Karnataka - Bangalore   

Traditional flowers from State to debut at Dutch fair

BANGALORE: Aromatic flowers from the State, which have been classified as traditional by the Department of Horticulture, will feature for the first time in an international flower fair to be held in Amsterdam, in October.

The department is planning to showcase at least a dozen traditional varieties at the premier show.

Director of Horticulture Ramakrishnappa told presspersons here on Wednesday that “so far, no State in India had showcased traditional flowers in the international market. In fact, traditional flowers have more aromatic value than modern cut flowers that are being exported.”

The department would take 10 women skilled in preparing garlands to showcase traditional skills to the international clientele, he added.

Karnataka grows traditional flowers such as jasmine, tube rose, chrysanthemum, aster, marigold, nerium and “champaka” on nearly 21,000 hectares of land. The traditional flower business provides livelihood to over 50,000 families and entails a turnover of around Rs. 350 crore.

These flowers are grown in the Western Ghats, the coastal region, and Bangalore, Tumkur, Mysore, Chitradurga and Davangere districts.

Dr. Ramakrishnappa said: “We need to explore the foreign markets for traditional flowers since the demand for loose flowers in India is coming down slowly with the rising popularity of cut flowers.”

A survey by the department in Russel Market, K.R. Market, Yeshwanthpur and Jayanagar markets had revealed that 35 to 40 per cent of the flowers brought by farmers perished for various reasons, he added.

In an effort to enable export of quality traditional flowers, the department would strengthen the market system that would help in handling, storage and marketing in a scientific way, he said.

“These traditional flowers are being sold in unhygienic conditions and in harsh weather. We want to prevent this practice by inviting farmers to the International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB) where handling, storage and marketing facilities will be provided,” Dr. Ramakrishnappa said.

Scientific markets would be set up in Sirsi, Udupi, Madikeri, Davangere, Belgaum and Sira to help floriculturists of the region, Dr. Ramakrishnappa added.

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