a project report on establishment of hightech floriculture park in belgaum with reference of horti a

"Establishment of High-Tech Floriculture Park in Belgaum", with reference to Belgaum Horti and Flori Association.

CONTENTS

Page No

1. Executive Summary 3

2. Research Design 5

3. Floriculture Industry 7

4. Association profile 9

5. World scenario 15

6. Indian Scenario 17

7. Kanataka Scenario 17

8. Belgaum Scenario 18

9. Role of K.R.C. Collage of Horticulture 22

10. Need of floriculture industry in Belgaum 23

11. Action Plan 27

12. Administration 35

13. Funds required at glance 36

14. Post harvest management of cut flowers 37

15. Marketing of cut flower market 46

16 Conclusion 58

17 Bibliography 59

Babasabpatilfreepptmba.com


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Floriculture Activity, defined for the purpose of this report as consisting of Cut

Flowers cultivated under controlled conditions, is growing in the world at around 17

percent per annum. This is supported by the demand in the developed countries of

Europe, America, Australia, Japan and Singapore. The climatic condition in most of

these countries does not favor year around cultivation of these flowers and many of

them import flowers from other countries.

The major importing countries of Cut Flowers are Netherlands, USA, Germany,

France, UK, Switzerland, Italy and Japan. The major exporting countries include

Netherlands, Columbia, Ecuador, Israel, Spain and Kenya. Being a major market for

floriculture, Netherlands both imports and re-exports the flowers. The most important

flower traded in the international market is still Rose; however, others like

Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Gerbera, Dahlia, Poinsettia, Orchids, Lily etc. are also

marketed in large quantities in these countries.

In spite of a long tradition of Agriculture and Floriculture, India's

share in the international market for these flowers is negligible. During

the last ten years, taking advantage of the incentives offered by the

Government, a number of Floriculture units were established in India

for producing and exporting flowers to the developed countries. Most

of them were located near Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi and obtained



the technical know-how from Dutch and Israeli Consultants. Almost all

of them were capital intensive and made large investments in

greenhouse and other infrastructure. Several of them are at present non-

working. The major reasons for their failure were lack of experience,

inadequate research support, inadequate market knowledge and

infrastructural and procedural problems.



Research Design

Title of Study

A project on "Establishment of High-Tech Floriculture Park in Belgaum",

with reference to Belgaum Horti and Flori Association.

Objectives of the Study

To know the various aspects involved in establishment Park.

To know the role of various agencies.

To make systematic plan of functioning of Floriculture Park.

To study the Post Harvest Management & Marketing of Cut Flowers.

Scope of Study

The survey was conducted at "Belgaum Horti & Flori Association", Belgaum.

The survey was conducted for "Establishment of High-Tech Floriculture Park in

Belgaum". Period of study was restricted to 60 days.

Research Methodology

The research includes direct interview with experts in the respective fields,

farmers etc.



Primary Data

Primary data means the data, which are gathered specially for the project at

hand directly through interviews and observations.

Secondary Data

Secondary data are generally published source which have been collected

originally for some other purpose, they are not gathered specially to achieve the

objectives of the particular research project at hand, but already assembled. I have

refered some magazines and internet for my study.

Data Collection

The method used to collect data for this study was interviewing the experts and

experienced personal in Horticulture & Floriculture field.



FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY

India has a wide range of climate and soil conditions which enable cultivation

of an array of horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, floricultural plants,

plantation crops, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants. Over the past one decade, this

sector has emerged as a viable diversification option for generating large foreign

exchange earnings. In the present and emerging agriculture scenario, there is a vast

potential for several horticulture based industries. If we increase the productivity of the

floricultural inputs needed for these industries, it is possible not only to fully meet the

present and growing demands; but also to export substantially to the world market.

In world marketing, Indian floriculture industry is witnessing an unprecedented

growth and increasing acceptability. A number of corporate houses have entered the

fray in the last three to five years in growing flowers. The world market in floriculture

is estimated at US $ 50 billion. The floriculture industry is growing at a rate of 17 per

cent per annum. The consumption of ornamental and flowering plants is generally by

the affluent class of the society. Higher standards of living and growing desire to live in

an environment friendly atmosphere have led to an increasing demand for floriculture

in India.



The export of cut flowers has been identified as a thrust area at the national

level. The estimated area under flowers in India is 65,000 hectares, the major States

being Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Traditional flowers, such as marigold, jasmine, chrysanthemum, china aster, crossandra

and tuberose, usually marketed loose, occupy nearly two thirds of the area, the rest

being under contemporary flowers such as rose, gladiolus, carnation, tuberose and

orchids used in bouquest and arrangements.

The area under flower cultivation during 1998-99 was reported to be around 73,971 ha

with an estimated production of 4,59,163 tonnes of loose flowers

and 115.6 million cut flowers. The volume of trade in the domestic market is estimated

to be around Rs. 500 crores. Flower trade, especially in Delhi and other metropolitan

cities, has grown manifold during the last decade. India's share in world export of

flowers is negligible, just about Rs. 96.6 crores export earnings in 1998-99.

Dried flowers and plants have a two third share of this market, followed by cut

flowers (17 per cent) and live plants (13 per cent). The South Indian Floricultural

Association (SIFA) informed that for the first time, India has managed to make its

dominant presence (60 per cent) in the Australian market. After the first phase of

troubles and turmoil, the second phase is taking India into more competitive market

like Japan, Australia, and Taiwan.

Last year, India successfully challenged Holland in exporting roses to Japan (85 per

cent).



Belgaum Horti & Flori Association

The farmers engaged in growing hi-value flowers in green-houses and hi-tech

floriculture activity around Belgaum district have formed a registered society "Belgaum

Horti and Flori Association" on 28th January 2004. Presently there are 62 members are

registered.

