l Floriculture Today April 2017
April 2017
Floriculture Today l
l Floriculture Today April 2017
April 2017
Floriculture Today l
Contents
8
Editorial
v Cover Story
10 International Flora Expo Brought together the Industry Giants v
Award
20 Silver Jubilee Celebration of Indian Floriculture Industry and Awards Function Concluded Successfully
v Environment 46 A Tribute to the Indian Orchid — Vidya Ram v Profile 48 Use Plantina Save Water v Nursery Business 51 Sri Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens Spreading Greenery 54 Satyadeva Nursery A brand for quality & best service v
Company Info
v MEDICINAL PLANT 30 Rhododendron Arboreum Smith A valuable medicinal and ornamental tree offers high potential for commercialisation & value addition — Mamta Bohra, P. Chakradhar and B.P. Nautiyal
56 Handling and Supplying High Quality Healthy Plants
v National Flower 38 Rhododendron The National Flower of Nepal
v News 60 Flower Show Comes as much-needed Breather at Du 61 Indian Consultant Helps Growers through Innovation
v 40
Greenhouse Scientific Designingand Construction of Greenhouse Pays — R. K. Gupta and Vinod Sharma April 2017 2017 l Floriculture Today March
58 Setting New Standard in Export Quality
April 2017
Floriculture Today l
www.floriculturetoday.in
Chief Editor: S Jafar Naqvi Consulting Editor T.V. Satyanarayanan Sub-Editor Rummana Zaidi Chief Coordinator: M.B. Naqvi Editorial Coordinator: Syed M K
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bangalore.mtpl@gmail.com Chennai 9941130277 mediatodaychennai@gmail.com Admn. & Marketing Office MEDIA TODAY PVT. LTD. J-73, Paryavaran Complex, Neb Sarai, IGNOU Road, New Delhi-110068, India Phone : 91-11-29535593 / 64519106 / 65655264 E-mail: FloricultureToday@gmail.com Web. : www.mediatoday.in Subscription India : 1 Year Rs. 1000/- by Normal Post Rs. 1300/- by Courier 2 Years Rs. 1850/- by Normal Post Rs. 2450/- by Courier Overseas: US$ 120 for 1 Year US$ 230 for 2 Years Single Copy in India : Rs. 100/Single Copy Cost for Overseas : US$10 Printed, published and owned by M.B. Naqvi, Printed at Everest Press, E-49/8, Okhla Industrial Area Ph-II, New Delhi - 110 020 and Published from E-11/47 A, New Colony, Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi-110017 (INDIA) Editor : S. Jafar Naqvi Vol 21 ....... Issue 11....... April 2017
l Floriculture Today April 2017
O
Edit orial
ne of the major tourist attractions in Kashmir -- Tulip Garden -- formally opens on April 1 this time, against the backdrop of changing colours of the Valley to herald the spring. The ‘Tulip Festival’, as it is called, the major event spread over 15 days, is designed by the State this time as part of the effort to revive tourism, which took a hit during the recent unrest in the Valley. Acknowledged as one of the most popular flower festivals in India, the event always draws thousands of national and international tourists, who can feast their eyes on the beauty of flowering tulips in vibrant and variegated colours – over sixty varieties of them – in the sprawling five-hectare garden in Srinagar in the foothills of Zabarwan range, overlooking the famous Dal Lake. A blend of natural and cultural heritage, the mega Tulip Festival “will be part of ‘Bahaare-Kashmir’ (spring in Kashmir) event to showcase Asia’s largest tulip garden, says Farooq Ahmad Shah, Secretary (Tourism and Floriculture) of the government of Jammu and Kashmir. The festival features a number of cultural programmes as well. Colorful kiosks and stalls have been put up for sale of handicrafts and specialty foods of the Valley with traditional ethnic taste. On the sidelines of this major event will be an ’Aalmi Mushaira’ event which would be the first of its kind at this festival. Tulips in the Srinagar garden started blooming in advance this year. Usually the flowers appear towards the end of March, but this time due to rise in temperature in the first week of March tulips started flowering earlier and the garden was informally thrown open to visitors on March 20. Tulips are very delicate and sensitive plants and they can grow in specific weather conditions. March-end is usually considered ideal for these flowers to bloom and some of the varieties are among the first to bloom in the Valley. This garden in Srinagar was earlier known as Siraj Bagh, which was developed and expanded in 2005 by the then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Its inaugural opening was three years later. For developing this garden, tulip bulbs were imported from Holland, the land of tulips, as it is called. The garden has now over