree Celsius and above 25-30 degree Celsius - in Bihar at different points of time are not suited for growing exotic flowers, including cut roses, which have good demand in Patna and other cities in Bihar. As of now, exotic flowers are imported from Bangalore and other cities.

Under a government and NHM plan, 90 per cent subsidy is given for creating greenhouse, Shednet house and for purchase of planting material to encourage farmers to

take to floriculture in a big way, she said. Vijaylakshmi said that a greenhouse was

recently set up at Janipur on the outskirts of Patna for growing Gerbera, used in making bouquets and decorating houses. ” My dream is to promote floriculture, which would generate self-employment among youths. A course of diploma in floriculture may be started in future,” she said.

Despite high demand for marigold and other exotic flowers round the year, particularly during marriage season and elections in Bihar, flower cultivation in the state is low. Agriculture scientist Anil Kumar Jha said that under the National Horticulture Mission, 768 acres, mostly in Patna and Jehanabad districts, have been brought under flower cultivation with 90 per cent subsidy for growing marigold and 50 per cent subsidy for growing rose and other exotic flowers. The target is to bring another 300 hectares land under flower cultivation.

According to state horticulture directorate sources, the farmers, who were given subsidies, grew rose plants in 68 hectares producing 86.48 lakh flowers and 161.1 lakh spikes of gladiolus in over 80 hectares during the last financial year. Tuberous (rajnigandha) was grown in 105 hectares with an annual yield of 522 tonnes and Jasmine in 70 hectares.

Bihar to open up a floriculture centre

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NaBard startsp o s t - h a r v e s tloan scheme forfarmers

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YEARS of direct selling of rose, marigold, jasmine and nauranga flowers to the devotees going to temples situated in the nearby towns have given birth to entrepreneur spirit among the small and marginal farmers of Berru village in the Bharatpur district. They decided to bypass the traditional mandi transactions by becoming growers themselves. They eventually realised the potential of floriculture after finding profitable avenues for their produce.

Berru village, situated on Nagar-Sikri road deep inside the Mewat region of eastern Rajasthan, has emerged as the hub of flower cultivation fulfilling the daily needs of famous temple towns such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana. A spectacular view of beautiful flowers in many hues on both sides of road greets the visitors as they approach the small village.

Farmers in Berru, inhabited by just 1,500 people, keep on changing the varieties of flowers for cultivation in accordance with the weather. This strategy ensures the production of flowers throughout the year even as their entire family is engaged in sowing, irrigation, earthwork and preparation of stems for the new plants. Families divide the work among themselves for plucking and collection of flowers, selecting the produce, taking flowers to the market and preparing garlands in different sizes, which are in heavy demand at the places of worship as well as at other important functions.

The floriculture was taken up as a drive in Berru about five years ago when Lupin Human Welfare and Research Foundation adopted the nondescript village for its all-round development as part of an action plan for the backward Mewat region. The productive soil of Berru and the location of temple towns near the village were taken into account while selecting flower

cultivation as the principal avocation for helping out the rural community.

The Foundation, functioning as the corporate social responsibility wing of pharmaceutical major Lupin, initially provided seeds of rose and other plants on subsidised prices and obtained loans worth Rs.10,000 each from the Small Industries Development Bank of India for 20 farmers for purchasing agricultural inputs.

Chet Ram Saini was the first farmer in Berru to take up cultivation of roses in a two-bigha area of his field. The scale of harvest and the consequent profits, which increased manifold in comparison to traditional farming, prompted him to expand the floriculture area to 10 bighas along with the introduction of other flowers.

He initially travelled to the nearby towns on bicycle to supply the flowers, but the steep enhancement of both the demand and production led him to purchase a car in which he now mainly delivers roses to temples as far as in Mathura, Jaipur and Delhi throughout the year.

Chet Ram says though the cultivation of different types of flowers involves greater input of labour, the returns are four to five times high. The profits are mainly through the sale of roses as these plants yield flowers for seven to eight years. When the rose production subsides, other varieties are sown in the space between the plants to ensure harvest throughout the year.

Encouraged by the phenomenal increase in yield, some of the villagers have started

preparing garlands and other decorative items at home. Traders and brokers from nearby towns regularly come to Berru to purchase these items. Some of the farmers also utilise the floriculture sites for cultivation of vegetables, which can be taken to market along with the flowers.

Foundation executive director Sita Ram Gupta said here earlier in the week that farmers in several nearby villages had started flower cultivation after noticing the profits earned by Berru residents. One of the difficulties faced by farmers is the storage of flowers in view of their very short life, because of which they have to be sold within a day or two.

“To resolve this problem, Lupin Foundation has prepared an action plan for installation of a small cold storage plant at Berru. Besides, farmers will be trained in the preparation of rosewater and gulkand to help them earn more profits through these products,” said Gupta.

Flowerschangethecolourarajasthanvillage

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CONSIDERED to be an important crop cultivated as the source of spice for at least 3,500 years, Saffron has spread out in Mediterranean and west of Asia from 10 west to 80 east degrees of geographical longitude, as well as from 30-50 north degrees of geographical latitude and up to 1,000 meters from sea level.

The name ‘saffron’ is derived from Arabic “zá-faran” which means ‘be yellow’ and is commonly used to refer both to the spice and the plant itself. Saffron is used as a key spice, fragrance, dye, medicine, preparation of Kashmiri ‘kehwa’ and as a sweet dish seasoning Saffron leaves (with producing about 1.5 t dry matter each year) can provide forage for about 1,60,000 heads of cattle. Saffron petal is one of the by-products of fields that the amount of this by-product is more than 10,000 t each year. One stigma of saffron weighs about 2 mg; each flower has three stigmata; 1,50,000 of flowers must be picked one by one in order to produce 1 kg spice.

