Tamil Nadu - Dindigul   

Sirumalai hill looks cut out for this flower cultivation

K. Raju

Thanks to right altitudes and a conducive climate

DINDIGUL : Cut flower growing will soon overtake traditional coffee, pepper and other horticultural crops on the Sirumalai hill, 30 km away from here, thanks to perfect match of right altitudes, conducive climate conditions and required sunshine.

At present, enthusiastic farmers now focus on cut-flower cultivation utilising the financial assistance offered by Horticulture Development Board and National Horticulture Mission.

With farmers on the Kodaikanal, Thandigudi and Pandrimalai hills concentrating on carnation and other varieties, the Sirumalai growers raise varieties of roses, great attraction to youth.

Now, Sirumalai rose meets the growing demand of the wholesale flower market in Dindigul.

Earlier, the market depended on Hosur and Bangalore for cut-flowers that reached two days after plucking.

Flourishing domestic market tempts farmers to invest in cut-flower cultivation, says Rajaraman, a retired railway employee-turned progressive cut-flower grower.

"The sale of 100 flowers within three hours on the first day in the Dindigul market instils confidence in me," Rajaram says.

"Now, they pay advance for supply. Buyers pay Rs.5 per piece during marriage seasons. The prices of cut flower go up to Rs.15 on special occasions like Valentine's Day, Friend's Day and Mother's Day."

His hi-tech UV treated poly green house produces the following varieties of roses grand kaala, gold strike, red and tropical amazon (orange).

High yielding plant seedlings imported from Holland give a better yield, says Mr. Rajaram.

He now produces 75,000 roses a year but wants to increase the cultivation more.

We must prepare plants to bloom during special occasions. For better yield, de-budding is a must for first 45 days.

Yield can be taken for eight years continuously, he says.

Subsidy

While the Horticulture Development Board offers 25 per cent subsidy for developing 1,000 sq.m area, the National Horticulture Mission extends 25 per cent grant and 20 per cent interest-free loan for 500 sq.metres.

The development of infrastructure such as provision of air-conditioned containers and chartered aircraft to reach consumers within 48 hours will improve cut-flower cultivation in the region, says a section of farmers.

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