iFLORA targets Haryana, Punjab for floriculture

The Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants (Welfare) Association (iFLORA) is considering Punjab and Haryana for the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants.

According to S Jafar Naqvi, the president of iFLORA, the two states contribute about 25 per cent share to the Delhi's flower market, which is largest in India.

He added due to lack of communication and inadequate market linkages, the farmers did not get the remunerative price for their produce.

"We at iFLORA endeavour to bring the farmers from different parts of India closer through various platforms like exhibitions, seminars and workshops to create an awareness about the market trends," he said.

According to Naqvi, the climate and the soil of Punjab was ideal for growing roses and lilies and Haryana was ideal for gladiolus. Due to lack of awareness and comparatively high investment, only rich farmers were interested in floriculture.

With adequate help to farmers, floriculture could help in the diversification of agriculture and fetch lucrative returns for the farmers.

iFLORA would organise third International Flora Expo at New Delhi in September where the farmers would be able to interact with the specialists to learn the business prospects of floriculture.

Naqvi informed that last year in the same expo, farmers from far-flung areas were able to get orders from the international buyers. Same is expected this year too.

The countries like Netherlands, Austria, Russia, UAE, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, New Zealand, Germany and UK will participate in the expo.