That commercial and hi-tech floriculture has become a significant economic

activity in and around Belgaum city. Growing good quality flowers has never been a

problem for farmers. However, delivery of the same good quality flowers to the

consumers in distant markets needs some attention, particularly in summer season,

when market demand is at its highest. Over 90% of flowers grown in Belgaum are sent

to New Delhi by the Goa-Nizzamuddin Express train. These flowers are traded from

Delhi for destinations all over North India. In particular, during summer, good quality

flowers grow only in climates around Belgaum.

A number of other horticulture produces that moves from Belgaum and en-

route to cities in North India. The very large volume and value produces include,



grapes, mangoes, papaya, muskmelon and specialty vegetables (exotics) such as

colored capsicums, leeks, parsley, lettuce, spinach and many culinary herbs.

STATUS OF FLORICULTURE AROUND BELGAUM

Flower Area Yield per month Investment

Gerbera 12 Acres 10 Lakhs 350 Lakhs

Carnations 4 Acres 3 Lakhs 150 Lalhs

Anthurium 1/2 Acres 5000 20 Lakhs

Chrysanthemum 1/2 Acres 30000 10 Lakhs

Orchids 1/8th Acre 7 Lakhs

Alistomeria 1/8th Acre 7 Lakhs

Gladiolus (open) 15 Acres 75000 30 Lakhs

Marigold (open) 30 Acres 15 Lakhs

Asters (open) 5 Acres 2 Lakhs

Tube rose 5 Acres 5 Lakhs

All units are operated by farmers – No corporates

The smallest unit measures 1/8th acre and the largest 2.5 Acres

62 farmers have formed a registered association.



ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

Name of the Association : Belgaum Horti & Florti Association

Registered Office : 36, Bazar Galli, Khasbag, Belgaum –

590 004

Jurisdiction of the Association : Belgaum

Date of constitution : 28th January 2004



The Directors of Belgaum Horti and Flori Association :

1. Shri. Mahantesh K. Patil Chairman

2. Shri. Hanumanth. Pujari Vice Chairman

3. Smt. Pankaja. Bhoomareddy Secretary

4. Shri. Mallikarjun B. Ramannavar Director

5. Shri. Naved. Mulla Director

6. Shri. Pankaj. Shivalkar Director

7. Shri. Manoj Desai Director

8. Smt. Tejasvi Naik Director



9. Shri. Sachin Ashtekar Director

10. Shri. I.B. Patil Director

11. Shri. Shoba A. Patil Director

Aims & Objects of the Association :

To involve in the Development of the women, children, handicapped, backward

& tribal.

To inculcate the means of education and training of the public in

socioeconomic development through Floriculture, Horticulture, sericulture,

milk dairy, Potteries, Sheep breeding, Vermicomposte, Mushroom cultivation,

and similar objects and diffuse vocational training for engaging agriculturists

busy through the year.

To influx the means of the Public Education and modernization of villages,

through developmental activities / Schemes, as Irrigation (life irrigation), Gobar

Gas, Biogas, Solar pump & wind mill.

To diffuse, to educate and convince for the development of the dry land and

waste lands cultivation for the better understanding and implementation of the

environmental and ecological balance.

To execute and involve in the effective Implementation of the programs of all

Governmental (Central & State Govt.) and Departmental activities.



To avail financial support, Subsidies, & other facilities of various autonomous

bodies like NHB, APEDA, World Bank etc.

To arrange channels and mediums of knowledge enhancement among farmers.

To study the potential for setting up of Agri-processing industries.

To undertake development work by setting up of Agri-processing industries.

To undertake applied research in the development of agricultural marketing

system and post harvest technological research.

To impart training in the field of high quality production, agricultural,

marketing, post harvest management, agro processing and management.

Arrange foreign Educational tours for the progressive farmers.

To make available the necessary infrastructure for post harvest handling of

agricultural produce viz. facilitate storage, precooling, coolstorage, VHT

facility etc. to the farmers.

Keeping necessary coordination in the markets.

Remote the Regulated Markets (Agricultural Produce Market committees),

development of Agricultural Floricultural marketing including promotion of

domestic marketing and exports from Karnataka.

To make available the necessary infrastructure for post harvest handling of

agricultural produce viz, facilitate storage, precooling, cold storage, VHT

facility etc. to the farmers.

Any other objects which is in cognizance with the objects of the Association

with due approval from the members.



WORLD SCENARIO

Horticulture particularly floriculture industry is growing at -a very faster rate all

over the world. However, only few countries have emerged as leaders in the

floriculture industry, restricting to few developing countries like Holland. Italy, Israel,

Germany, USA, Japan. The major crops grown in these countries are rose, gerbera,

carnation, chrysanthemum and anthurium. Apart from these, traditional flowers such as

jasmine, chrysanthemum, spray chrysanthemum, roses, China aster, marigold are also

grown in most parts of the world under open cultivation. In Asia, Latin America and

Africa, some of the countries have become new production centers and these have

created competition in the markets. These production centers are able to produce

quality flowers at lower cost as compared to developed countries. The traditional

flower growing countries like China, India, Japan, USA, Columbia are the major

growers of flowers. However, these countries are concentrated only for their domestic

market. Holland is the largest producer and also the importer of major cut flowers in

the world. The total area under flower production in the world is around 2,50,000

hectares.



At present the world trade is around $ 55 billion and the rate of increase in the world

imports may be around 10 per cent. The share of the developing countries in the world

trade is around 20 per cent in the last few years. Among the developed countries,

Germany, USA, France, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Switzerland are the leading importing

countries and among these Germany is the largest importer in the world. The main

exporting countries are Holland, Columbia, Italy and these accounts for about 50 per

cent of the world export.