a million flowers in different hues. There are flower lovers who are regular visitors to this garden every year to take part in this festival. Said one of them, “Last year, I saw the tulips bloom on April 8, when I was here, but this year my friend from Srinagar asked me to advance the visit as the tulips started booming in large numbers much earlier.” Besides Srinagar, another well- known tulip garden in India is located in the Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan in the national capital. Tulip gets its name from a Persian word meaning ‘turban’, indicating the shape of the flower. Historians have recorded that cultivated tulips came to Holland in the 16th century thanks to Carolus Clusius, a famous biologist. He received the bulbs from his friend Ogier Ghiselain de Busbecq , the ambassador to Constantinople (present day Istambul). Clusius planted them in his garden and this marked the beginning of Holland’s romance with tulips. Enchanted by the beauty of the flower, many stole the bulbs from the garden on a regular basis. Today, tulips and their bulbs have become a major trading product in Royal Flora Holland’s four market- places, the largest of them being Aalsmeer, which conducts flower auctions five days a week. Comments are welcome at: editorialmtpl@gmail.com
Views expressed by individuals and contributors in the magazine are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Floriculture Today editorial board. Floriculture Today does not accept any responsibility of any direct, indirect or consequential damage caused to any party due to views expressed by any one or more persons in the trade. All disputes are to be referred to Delhi Jurisdiction only. .....Editor
April 2017
Floriculture Today l
Cover Story
I
International Flora Expo brought together the Industry giants
t was a riot of colours — flowers, both traditional and new, providing a feast to the eyes of visitors from far and near. True to expectations, the 12th International Flora Expo organised by Media Today Group set up a series of records. The number of participating companies, the area occupied by displaying stalls and product profile touched a new high. The 3-Day Expo, which began on 24th February at the sprawling Hindustan Antibiotic Exhibition Ground in Pimpri - Chinchwad in Pune, brought together a large number of international suppliers of flowers who got an opportunity to interact with importers, dealers, buyers, retailers and florists, and exchanged information on new trends in floral trade. The occasion marked the completion of 25 years of the glorious growth of India’s commercial floriculture. As part of silver jubilee celebration, jointly hosted by the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals (ISFP) and Flora Expo organizers presented awards to honour industry stalwarts, who have made contribution to the growth of this sector. Indian Horticulture industry was modernized as a result of her Commercial Floriculture revolution that started around 1992. India’s first Export Oriented Flower project was established in 1991 at Maval Taluka, Pune by Tata group. The sector completed 25 glorious years of Indian
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floriculture industry this year. By the year 2005, India got its very own international floriculture trade fair named Flora Expo & Horti Expo supported by Ministry of Agriculture, APEDA and National Horticulture Board. This development led to the introduction on a larger scale of climate controlled greenhouses for high value fresh produce cultivation including exotic fruits & vegetables. As per the trade sources, the contribution of India in global flower industry is astounding. Pune has become a major nerve centre for international breeders and planting material suppliers and the ultra - modern tissue culture labs for horticulture
and floriculture industry. In nursery and garden centers trade, it is a major producer of high quality ornamental flowers, trees and pot plants, it also caters to the demand of emerging landscape and vertical gardening industry. It also enjoys a location advantage of being close to Mumbai, where India’s biggest perishable cargo complex exists, enabling quick export of these products. Resourcefulness by the Government of India The activity had been supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and its departments, Mission for Integrated
Cover Story
Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Horticulture Board and National Centre for Cold-chain Development, National Mission for Micro Irrigation. Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Food Processing & Packaging Machinery Industry Association, Irrigation Association of India, National Medicinal Plant Board, Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Industry Association (India), and Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association. Under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) schemes, State Horticulture Departments have been supporting the farmers, and encouraging them to adopt modern technologies. This will increase their
productivity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for them. At the International FLORA EXPO 2017, there were more than 150 companies who participated in the Expo with numerous displays of plants and flowers. The Flora Expo attracted professionals from over many countries around the world including leading ones namely Netherlands, Japan, UAE, USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, and other South East Asian and African countries like Korea, Sri Lanka and Egypt. The Exposition emerged as South Asia’s premier meeting ground for various business dealings in the sector. The International FLORA EXPO 2017 seemed to be the ideal platform to expand business into new markets both in India and other South Asian Countries. For International Exhibitors, 12th International Flora Expo 2017 was the gateway to realize
the huge potential of South Asian market as year - round supplier and consumer. An abundantly informative conference also held at the event highlighting the opportunities and challenges of the Floriculture Industry. The idea behind organizing the conference was to analyze the strategies to harness the potential opportunities. This rare combination of the industry and academia helped in discussing the latest trends and researches from the field. Divided into four technical sessions, it covered each and every aspect of the sector. It provided a chance tot the delegates to interact with each other and share their valuable experiences. Inaugural Session The event had an inaugural session with a welcome address by S Jafar Naqvi, Chief Coordinator, Flora Expo. The chief
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Cover Story
coordinator S. Jafar Naqvi, said, flowers are unique things. A person can say no to chocolates but definitely not to flowers. They bring a smile to every face and are meant for everyone for every occasion. He further added that Maharashtra is a leading state in commercial horticulture and floriculture. Then a recollection of 25 years of Indian Floriculture Industry was presented by Praveen Sharma, President, ISFP. Furthermore, the program got orated by Arvind K Gupta, Advisor APEDA (Chief Guest) and Ing. Christian Vos Schluter, Editor, Floramarket Global, Spain. Technical Sessions The Inaugural Session was followed by number of Technical Sessions. The Technical Session 1 was themed about International Marketing of Floriculture Crops. Prime movers of well-known
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corporations shared their views-on such as World carnations Scenario and Potential for Indian Growers by Ricardo Monzon, Area manager Asia, Dummen Orange and Production of Quality gerbera for cut flower and pots by David Yarkoni, Founder Montiplanta, Portugal. Technical Session 2 subjected Protected Cultivation for Profitable Floriculture. Administers accorded their regards on Plasticulture Applications in Advance Horticulture by Anand Zambre, Executive Director, NCPAH, MOAFW, Govt. of India., and Modern Biological Controls for Greenhouse Growing, Advance IPM by Avinash Mokfate, CEO, Cosmita Hortivision. Technical Session 3 cased the Upcoming Trends in Floriculture: Issues and Strategies. In this segment, Bharat Bhojane, President (Business Development, Rise n’ Shine Biotech
Pvt. Ltd. spoke about the Commercial Cultivation of Dendrobium. Technical session 4 pointed towards Business of Landscape and Gardening. Presentations are as follows: Nursery Industry in India-issues and Strategies by Samir Vashi, Senior Vice-president, Indian Nurserymen Association, Botanical Themes by N. Chandra Mohan Reddy, Managing Director, A.P. Urban Greening and Beautification Corporation Limited, Anthurium Pot Plant Production by Mao Liu, Account Manager, Dummen Orange, Smart Landscaping & Live Style by Krishna Chavan, President, Ratnashri Landscapers were the discussed topics. With this, there were Dr. R.G. Khose, Head Department of Botany, Pune University and Mr. Daniel Kufman, Market Development Manager, Danzigar Dan Farms, Israel who provided insights on Gypsophila.
