Flower exports bloom to Rs 65.63 cr in Apr-Feb

Export of flowers from India rose to Rs 65.63 crore in April-February 2008-09 compared to Rs 48.75 crore in the previous fiscal as the country shifted focus to cut flowers like carnations and gladiolous, which are used for decoration.

Most of the exports were to the US, the Netherlands, the UK and Japan.

"Indian floriculture industry has been shifting from traditional flowers to cut flowers for export purposes," an official said.

The entrepreneurs are establishing export oriented floriculture units under controlled climatic conditions, an Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) official said.

Area under flower crops in 2007-08 was estimated at 160.7 thousand hectares, which included marigold, jasmine, aster, rose, tuberose and anthurium.

More than 50 per cent of over 300 floriculture units are based in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu. Also West Bengal, Maharashtra, Rajasthan have large areas under floriculture.

"The Government has been coordinating with export promotion agencies such as APEDA and Export Inspection Council by providing necessary technical inputs and financial assistance," Commerce and Industry Ministry said.