Table 1. Major importers of cut flowers

Country Imports (%)

Germany 39

U.S.A. 17

France 11

U.K. 10

Netherlands 6

Japan 6

Switzerland 5

Others 6

Table 2. Major exporters of cut flowers



Country Share in export market (%) *

Holland 59

Columbia 10

Italy 6

Israel 4

Spain 2

Kenya 1

Others 18

(* includes re-exports)

INDIAN SCENARIO

In India, modern floriculture has gained memento during 1990’s with the strong

support of the Government of India which resulted in boost in production and export of

cut flowers. In India, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West. Bengal, Andhra

Pradesh are the leading flower growing states. At present, the total area under flower

production is about 80,000 ha. Out of this, 20,000 ha falls under Karnataka. In the state

of Karnataka particularly Bangalore and Belgaum due to their mild climatic conditions

they have merged as the floriculture centers of India. Karnataka has the distinction of

growing ail traditional flowers with open cultivation for meeting the demand of

traditional flowers and modern cut flowers under hi-tech export, oriented units.



KARNATAKA SCENARIO

Karnataka is having a suitable climate for cultivation of flowers which accounts

for an impressive 27 per cent of the total production from 20,000 hectares of area under

floriculture. Most of the flower production is from open cultivation. However, in recent

years, growers are entering into hi-tech floriculture by growing export oriented cul

flowers under protected structures in order to get quality flowers and to target distinct

markets in India and outside. Most of these types of cultivation restricted to places

around Bangalore, Coorg and Belgaum because of the congenial climate.Commonly

cultivated traditional flowers are rose, jasmine, spray chrysanthemum, crossandra,

marigold, China aster and tuberose. Among the modern cut flowers, roses, gladiolus,

gerbera, carnation, anthurium and orchids are very popular. Out of these, rose, gerbera,

carnation, anthurium are the leading cut flowers and grown mostly under protected

structures.

BELGAUM SCENARIO

The most favoured factor of this part is its climate. The climatic conditions

of this district are ideal for growing most of the cut flowers. The climate of

Belgaum is very mild and the maximum temperature does not exceed 35°C and

average temperature will be around 30°C. The minimum temperature also does not

fall below 10°C. Generally, the relative humidity is also high which will be very

congenial for the optimum growth and flowering of most of the flower crops.



Further, geographically, Belgaum is ideally placed by the fact that it is near

to the domestic markets like Bombay, Goa, Hyderabad and also well connected to

the distant domestic markets like New Delhi by trains and air. New Delhi continues

to be a market of choice because flowers of this district get good prices. Besides,

sufficient labour force is also available with reasonable rates.

Belgaum growers have unique culture of getting together and sharing

information and experiences. Now, the growers of Belgaum joined together with a

common interest and formed a society named as Horti-Florist Society. With the

establishment of the society, .the growth of floriculture has been boosted in the last

recent months.

The Central and State Departments and APEDA have identified Belgaum

district as a part of Agri Export Zone for floriculture in Karnataka. This has further

boosted the growth of floriculture industry in Belgaum.

Even though, the climatic conditions are very ideal around Belgaum, the

floriculture industry is facing lot of problems. The success of floriculture

enterprises depends upon the availability of appropriate production technology, post

harvest management and marketing support.

Bottlenecks

In Belgaum, greenhouse cultivation is of recent origin and is just seven

years old industry. Gerbera and carnation are extensively grown in these units and

total number of units are around 85 units. Currently, all units are initiated by first



time entrepreneurs under basically small size units varying from 500 sq. to half

acre.

Even though, climatic conditions are very much favourable for the growth

of floriculture industry', the farmers are facing problems in maintaining the quality

of the produce and also in the marketing of the flowers. Several factors such as lack

of availability of technology, planting materials and facilities, agri inputs,

greenhouse components, marketing net work, long term prospective etc. are coming

in the way of expansion of area, production of quality flowers and also in increasing

the profitability of the farmers.

Technology know how

Most of the floriculture units are in the range of 500 to 1000 Sq. m.

Irrespective of size, these units need technical manpower to handle the production,

harvesting and post harvest operations and marketing. This will come in the way of

employing technical manpower and it will be beyond the reach of the small units.

Planting material and varieties

In the early years, the floriculture farmers have imported the planting

materials and varieties for growing in the greenhouses without considering the

market potential, productivity and adoptability to the Belgaum conditions. More

than this, the cost of importing the planting material was very high. This has come

in the way of expansion and further growth of the industry.



High capital cost

Hi-tech floriculture unit is a very highly intensive culture and requires high

capital cost for the establishment of units. High cost was mainly due to importing

greenhouse and other equipments.

Quality

The produce in India generally suffers from quality which results in the

reduction of the prices. General problems associated with quality are:

a. . Poor stem length

b. Poor flower diameter

c. Inclusion of damaged flowers

d. Physiological disorders

e. Inclusion of insect and diseased flowers

The timely technical guidance and preventing measures can overcome these

above problems and it will be possible to maintain the quality of the flowers.

Further, giving refresher training about these aspects need to be kept in mind and

can be achieved by creating the facility in the production centres.

Marketing

Single and most important bottlenecks experienced by the growers is the

lack of information and effective marketing network. At present, most of the

growers blindly sending to the local markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Goa and



Hyderabad without much knowledge about prices existing on day to day basis.

Farmers are sending the produce individually to different markets and selling their

produce through mediators. So any improvement in marketing and availability of

marketing information definitely will go a long way in increasing the profit to the

farmers. For this, there should be an information technology lab to provide day to

day market rates both of internal and external markets. Further, establishing

Auction Sale Centre at the production center will be only a solution to avoid the

middlemen. The

Indian growers are exporting floriculture products to the importing countries

through their agents. Only few growers deal directly with auctions in the importing

countries. Very high freight charges from India to importing countries is the second

most important bottleneck. In Israel and African countries, freight charges are very

less.