Cover Story
“Contribution to Indian Floriculture Industry Award” given in Pune
Jain Irrigation felicitated for pioneering and propagating Controlled Environment Agri Technology
J
ain Irrigation, has installed greenhouses over an area of approximately 48 lakh Sq. Mt. responding promptly to the need of the hour, along with drip irrigation, microirrigation, tissue culture (TC), automation and solar pump. It is leading in the setting up of greenhouses as well. Adapting the greenhouse technology to Indian conditions and propagating it among the farmers was a great challenge. Jain Irrigation used agri extension to supply this high tech knowledge to farmers. Recently Jain Irrigation was felicitated by Indian Society Of Floriculture Professionals (ISFP) for its contribution in the production of greenhouses. S N Patil, Chief, Green House Department, Jain Irrigation received the “Contribution to Indian Floriculture Industry” award in a grand celebration of ISFP’s silver jubilee at Hotel Sheraton-Pune. “Jain Irrigation p i o n e e r e d a e r o p o n i c s technology in India and modified it to adapt well to suit Indian conditions and propagated it. We set up ‘Vertical Farming’ abroad for the first time in the world in the UK. Jain Irrigation set up several innovative projects in agriculture without land, (using coco pits) 120 acres which attracted the attention of the world,” said, Abhay Jain, Marketing Head (Maharashtra), Jain Irrigation. “We have made available to the farmers several high technologies in agriculture to farmers according to the need of the hour, which have made the labour of farmers and Jain Irrigation in agriculture more fruitful,” he added. ISFP felicitated the industrialists who have contributed a lot to agriculture in terms of Green Houses, Poly Houses, Drippers, Foggers, Laterals, PVC and Automation. Rich tributes were paid to Jain Irrigation Founder and Chairman Bhavarlalji Jain by one and all at this function. Over 4000 farmers have found a new way of sustainable financial progress through the Green House Farming. Jain Irrigation has created a network of Green Houses in several sectors such as industry, universities, colleges, research centers and Forest Department. Jain Irrigation has combined floriculture with the Green Houses and helped farmers grow ornamental flowers such as roses, gerbera, carnation, anthuriums, orchids and chrysanthemums on a large scale. Farmers are also getting a larger and better quality output of vegetables and fruits like Simla capsicum, cucumber, cherry, tomato, lettuce, strawberry, beans, brinjals and coriander leaves. Jain Irrigation has already set up several excellent fruits and vegetables producing centres across the country.
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Cover Story Other Slots An Award Ceremony was also organized by ISFP, on 24th February 2017 on the side lines of Flora Expo, to acknowledge the great contributions made by all the first generation investors / promoters in this industry. It was accomplished to let them know that their investment was great. It may have not generated great profits to them in financial terms, but it gave this industry a platform to set on. The investment made still actively contributed to not just Indian Floriculture but Global Floriculture as a whole. The categories were as follows: v Promoters of First Generation projects: Life time achievement awards v Project Implementation Agencies (Greenhouses, Lift Irrigation, Irrigation, Land Development, Plants Nurseries, and various input suppliers) v Service Providers: Input suppliers, logistic agencies, airlines v Best workers from first generation projects (Refer van drivers, greenhouse, post- harvest workers etc.) v Government Officials (NHB, APEDA, State Govt.) v Media: Journalists, Magazines who followed the industry keenly and supported the cause. v Project Consultants: Who contributed in setting up projects with Indian Technology?
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The 12th International Flora Expo had three concurrent events that complemented each other and contributed to the holistic rural developments of this sector, namely 11th International Landscape and Gardening Expo 2017, 9th International Horti Expo 2017, 3rd Agrex India. Mr. Aroon Patel, Sharpex Forest & Garden Solutions, told that Sharpex had an amazing experience while participating in the 11th International Landscape and Gardening Expo. From the footfall of the visitors to the inquiries that was received were in good numbers. Also the visitors that came to the stall were from a very good and corporate background which helped Sharpex to network. The true essence of Internationalism was seen when visitors from countries like Dubai, Sri Lanka & China were welcomed at the stall. In and all, Sharpex had a great experience participating in the expo and hope that such golden opportunities will come in the future as well. Flora Expo 2017 Silver Jubilee Expo and the function celebration was a grand success. Heartiest congratulations to the entire team of organizers for organizing the Expo and the Award function with such great finesse. Pune as a city was the ideal location. The Expo was a great meeting place for the business industry and the function was the perfect get together for
the industry people from India and over the world in one place. May this Event continue for many more years to come and go beyond the Golden Jubilee years, notified Mohammed Nasser, General Manager (Middle East), Smithers - Oasis. Dilip K Jadhav, A-One Biotech & Tissue Culture Pvt. Ltd., declared this show to be really great. It was not just a show; it was the function of the plants lover family that got enjoyed greatly with joy.
