FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Andhra red rose becoming popular in south Tamil Nadu
M.J. PRABU
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Fresh flowers are mainly used to make garlands and value added products
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Photo: M.J. Prabu
ROSY JOB: Mr. M. Ganesan, a farmer in Tamil Nadu is seen cutting a stem from the main plant for propagation.
THOUGH A major part of rose cultivation has been limited to hill stations and other places having a cool climate, in south Tamil Nadu, a rose variety called Andhra red rose in Tamil, is becoming popular among farmers.
At present nearly 500 farmers are growing this variety and the demand is more for those flowers, which are grown organically.
Fresh flowers are mainly used to make garlands and value added products such as rose water, attar and other perfumery materials.
Organically grown flowers have a longer shelf life and retain their freshness for more than a day after being plucked, compared to those flowers grown chemically.
Three colours
Though the flowers have three different colours — dark red, light pink and white, farmers mainly prefer the dark red and pink colours for cultivation, according to Mr. M. Ganesan, a farmer and freelance horticulturist in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
The ideal season for growing this variety is during April-May. It is mainly propagated through stem cuttings.
Root formation
About one foot long cuttings from healthy mother plants are taken and the cut end is dipped in Panchagavya to enable faster root formation.
The cuttings are then planted in polythene bags filled with a mixture of sand, red soil and farmyard (FYM) manure. They are kept under shade and sprinkled with water every day. The cuttings develop roots in 40-60 days after which they can be transplanted into the main field.
About 50 tonnes of farmyard manure is applied to the main field and ploughed well 2-3 times and levelled. About 3,750 pits are to be dug at a spacing of 4 x 6 feet.
The pits are then filled with topsoil mixed with neem oil and FYM. After 15 days the rooted cuttings are planted in the middle of the pits and watered.
Irrigation should be done again on the 3rd, 6th and 9th days after planting and later once every 15 days.
After one month, about 400 gms of vermicompost should be applied as a side dressing to each plant to help faster growth.
Flower production
A second application of about 300 gms of vermicompost and 30 gms of micronutrients should be applied on the 65th day to increase flower production.
About 5ml of Panchagavya diluted in one litre of water should be sprayed during evening to increase colour intensity in the petals, Mr. Ganesan explained.
Pruning the crop
"The variety starts bearing flowers in about 90 days and can be maintained for about six years. It is advisable to prune the crop every year during May-June to induce good growth".
The crop is found susceptible to pests such as budworm, thrips, aphids and leafhoppers.
Light traps
Setting up of light traps in the field and hand picking and destroying the beetles and spraying about 5ml of Panchagavya or 2ml of neem oil diluted in one litre of water over the plants during evening is found effective.
"Panchagavya is also a good remedy for black spot infestations which are a common occurrence on the crops," he said.
Good yield can be expected from the second year and about 10 lakh flowers can be harvested from a hectare.
At present the flowers are sold at between 10 and 50 paise each at the market everyday. Apart from the sale of the flowers, farmers can also sell the rooted cuttings to nurseries and for terrace gardens, which can generate additional revenue.
With an initial investment of Rs.15-20,000 farmers can expect a net income of Rs. 65,000-70,000 in a year, according to him.
For more information readers can contact Mr. M. Ganesan, Jamangipuram post, Thruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu: 606 803, mobile: 9444265091
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