ROLE OF K.R.C. COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE,

ARABHAVI (UAS, DHARWAD) IN FLORICULTURE

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad has achieved tremendous

achievement in teaching, research and extension and involved in development of

the farming community. K.R.C. College of Horticulture which is coming under

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad has contributed much to the

development of floriculture industry in and around Belgaum district. It is involved



right from the establishment of first few units with all technical support right from

planting to marketing and currently its Director of Instruction (Hort) is responsible

for the establishment of Horti and Flori Association Society at Belgaum.

In the last decade, it has increased its research activities in many important

commercial flowers including traditional flowers like jasmine, crossandra, rose,

marigold, tuberose, etc and also of export potential flower crops. Research on

modern flowers like carnation, gerbera, helicoimim, bird of paradise is going on at a

full strength and this will definitely support the flower growers and the industry.

NEED OF THE FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY IN BELGAUM

Common shared infrastructure for collection, grading, packing

and transportation

Most of the units in Belgaum district are isolated and located at a significant

distance from Belgaum. Because of this every- fanner incurs an additional

expenditure towards transportation. Further due to lack of pooi~ facilities for

grading and packing much of the produce will lose its quality and therefore the



price offered in the markets goes down by many folds. As such, establishment of

one common facility will help to consolidate the produce, to grade based on the

variety and quality and to reduce overhead charges. The cost of operation and

maintenance will be divided among the fanners. This common facility will go a

long way in enhancing the quality of flowers, and also in increasing the income of

the flower growers. For establishing this common facility, a portion of land may be

requested from the Horticultural Farm, Kanabargi, University of Agricultural

Sciences, Dharwad which is within the city limits of Belgaum or the proposed land

near Khanapur for developing Horticulture Research Centre may be utilized. In this

regard Government authority may be requested for funding for the development of

infrastructure needed for post harvest handling which includes refrigerated vans,

grading and packing center, cold storage unit, etc. For technical support, the

services of K.R.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi (UAS, Dharwad). and State

Dept.of Horticulture will be utilized..



DEVELOPMENT OF HI-TECH HORTICULTURAL

RESEARCH AND TRAINING CENTER

Belgaum and its surrounding places are well known for horticulture crops.

The main crops grown in and around Belgaum are mango, coconut, cashew nut,

banana and areca nut.

At present, there is no Horticulture Research Centre near Belgaum to carry

out research work. Establishment of hi-tech horticulture research and training center

will meet the requirements and demands of the growers of horticultural crops in and

around Belgaum district. This can be established in the proposed area near

Khanapur. This can take care of the development of production technologies needed

for different horticultured crops and also the planting material required by the

growers. The objectives of the hi-tech research and training center are as follows.

1. Production and supply of planting material

2. Research and development - this will be established in about 50 acres.

3. Training and human resource development activity

4. Providing technical know how and demonstration, extension services.



MODEL FLORICULTURE CENTRE

It is very essential to establish a Model Floriculture Centre at Kanabargi

Horticultural Farm, Belgaum and in the proposed new Horticulture Research Centre

near Khanapur. At this center, provision will be made to maintain flower crops by

following newly developed technologies and thrust will be given to most wanted

flowers such as rose, carnation, gerbera, anthurium. This Model Floriculture Centre

will also be utilized as demonstration unit for the growers.

TRAINING CENTRE

Model Floriculture Centre will be utilized for training growers, consumers

and traders involved in the floriculture industry. Training involves transfer of

technology concerning right from the planting material, planting, cultivation of post

harvest technology involved in grading, packing and transportation to marketing.

HI-TECH HORTICULTURE PARK

The development of hi-tech horticulture park in the proposed new

Horticulture Research Centre near Khanapur will be a place for the growers to

cultivate the crops by giving the information pertaining to all the activities of

floriculture industry at a common place. This will helps in bringing down the cost

of production per unit basis and ultimately our produce will be more competitive in

the world markets. This will be possible because of sharing of common facilities for

transport, packaging, grading and storage by making availability of agri inputs and



also by marketing on the farm itself by establishing agri input center and auction

sale center within the center.



ACTION PLAN

Supply of planting material

Planting material/varieties which can be adoptable to the Belgaum and

surrounding places will be developed to supply quality planting material at a lower

cost. This include the following :

a. Propagation of different flower types and also other horticultural crops

b. Introduction of new and latest varieties developed elsewhere.

For this, genes blocks for different crops, nursery units, tissue culture labs,

hardening structures have to be created.

Development of agri information center

One of the main objective of this hi-tech horticulture, research and training

center is to establish agri information center to provide complete marketing support

through a well developed strategy based on regular market intelligence and inputs.

Dissemination of marketing information is very critical for success of marketing of

any horticultural produce. Hence, it is proposed to set up a state of the art

agriculture information center, which has to be maintained by the Nodal agency.

The information of various international practices, technologies of growing of

crops, harvesting, transportation of horticulture produce etc. and latest R&D

initiatives are made available to growers in grading, bunching and packaging

centers and to exporters. Necessary equipments and facilities like computers,



telephone line/ V sat link software, power generating system, furniture etc. will be

provided.

MODEL FLORICULTURE CENTRE

Technical know how, demonstration, extension and training in recent

technology is always an advantage to increase the production and also the profit to

the growers. In the area of production center it is obvious that the technologies are

transferred at a low cost. So in order to facilitate administration, extension and

training services to the growers it is proposed to set up model floriculture center. In

this center, regular extension and training activities will be taken up at regular

intervals and the training will be organized to the growers particularly to the

growers who are entering the floriculture industry with regard to information right

from the planting material to the marketing including production, maintenance of

units, erection, post-harvest technology etc. At the center all the export oriented

flower crops will be established and maintained with recent and advanced;

technologies under protected structures. For this, different types of protected

structures are erected and used for growing flower crops and raising nursery.