Roshani Shah, Proprietor, Serene Opulence Works (SOW), affirmed that the International Flora and Horticulture Expo which are being organized since many years are a class apart. It represented a methodical example of valuable event planning, management and logistics. She further appreciated that whenever there is a discussion of exhibitions related to plants and flowers, the only thing that
Cover Story
strikes first are the exhibitions organized by Mr. Naqvi. The expo showcased and demonstrated the industry’s latest products and services. The International Expo was a perfect place to search for the latest trends and activities connected to the Floriculture/Horticulture/ Agriculture industry. The best culture being displayed under one roof. The Flora Expo 2017 was one of the most successful events since last many years. This year being Silver Jubilee Year of Indian Floriculture Industry, the event Flora Expo was an inclusive event. There was a very informative International Conference on Greenhouse Technology, with participation of many International Experts, followed by a Grand Silver Jubilee Celebration of Indian Floriculture Industry at Grand Sheraton, acknowledged Praveen Sharma, President, ISFP, who has been attending Flora Expo Series ever since Flora Expo’ 1997.
He additionally, thanked Mr. M.B. Naqvi, for encouraging ISFP to include the Silver Jubilee Awards Ceremony, with Flora Expo’ 2017. This Silver Jubilee Celebration brought together the Stalwarts of Indian Floriculture Industry to join the celebration and getting the
chance to witness the varying levels of vibrancy over the time. Every one were honored for their contribution to Indian Floriculture, it was their risk taking brave management skills, which provided the platform for today’s Indian Greenhouse Industry. It was heartening to see all the Leading Stars of Indian Floriculture under one roof who were seen as the Heroes during nineties they will remain so till the Indian Floriculture Industry survives. It was not possible to express gratitude to them enough for attending the event and making it a memorable event for life. Dhananjay Kadam, Head M a r k e t i n g , Montiplanta India, thanked Media Today Group for the exclusive result of encouragement and support. He said, “Montiplanta India established in Nov 2015 is now well known organization in floriculture industry. The privilege to make a successful debut at Flora Expo 2017 and the participation in the same provided the opportunity to add one more feather in the cap.” “We had a very good experience in Flora Expo held in Pune in Feb 2017. We do participate in the Flora Expo every year so we know the importance of being part of it”, said Pramod Mhaske, Assistant Manager-Marketing, Aditi Irrigation Technologies Pvt. Ltd. He added that it was great to personally meet hundreds of potential clients and know their specific requirement .This expo was a way to capture data, generate leads
and of course convert them into actual business. It was a huge opportunity to make new connections and network. It was impressive in terms of the quality of the visitors who came from all over the India to visit the expo. The Exhibition was firmly organized and informative too. Notably, Flora Expo provided a matchless platform to understand industry trends and markets, dialogues with key technical and important personnel of the industry and associated stakeholders. Ms. Mita Ladha, Managing Director, Smither Oasis India, too reacted in a very optimistic way. She thanked and acknowledged the great success of Flora Expo in Feb 2017 that was indeed a celebration of 25 years of Floriculture. All Industry stalwarts graced the occasion and were a perfect place for business networking. It was a great job done in keeping the industry together.
Flora Expo was a great event and surpassed its own growth year by year. J.J. Overseas, were glad to participate and to Soft-Launch the new venture: ‘FLORACOAT’ in exhibition which got great response from the visitors. During this show in Pune, J.J. Overseas received visitors not only from Maharashtra, but also from more than 8 other states, making Flora Expo a truly National
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Level show, said Chetan Dedhia, Managing Director, J.J. Overseas.
