The District Horticulture Department aims to increase farmers’ income through flower cultivation and make them self-reliant. Officials from the Horticulture Department are providing details about how and when farmers can earn more by growing different types of flowers. They are also discussing government support for various kinds of flower cultivation.
Officials have shared information about the subsidies and financial help available for growing cut flowers and tuberous plants.
Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme, a joint initiative of the Central and State Governments, farmers can get a subsidy of up to ₹1 lakh per hectare for open-field cut flower cultivation. In addition, there is extra financial help for bulbous or tuberous flowers like Rajnigandha and gladiolus. Small and marginal farmers can also get up to 40% subsidy on the total cost in this sector.
Utilization of Contemporary Technology in Flower Production
Authorities are urging farmers to adopt contemporary technology into the production of flowers. According to experts, the bulk of production occurs with high-value flowers such as roses, gerberas, orchids, and lilies that are grown under shade-nets or in poly-houses, resulting in relatively high incomes. The market price for cut flowers is generally at its highest from November to January. There may be a rise in demand prior to local holidays or religious events. Specialists can assist farmers in developing the markets for flowers in puja, wedding, and holiday markets.
Methods of Achieving Higher Prices and Assistance from the Government
Farmers will need to take the necessary steps to actually improve the price they receive for a flower, including ensuring the flowers are fresh upon harvesting, cutting the flowers at the right stage of development, packaging the flowers properly for market delivery, and getting the flowers to market quickly. Agricultural officials want to ensure that farmers take this work seriously. Agricultural officials are also recommending that farmers develop direct markets for flowers rather than relying solely on selling them to the local marketplace and then having the flowers sold in larger towns or cities. Farmers who wish to obtain government assistance in flower production will need to go to their local block agriculture office and ensure the proper documentation is submitted.