Training

Kittur Rani Channamma of Horticulture, Arabhavi will organize a regular

training programmes for technology dissemination covering the following:

1. Selection of crops / variety.

2. Production aspects covering land preparation, nursery, planting erection etc.

3. Aspects covering harvesting, handling and post harvest management needed

for the individual flower crops will be given in order to supply the produce

to the consumers which will be to the freshly harvested ones.

4. Disease and pest management.

5. Maintenance of various protected structures, nursery and farm equipments.

6. Grading and standardization of post harvest treatments, advice on

packaging, bunching and transportation.

This training will be sandwiched programme. Course work will be carried

out at K.R.C. College of Horticulture and the practicals will be at Model

Floriculture Centre. Facilities required like infrastructure like protected structures,

class and audiovisual room, hostels, audio visual aids, vehicles etc. will be created



Establishment of common post harvest platform

The post harvest activities include collection, grading, sorting, post harvest,

bunching, packing, cold chain including cold rooms and AC vans. By the

establishing this center, individual growers will get benefited from this facility by

utilizing this common facility. Flowers individual growers can be marketed in

auction sale center.

Once the product is collected it would be taken to well equipped state of art,

post harvest center with facilities for grading, sorting, post-harvest treatment,

bunching, packing and storage.

Post harvest center with facilities for grading and sorting, post harvest

treatment bunching, packaging and storage is required. The post harvest center will

have a cold storage units, pre cooling chamber, grading, sorting of trolleys,

refrigerators etc. The railway authorities have to be requested to add refrigerated

luggage van/bogy to the trains to Mumbai and Delhi markets.



Establishment of Hi-tech Park

There is a need to develop Hi-tech park so as to provide space for growers

for growing export oriented flower crops. This can be done by developing in about

30 acres of land at the proposed Hi-tech Horticulture research and training center.

In this proposed park space for units ranging from 10 guntas 20 guntas have to be

developed and distributed to the growers on lease basis. By providing space for a

group of farmers at a common place will facilitate easy dissemination of

information, sharing of common facilities, reduction in the transportation facilities

and easy marketing availability of agri inputs at one point. This definitely will

increase the profits of the growers.

Establishment of auction sale centre

At present, the flowers are being sent to different domestic markets

individually by road and by trains and involving middlemen who will take away

major share which sometimes ranges from 30-50 percent, of the returns. Hence,

establishment of auction sale center at Belgaum will definitely increases the

profitability of the growers. This will be maintained by the Horti-Flori Association.

Facilities such as space, equipments, information center, furniture will be created.



Establishment of Hi-tech Horticulture Research and Training

Centre

Research and development center should always find place in any of the

industry, particularly so in floriculture industry-. In the beginning, most, of the

technologies were barrowed ones suited only for cold regions, which resulted in

problems in maintaining the hi-tech

structures, in maintaining the quality of the produce and so on. This is mainly

because of variation in the climatic conditions prevailing in the western countries as

compared to Indian conditions. To overcome this there is a need to develop our own

technology suitable to our climatic conditions. Further, there is also a need to

develop graded technology needed for different categories of growers. In this

regard, it is proposed to utilize the Kanabargi Horticulture Research Station,

Belgaum and proposed new horticulture research station nearby Khanapur. In this

proposed research center, facilities have to be created for developing basic facilities

like water and land, and hi-tech structures like greenhouses, misthouses,

shadehouses, coldstorage, packaging and grading centre etc. K.R.C. College of

Horticulture is having sufficient technical manpower and only needs Research

Associates/ Sr. Research Fellow, Field Assistants, and other supporting staff on



temporary basis. Creation of basic facilities include staff quarters, office building,

store rooms, cold storage units, office and field equipments, furniture, establishing

gene blocks, nurseries, protected structures, electrification, land development, bio-

technology lab, class rooms, audio-visual aids etc.

AGENCIES INVOLVED

1. K.R.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi

K.P.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, which comes under the IJAS,

Dharwad will take major responsibility in establishing Hi-tech Horticulture

Research and Training Centre which comprises common shared infrastructure,

Model Floriculture Centre, Training Centre, Research and Development and

Information Centre, Hi-tech Horticulture Park. It will be a nodal agency for

coordinating all these activities. Auction Sale Centre and Hi-tech, Horticulture park

will be managed by the Horti-FIori Association of Belgaum. The role of

K.R.C.College of Horticulture will be;

1. To function as nodal agency

2. To identify the problems and to develop suitable R & D technology to the

problems.

3. To train the entrepreneurs regarding production, post-harvest management

and marketing

4. To multiply and supply planting materials needed by the farmers.



5. Demonstration of developed technologies at different research institutes

2. State Department of Horticulture

Staff Department of Horticulture will be actively involved in dissemination

of new technologies and in organizing assistance from State and Central

Governments and other funding agencies. Further, it is responsible for organizing

extension activities such as seminars, field days, field visits, tours to get marketing

information to acquaint new technologies etc.

3. Horti-Flori Association, Belgaum

Horti-Flori Association will be the managing agency for the common shared

infrastructure and Hi-tech Horticulture Park and running the auction sale center.



ADMINISTRATION

Entire project will be administered by District Committee headed by The

Deputy Commissioner, Director of Instruction (Hort), KRCCH, Arabhavi, Deputy

Director of Horticulture, Belgaum, Joint Director of Horticulture (Floriculture),

Lalbagh, Bangalore, Chairman, Horti-Flori Association and CEO of Zilla Panchayat

as members.



FUNDS REQUIRED AT A GLANCE

(Rs. in crores)

SI. No.

