Karnataka’s Horticulture Department has announced an innovative initiative to mitigate the losses faced by flower farmers due to market fluctuations and excess supply. In a collaborative effort with the International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB), the department will establish a flower processing centre aimed at transforming unsold flowers into a variety of valuable products.
Introduction of Flower Processing Centre
The upcoming flower processing centre is a strategic response to the challenges faced by flower cultivators, particularly during times of surplus production or market disturbances. By converting excess flowers into an array of value-added products, the centre will provide an alternative revenue stream for farmers, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability within the floriculture sector.
Value-Added Products from Flowers
The incubation centre will specialize in the creation of several innovative products derived from flowers. Among these are floral papers, which can be used for crafting and stationery; natural dyes, sought after in the textile and art industries; and flower petal powder, which has applications in the cosmetics industry. Additionally, the centre will produce incense sticks, an item with high demand in both domestic and international markets. Other creative products include floral arts, floral embedded works, and silica-stored flowers, which preserve the beauty of fresh blooms for extended periods.
Supporting Farmers Through Innovation
The rationale behind setting up the flower processing centre is deeply rooted in the need to support local farmers. By learning how to convert flowers into various useful products, farmers can minimize their losses significantly. The facility will be equipped to handle all types of flowers, ensuring that no species is left out of the value addition process. This initiative is particularly timely, considering the substantial losses incurred by flower growers during lockdown periods when they had no choice but to discard large quantities of their produce.
State-of-the-Art Facility at IFAB
The establishment of this centre at the premises of IFAB is scheduled for completion by March or April of the current year. The choice of location leverages IFAB’s existing infrastructure and expertise in the flower business, thereby ensuring that the processing centre is set up in an environment already conducive to floriculture activities.
Impact of COVID-19 on Flower Farmers
The urgency of such an initiative has been underscored by the recent pandemic-related lockdowns, which have caused significant financial losses for flower farmers. With the closure of markets and the cancellation of events, growers were left with no option but to throw away tonnes of flowers, including marigold, jasmine, aster, tuberose, firecracker (kanakambara), chrysanthemum, gladiolus, gerberas, carnations, gomphrena (chendu hoovu), and roses. The processing centre aims to prevent such wastage in the future by providing a viable alternative for unsold flowers.
Karnataka’s Floriculture Landscape
Karnataka plays a pivotal role in India’s floriculture industry, accounting for 14% of the country’s total area under flower cultivation. With approximately 18,000 hectares dedicated to flower farming, the state is a significant contributor to India’s position in the global flower market. The introduction of the flower processing centre is expected to strengthen this position further by adding value to the floricultural products and enhancing the resilience of the sector against market volatility.