Turmeric Man of Himachal Pradesh

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:

1. Year-Round Flower Production: Himachal Pradesh's climate allows for continuous flower production, ensuring a steady supply to both domestic and export markets.
2. Cost-Effective Cultivation: The state's natural conditions reduce the need for artificial climate control in greenhouses, saving on operational costs.
3. Subsidized Power: Farmers in the state benefit from domestic-rate power tariffs, making greenhouse operations more affordable.
4. 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:

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: The government and media are working to increase consumer awareness about floriculture products, encouraging their use in daily life.
2. Retail Expansion: Flower products are being made available in supermarkets alongside traditional florist shops, making them more accessible to consumers.
3. 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.
4. 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.