Particulars Cost per unit

Total cost for

2 years

1 Administrative charges, vehicles, office equipments, manpower, office building etc.

0.50 1.00

2 Development of Agri Information Centre, cultivation, market information, international prices

0.15 0.15

3 Model Floriculture Centre, infrastructure 1.50 *2.00

4 Establishment of Hi-tech Horticulture Research Centre

1.50 *2.00

5 Demonstration and training 0.50 *1.00

6 Extension activities such as field days, field visits, tours etc.

0.15 0.35

7 Post-harvest management center 2.00 2.00

8 Auction sale center 1.50 1.50

9 Establishment of Hi-tech Park 5.00 5.00

10 Agri input center 0.50 0.50

Total 13.30 15.50

* includes maintenance charges for 2 years



Post Harvest Management

Introduction

The extension of vase life of cut flowers involves the co-ordination of two

processes :

1. The stage of bud growth and development of flowers to full opening,

and

2. The stage of maturation, ands wilting.

There are certain measurers, which guarantee longer lasting cut flowers and

are required to be followed by the producer or Greenhouse manager especially for

High-tech. Floriculturists.

They include :

Harvesting at proper maturity stage and time.

Proper refrigeration

Use of floral preservative

Use of high quality water (without any salt or toxic substances)

Sanitation

Temperature management during transport



Recutting of stems

Proper handling of flowers right from harvest to the market.

Without correct post harvest-handling all flowers will be ruined before reaching the

customer.

Harvesting

Holding room 12-160c

Cooling 20c to 40c

Deleafing

Sorting & Grading

Bunching

Packing

Precooling

Dispatch



HARVESTING :

Proper maturity is the major factor governing post harvest life of cut

flowers. It is estimated that about 70% of the potential lasting quality of many cut

flowers is predetermined at harvest. Harvesting stage, method and time play an

important role in this regard. Maturity differs according to the type of flower to be

harvested. Nearly all the cut flowers should be harvested early in the morning or

late in the afternoon. In Roses harvesting is done at tight bud stage when colour is

fully developed and petal have yet not started unfolding. Standard Carnations are

harvested when the outer petal unfold nearly perpendicular to the stem. Spray types

are harvested when two flowers are open the bud shows colour. Gerbera flowers are

generally harvest when the outer two row of disc floret are perpendicular to the

stalk.

The commercial picking maturity of flowers is influenced by season,

environment, distance to market and specific consumer requirement. Cut flowers in

the bud stage are easier to handle, less susceptible to environmental conditions like

high temperature and ethylene. Roses and Gerberas harvested in immature stage

will not open or will subject to drooping of neck (bent neck.) The cut flower are

placed in good quality water held in plastic buckets immediately after harvesting.



They should be shifted to AC room (18 to 200C) within 30 minutes then

shifted to precooling unit (8 to 100C) for 30 minute after that it will be transported

to 20C, In case of capsicum the temperature of cold storage required 160C

approximately

HANDLING :

For obtaining better prices, best quality flowers need to be selected.

Important aspects to be considered critically are size of the flower, its shape, colour,

maturity, free from pest and diseases. A major disease after harvest of the cut

flower is Botrytis which can be controlled after or before harvest by fungicides or

cooling by avoiding water condensation on the flower. Delay post harvest handling

leads to quality deterioration. Hence rapid post harvest handling is essential. In case

of roses, the cut flower is deleafed with the help of a machine, which includes

removal of leaves and thorn on the stalk. By the process of deleafing the energy

wasted through transpiration is reduced is considerably thereby improving post

harvest life of flower stalk are blunt which otherwise create difficulties during

handling and packing.

PRECOOLING :

Cool temperature extends flower life by lowering & transpiration rate and

water loss and also reducing the ethylene production. Procooling is done to remove

field heat from the produce to reduce flower temperature quickly.



In room cooling, the flowers are cooled by placing the flowers held in

buckets in a cooler. In later methods the flowers are packed in perforated box,

which are subjected to cool air blast for certain period in closed room. The

temperature range should be in between. 1.7 to 40C It takes about 30 minutes to

cool the flower on forced cooling depending on the flower type. The success of

precooling depends upon the proper temperature and relative humidity (90-95%).

COLD STORAGE :

After procooling treatment the temperature of the flowers (field heat)

removed completely this treatment is necessary before keeping the flowers in

coldstorage to avoid the cold injury. Flowers should be transported immediately in

to cold storage for minimum 6-7hrs. At 2-3 degree centigrade, with stems dipping

in water. However, maximum period of the storage ability depends upon the

cultivars and the quality of the bloom. The stems wither very rapidly in cold

storage. The cut roses can be stored up to 3-4 days maximum without affecting the

vase life of flowers.

DEALEAFING :

The leaves from the lower portion of the stem (4-5 cm) are removed by

manually or by machine and stems are put in buckets containing bleaching powder

(chlorine) 20 mg/lit or (20ppm) and citric acid 40mg/lit (40 ppm)



Chlorine disinfects the stem and minimize the microbial growth in the water

which otherwise will reduce the shelf life of the flower. Citric acid reduces the pH

of water (it should be up to 3-3.5) it helps for the uptake of water and citric acid add

sugar which act as food for the flowers.

GRADING :

After cooling, the stems are shifted to air-conditioned grading room. In the

grading room, defective stems with blemishes or symptom of diseases of pest

infestation are removed. The stems are sorted out at different grades of length by

colour coded board or by automatic grading machine. The quality parameter for

grading is as follows,

1. Long stemmed varieties are graded from 40cm onwards with the difference

of 7cm whereas short stemmed varieties are graded from 35cm to 50cm with

the difference of 7cm or in the level grading stems should be consider of

same follows,

2. Leaves should be dark green and healthy. There should not be any

yellowing due to micronutrient deficiency, Leaves should be free of dust,

chemical residue, chemical injury, damage by spider mites or powdery

mildew etc.

3. The flower should not be bullhead, too open, too tight, with bent neck,

damaged by thrips or botrytis etc.