GLOBAL OVERVIEWSaffron is currently being cultivated in

Iran, India, Greece, Spain, Italy, Turkey, France, Switzerland, Israel, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq and recently Australia (Tasmania). The world’s total production of dried saffron is estimated to be around 300 tonnes a year. Iran produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s total production of saffron. More than 92 per cent of Iranian saffron is cultivated in Khorasan province. Kashmir produces between 8-10 tonnes mostly dedicated to country’s self-consumption. Greek production is 4-6 tonnes a year. Morocco produces between 0.8 and 1 tonne. Saffron production has decreased rapidly in many traditionally producing countries, and is abandoned in England and Germany. Spain used to be the most reputed saffron producer for centuries in areas of La Mancha and Teruel. Nowadays, the production is only about 0.3- 0.5 tonnes. Productions of Italy (Sardinia, Aquila, Cascia) 100 kg; Turkey (Safranbolu) 10 kg; France (Gatinais, Quercy) 4-5 kg; and Switzerland (Mund) 1

kg are nearly insignificant.In India, saffron is exclusively cultivated

in Jammu & Kashmir until now. Some cases of saffron cultivation have been reported recently in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In Jammu & Kashmir, district Pulwama accounts for 78.91 per cent saffron area followed by Budgam (12.27 per cent), Srinagar (7.32 per cent) and Doda (1.5 per cent).

INDIAN OVERVIEWArea under saffron cultivation has

declined from about 5,707 hectares (ha) in 1996 to just 3,715 ha in 2009-2010. Productivity has also declined from 3.13 kg/ha to 2.50 kg/ha.

Trends available from trade estimates show that current domestic production is less than 10 tonnes. And owing to this trend, imports into India stand at approx 5 tonnes, 90 per cent of it from Iran.

Two prominent initiatives are going to become game changers for saffron cultivation and enhancement in Kashmir; and are hopeful that by end of the decade, India will recapture the lost glory in saffron production.

The first initiative is the setting up of “National Mission on Saffron” (a 373-crore project up to 2014) and a “Saffron Park”

kashmirtofocusonitsunique‘Saffron’

(an Rs 22-crore project) as an integrated production facility in Pampore. Under Mission saffron, growers are given a specified amount to meet fertilisers and pesticides requirements, in addition to guidance and monitoring.

In 2011, the Government has already dispensed Rs 10 crore of the Rs 17 crore of incentives covering more than 3,500 growers owning 350 hectares of saffron land.

The one-time incentive will be extended to all the 3,700 hectares in four years. To improve productivity the replanting of the existing saffron area is being done to get 3,715 hectares of land till 2014 with an average productivity level to 5 kg/ha. It is expected that production would, thereby, rise to 18.50 tonnes. A major part of Mission saffron is also the establishment of a saffron park to provide better marketing facilities to the growers. This park will have a world class quality control laboratory, an e-auction centre and provide global best practices of farm-to-fork” chain for saffron.

MEDICINAL, HEALTH BENEFITSThe active components in saffron

have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines as antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-oxidant, digestive, anti-convulsant.

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FOR the first time, Kashmir tulips were put on sale. The first order was booked by Florista-a flower chain of Mumbai. It was introduced as a cut flower on trade scale on the Christmas Eve, last year.

“Earlier, tulips in India were mostly imported from Holland. But, if everything goes as per plan, we shall have Kashmir tulip catering to all the markets in the country,” said Javed Ahmed Shah, in-charge of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden.

This novel spice is a good source of minerals such as copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. These active components present in saffron have many therapeutic applications in many traditional medicines since long time ago as anti-spasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic. The flower stigma are composed of many essential volatile oils including ‘safranal’ which gives saffron its distinct hay-like flavour, characteristic golden yellow colour and is an antioxidant showing cytotoxicity towards cancer cells, anticonvulsant and antidepressant properties.

There are important antioxidants that help protect body from oxidant-induced stress, cancer, infections, act as immune modulator and generate heat in body.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITYOne of the world’s most expensive

spices by weight, saffron is globally sold in grams. Local brands are largely present in India and there is absence of large international/national brands. Iran is the leading saffron exporter earning revenue of $51 million. Spain and India are the major importers of Iranian saffron.

India’s saffron consumption is estimated at 20 tonnes a year, half of which is met by leading producers - Iran, Spain and China.

Kashmir, one of the only four producers of saffron in the world, barely consumes a fraction of what it produces. Most of its output goes to the plains with exports of just about four tonnes. There is an opportunity for developing a nationwide brand of saffron. Besides, this is a nation where a burgeoning middle class is now craving for a wide range of products with health benefits, which is a big driver for increase in consumption.

kashmir tulipsentersalezone

The garden was started as an ornamental display in 2008 with an aim to attract tourists’ attention, but the state’s floriculturists saw in it a massive opportunity, and they introduced the flowers on a trade scale.

Although, the tulip garden starts blooming in March, the adventurous and innovative floriculturists achieved the first flower crop in December, last year, according to an official of Floriculture Department. “They managed to achieve this due the introduction of high-tech poly-houses”.

Now, tulips are being dispatched to the markets in Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai. According to Shah, the growers registered substantial orders during V-Day. The tulips gave a tough competition to the

roses. Now, many farmers are showing interests in tulips due to high returns on investments.

“The cost of rearing a tulip into a cut flower is Rs. 20 including all expenses like transportation and heating facility. And the average return per tulip cut flower is nearly Rs. 35,” said Shah. He also added that an expert from Holland visited the valley recently to teach the farmers about cultivation and post harvest techniques.

“The expert was of the opinion that Kashmir has the best climate, soil and water for tulip cultivation. The colour of tulip is also brighter and severe compared to Holland tulip due to these reasons,” Shah said.

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