In recent years, floriculture has emerged as a lucrative and sustainable option for farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The state's diverse agro-climatic conditions have enabled farmers to shift from conventional farming to the profitable cultivation of flowers. A shining example of this transformation is Ravinder Kumar from Kalta village in the Gohar region of Mandi district. His journey from traditional farming to floriculture highlights the effectiveness of government schemes that support flower cultivation.
Ravinder
Kumar’s Success Story
Ravinder Kumar initially practiced traditional
farming but decided to modernize his approach after consulting with officials
from the Horticulture Department. He was advised to try flower cultivation
under polyhouse conditions. In 2017-18, Ravinder set up a 1,250 sq. meter
polyhouse to grow carnations. Encouraged by positive market results, he
expanded his operation to 1,750 sq. meters. Today, Ravinder earns an annual
income of Rs 11-12 lakh from selling flowers to cities like Chandigarh and
Delhi.
Ravinder's success is a testament to the
support provided under schemes like the Himachal Flower Revolution Scheme
and the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. These initiatives
helped him set up the infrastructure necessary for his floriculture venture and
provided financial aid for planting and maintenance.
Government
Schemes Supporting Floriculture
Several government schemes have been
instrumental in promoting floriculture across Himachal Pradesh. The Himachal
Flower Revolution Scheme focuses on year-round flower cultivation through
polyhouse technology. Farmers receive training in greenhouse and shade net
house techniques, along with substantial subsidies:
- 85% subsidy on
polyhouse construction, where farmers contribute only 15% of the cost.
- 85% subsidy on
solar fencing to protect crops from stray cattle.
- 25% discount on
transportation costs to deliver flowers to market.
Similarly, the Integrated Horticulture
Development Mission provides a 50% subsidy for flower cultivation,
with an additional 80% subsidy on drip irrigation systems under the
Prime Minister’s Agricultural Scheme. Ravinder Kumar, for instance, received a
Rs 12.5 lakh grant for polyhouse construction and Rs 4.52 lakh for carnation
planting under this mission.
Himachal
Pradesh's Potential for Floriculture
Himachal Pradesh’s geographical location in
the Western Himalayas offers varied agro-climatic conditions that are ideal for
flower cultivation. This diversity allows farmers to grow high-quality flower
crops throughout the year. The region's naturally favorable conditions reduce
the need for expensive heating and cooling systems in greenhouses, making
floriculture a cost-effective venture.
Farmers in Himachal Pradesh can produce a wide
range of floriculture products, including cut flowers, bulbs, seeds, and live
plants. While domestic markets can be supplied year-round from different
agro-climatic zones, the cultivation of export-quality flowers requires
controlled environmental conditions available through greenhouse technology.
Floriculture’s
Advantages
Floriculture offers multiple benefits for
farmers and the economy. These include:
- Year-Round Flower Production:
Himachal Pradesh's climate allows for continuous flower production,
ensuring a steady supply to both domestic and export markets.
- Cost-Effective Cultivation: The
state's natural conditions reduce the need for artificial climate control
in greenhouses, saving on operational costs.
- Subsidized Power:
Farmers in the state benefit from domestic-rate power tariffs, making
greenhouse operations more affordable.
- Employment Generation: As
seen in Ravinder Kumar’s case, floriculture ventures create local
employment opportunities, providing jobs in tasks like sorting, cutting,
and packaging flowers.
Steps to
Promote Floriculture
To further develop floriculture, several steps
are being taken to increase public awareness and improve infrastructure:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The
government and media are working to increase consumer awareness about
floriculture products, encouraging their use in daily life.
- Retail Expansion:
Flower products are being made available in supermarkets alongside
traditional florist shops, making them more accessible to consumers.
- Post-Harvest Infrastructure:
Efforts are being made to improve post-harvest infrastructure,
particularly in major terminal markets like Delhi, to meet the demands of
the growing floriculture sector.
- Knowledge Transfer:
Interaction between flower growers and scientific institutions is being
promoted to ensure the effective transfer of modern cultivation
techniques.
Conclusion
Floriculture is quickly becoming a vital
sector for economic growth and diversification in Himachal Pradesh. With
supportive government schemes, favorable climatic conditions, and growing
demand for flowers in national and international markets, the sector offers a
promising future for farmers. Ravinder Kumar’s journey demonstrates how
embracing floriculture can lead to financial independence and self-reliance
while creating employment opportunities for local communities. The continued
promotion of floriculture, combined with scientific advancements and modern
marketing strategies, has the potential to significantly boost the state's
agricultural economy.
Post a Comment