4. Bud size should be representative to the variety.

5. The length of the neck should not be too much.



BUNCHING :

The graded stems are made in to bundles of 20 each and tied loosely with

rubber band. The bud should be rapped with 2-ply soft corrugated paper (white or

brown) and tied loosely with rubber band to secure the bud in position. The

wrapping paper should project at least 2-3 cm above the bunch to protect the bud

from thorns or from coming in contact with the box.

There are two different types of bunching

1) Staggered bunching : this type of bunching is very useful to avoid damage to

the buds by mutual pressure two different levels are packed in the same bundle. E.g.

generally for long stem variety and having bigger bud size flower this method is

useful.

2) Level head bunching : The stems which can be packed keeping all the bud in

the same level. This method is used in short stem variety and having small bud size

flowers.



PACKING & TRANSPORT OF THE FLOWER :

The flower bunches are packed in 5-ply boxes in such way that flower heads

faces in opposite direction i.e. towards the width. The bunches should be placed in a

row along with the width. The second layer is placed opposite to the first layer.

In the packing box the layers of the flowers are covered with soft paper.

Some growers use newspaper to cover the stems but care should be taken to ensure

that the newsprint does not leave mark on the stems. After packing the flowers, the

box is closed with the lid and strapped properly. Mixing of the stems of varying

lengths in the box should be avoided. The stem should be tightly held in the boxes

so that they are not subjected to jerk movements during transport. The boxes should

properly marked with symbols 'Fresh flowers' on both sides so that they are handled

with care at the airport. Besides, the boxes should have stickers indicating name of

the variety, stem length, qty, in nos, date of dispatch, gross wt., of the box.

The dimensions of the packing box vary with the numbers and stem length

and also the colours of boxes vary from grower to grower.



Generally, the empty packing boxes are procooled by placing them open in

the cold rooms but the most efficient system is forced air cooling wherein cool air is

forced in to the boxes through the vent (holes) in the sides of the boxes. When the

boxes are taken out to the cold room, the vents are closed with self-adhesive BOOP

tape or flap to avoid heating of the flowers. Vents are, however, kept open if the

flowers are transported through the refrigerated truck, to facilitate the circulation of

cold air through the boxes.

Boxes size (corrugated cardboard cartoon) – 120 x 45 x 25 cm (Rose) – 600

stems

Boxes size (corrugated cardboard cartoon) – 122 x 50 x 30 cm (Carnation) –

800 stems

Boxes size (corrugated cardboard cartoon) – 100 x 30 x 10 cm (Gerbera) –

50 stems



Marketing of Cut Flower

Introduction

Flowers symbolize beauty, purity, honesty, and divinity. There are wise

references on flowers in ancient Indian literature glorifying their importance.

Flowers have become such as integral part of our civilization, culture and

inseparable in any sphere of our activities. On any occasion, either happiness or

sorrow, flowers are considered as the finest and dignified form of expression.

In India the area under floriculture is also increasing year after year.

However, Karnataka rank first during this period in production amongst the states

in the country followed by Maharasthra, Andra Pradesh, and West Bengal.

There is an ever-increasing demand for floriculture products. Cutflowers

contribute nearly 60% of the total floricultural products in global market. In the

developing countries consumers spirit become more romantic, cheerful with

flowers, fragrances and flavors. Commercial floriculture is of recent development in

India. Due to popularity of foreign T.V. channels, thrust on Tourism and Hotel



industry, Indians are being increasingly attracted to western style, As a result, cut

flowers are now funding more buyers for social functions and day to day interior

decoration.

Floriculture trade is a lucrative business and more so the cutflower trade.

Cutflower industry is a multimillion – dollar business involving 140 countries. The

International trade in cutflower is increasing and an 11% increase was registered

between 1995-2000. The main importing countries are Germany, U.S.A., U.K.,

France and Netherlands whereas Netherlands, Columbia, israil and Kenaya are

major exporting countries.

Consumption of flowers in world varies from country to country. In

European countries, 50% flowers purchased are used as gifts and 30% are used for

self consumption. In U.S.A. flowers are generally purchased on special occasions.

In Japan the flowers are used for business purpose also. In Germany particularly in

East Germany 64% of demand is for self-use. In France about 44% demand for

flower is in the form bouquets.

In India major cut flowers of commercial importance are rose, gladoli,

tubrose, carnation, crysathmum, gebera, lily, marigold, etc. The present, state of

High-Tech floriculture in India constitute of rose with 80% and the rest is

contributed by Gerbera, Carnation, Orchid, Anthurium etc in export and domestic

markets.



The production and marketing of cut flowers in India also undergo

revolutionary changes brining high-tech farm with imported technology and

planting material so as to meet the demand of International market.

In India with its vast, diverse physiography and agro ecological niches

allowing to grow varied flowers and foliage ornamental plants, proximity to

importing countries, Government's policy to identify it is an extreme focus thrust

area, the future of flower industry in the country appears to be very bright.



COMMON QUALITY STANDARDS FOR CUTFLOWERS

I. Definition of Produce

These standards should apply to fresh cut flowers and flowers buds of a kind

suitable for bouquets or for ornamental purpose.

II Quality Requirements

A. Minimum requirement :

Produce must have been carefully cut or picked, according to the species,

and have reached an appropriate stage of the growth :

B. Classification :

(i) Class I :

Produce in this class must be a good quality. It must have the characteristics

of the species. It must have the characteristic of the species and where appropriate

of the variety (cultivars).

All parts of the cut flower must be :

- Whole

- Fresh



- Free of animal or vegetable parasites

- Free of residues of pesticides

- Uncrushed

- Free of development (for carnation split calyx is not considered as a defect

of development.

(ii) Class II :

This class shall include all produce, which does not meet all the

requirements of Class-I All parts of the cut flower must be :

- Whole

- Fresh

- Free of animal parasite

The flower may, however, have the following defects :

- Slightly malformation

- Slight brushing

- Slight damage caused

- Weaker, less rigid stem

- Small mark caused, by treatment with pesticide

(iii) Extra Class :

produce, which qualities for the Class I without the aid of any quality tolerance,

marked extra

(III) Special provisions :



The special provision for certain type of flowers shall over ride this provision

(IV) Sizing

For cut flower sizing must comply at least with the following scale :-

Code Length (stem length)

20 20-30 cm

30 30-40 cm

60 60-80 cm

80 80-100 cm

These lengths include the flower head

(v) Quality Tolerance :

Quality tolerance shall be permitted in each unit of presentation as follows

Class I :

5% of the cut flowers may have slight defects, on condition that the

uniformity of the flowers in a unit of presentation is not affected.

Class II :



10% of the cutflowers may vary from the requirement of the class half of the

this percentage may have been attacked by the parasites of animal or vegetable

origin

SPECIFICATION OF CUTFLOWERS (VBN OCT. 2000)

1) Minimum Requirements for Trade

Internal quality

1) Pre-Treatment

2) Pre-Treatment with STS

3) Pre-Treatment with chlorine OR aluminum sulphate

4) Pre-Treatment with quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Gibberline, sugar.

Penalty

External quality

1) Minimum Quality

2) Ripensess

2) Quality and grading Criteria

A) Quality and grading Criteria

1) Quality and Grading criteria per batch



2) Requirements and Quality comments

3) Supplemental grading requirements per batch

i) Grading according to Length

ii) Grading according to Weight

iii) Grading on the basis of different characteristics (ripness, number

of flower bud)

B) Quality groups based on Grade codes

1) Quality codes

2) Division in to quality groups

C) Grade Code

3. Packing Requirements

1) General

2) Loading

4. Identification requirements

1) Consignment Note

2) Product Label

3) Penalty



There are no magic answers for running a profitable floriculture business.

Everything you do in business must start with a "marketing philosophy" to MEET

YOUR CUSTOMERS' NEEDS, not merely to sell products. Your crop mix is the

primary vehicle for you to transform your marketing opportunity into customer

loyalty, growth in sales and, most importantly, profits.

Market research is key. Before you plant anything, do some research about

potential markets so you will have a better idea of what to grow and where to sell.

Look for trends, talk to other growers, visit farmers' markets and florists to get an

idea of what's available and what is not, what sells and what gets tossed. Some

things to consider that can make selling flowers easier are product quality, customer

service, pricing, and record keeping. Timing is also critical. The best time to find

buyers product is not during the busiest part of the season (July-August) when you

are harvesting.

Product Quality and Presentation Harvest quality products and be sure to put

your best foot forward when you present them to customers. Make sure everything



you are selling is fresh and of high quality. First impressions are crucial. Whether at

a flower stand, in the back of your truck/van, in a bucket, or on the farm your

operation should look good. keep your products and even your tools and equipment

organized and clean. Be aware that you may need to develop harvest standards

(e.g., the number of stems per bunch, or the number of florets per stem, Etc.) for

you and your buyers because standards for most locally grown flowers may be

lacking.

Due to the highly perishable nature of their product, fresh cut flower

growers must develop an intensive marketing strategy. When considering selling to

wholesale or retail florists, some important questions to ask them are: What

problems do you have with current sources and product? What bunch weight or

stem count do you expect at what price? What size flower or seed head and stem

length are most desirable? What varieties are purchased most often? How should

the material be packaged?

Wholesale markets require larger volumes of flowers and growers receive

lower prices per stem. The greatest benefit of wholesaling is that a grower has an

established market for the product and doesn't have to spend a lot of time finding

individual customers. There aren't many growers who would choose to sell

exclusively to a wholesaler, however. The prices just aren't that good. Growers

thinking of selling to a wholesaler should visit them to see what kinds of products

they offer. Because wholesalers do most of their business in the morning, they will



have more time for talking with growers in the afternoon. One important point to

clarify with wholesalers is transport: will the wholesaler pick up flowers from your

door, will you deliver to his door, or will you ship?

Although direct marketing can offer the benefit of higher prices, this

strategy requires additional time and expense. The range of possibilities for direct

marketing includes retail florists, farmer's markets, bucket shops, street corners and

craft fairs

Local, niche markets are often the best choice for small growers. Selling to

local retail florists is one of the best marketing strategies.

Growers may find it advantages to develop a mixture of marketing avenues.

For instance, a grower may decide to sell fresh cut flowers to retail or wholesale

florists and at the farmers' market. This way, growers could sell long stems to

florists and shorter stems to buyers at the farmers' market. Selling at the farmers

market would also increase short-term cash flow, since wholesalers usually pay

their accounts only once a month.

Finally, it is becoming increasingly more important to keep tabs on your

competition to stay ahead. If you offer only what your competitor offers, there is

little reason for a customer to deal with you unless you have the lowest price.



For Exploring the local market the requirements are :

- knowledge of the 12 main flowers in the market and their ranking (turnover)

- Please specify the ranking of the colours according to the demand in the

local market.

- He should know that the market prefers certain verities.

- Rose : Red : First Red (50%), Grand Gala

For export market :

- knowledge of the 10 main flowers in the market and their ranking

(turnover).



CONCLUSION

Growing cut flowers can be a profitable business for the small scale

producer. People like and will buy flowers. They can add beauty to your farm and

home. Flowers can fit in both organic and conventional systems. You can tailor the

size of your operation to the amount of time that you wish to devote. As with any

new business, you should first establish your market. We recommend that you start

small to see what works for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Valuable

information is available from the extension service, the internet, workshops and

conferences, and, of course, from other growers.


a project report on establishment of hightech floriculture park in belgaum with reference of horti a

Documents

belgaum scenario

establishment park

need of floriculture

major market

number of floriculture

major exporting countries

research designtitle

international market