He also specially thanked the Organizers of Flora Expo & ‘Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals’ for organizing such a lovely evening-gettogether, celebrating glorious 25 years of Floriculture industry in India and get the entire Floriculture Industry, past and present, under one roof. It was quite nostalgic and they truly appreciate their gesture by recognizing and awarding one of the group company ‘Ravechi Floritech Pvt.Ltd.’ during the get together. The Flora Expo 2017 was the most successful event in the industry till now. It is still a young show which will surely, in the coming years be a full grown and groomed show. The organizers and the participants did there level best to make the show a successful event and to ensure that there is utmost hike, voiced Hitesh Shah, Harshdeep India.
He added that the venue Pune was a perfect place but the timing of the show should have been a couple of months earlier to get in the whose who of the industry. He wished good luck to the organizers and participants for the Flora expo 2018. Himanshu Juneja, Head-Business Development, Krupa Florals - India’s one of the largest producers of ornamental, indoor and outdoor plants appreciated the huge response in Flora Expo 2017. The effort at showcasing floriculture wealth and services by bringing together all collection was fabulously done. Taking part in the exhibition as an exhibitor all
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over was a great experience. Krupa Nursery and Balaji Nursery jointly thanked to Media Today Group for bringing Horticulture and Floriculture together at a place and to create more awareness to the people for this natural beauty. Flora Expo 2017 which is the 12th International Expo organized by Media
Today Pvt. Ltd. with a great intention of bringing boom to Floriculture, Horticulture and Allied Industries in India as well as other countries. Through this show the Media Today Pvt. Ltd. was proven once again for it Hall Mark in organizing such a great Expos with International Standards. Coming to the highlights of this Flora Expo 2017 nearly 300+ Exhibitors had participated in this Expo who is related to Floriculture, Horticulture, Pots, Landscapers, Agriproducts, Dairy Products, etc. The thing observed in this Expo is every exhibitor is enthusiastic t introduce their Products to the customer and they felt happy for the response they had got through this Expo, said Mr. Samir Vashi, Sr. Vice President, Indian Nurserymen Association. He further said that no one should think that exhibiting our Products through stalls is waste of money, because it’s an opportunity to move ahead in our market place. The other main thing behind this Expo is the 25 years Silver Jubilee Celebrations of INDIAN FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY & AWARD FUNCTION & International Conference on COMMERCIAL FLORICULTURE & GREENHOUSE INDUSTRY. Both the events went in a great way; delegates from different countries had participated in this International Conference and shared their views. He felt proud about this because he had also joined in this Conference and shared his views about our Nursery Sector as a responsible Sr. Vice President of Indian Nurserymen Association. He thanked Mr. Naqvi of Media Today /Group for giving him such a
great opportunity and thanked Mr. Palla Subrahmanyam, for giving such great responsibility to convey the present scenario of the Sector. Finally, he said that exhibitors should utilize this Expos in a manner for developing themselves and to spread their business opportunities. On other hand he also wishes that Media Today group should organize many Expos in future for our development. International Flora & Land scape exhibition held at Pune is fabulous and Awesome. It has touched upon every aspect connecting to high-tech Floriculture, Landscaping Dairy, Packaging and value addition. Specially, the floriculture farmer and entrepreneurs got lot of benefits as many international producers, buyers, breeders have participated. This time new introductions in technology, varieties specially orchids cultivation and their feasibility to grow in India have boosted the ideas of farming community. As a business man, I was personally very much benefitted to have business contacts with orchid breeders in Thailand and Gerbera breeders from Portugal. With this Expo support, I have visited Thailand and Bankok for international orchid Expo interms of importing plant material. Overall, this type of expositions definitely help our farmers and entrepreneur to showcase our technology and product for international exposures. I thank and congratulate the organizers and wish such type of exposition to continue for the country’s benefit. Through years of success and growing
participation, the series of events became India’s largest exhibition on floriculture, horticulture, garden equipment and machinery, and allied sectors. The 12th edition of the most important event of the Floriculture industry in India, International Flora Expo, added more aspects to the blooming international floriculture trade.
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Award
Silver Jubilee Celebration of Indian Floriculture Industry and Awards function concluded Successfully
A
s we all know, India’s first Export Oriented Flower project was established in 1991 at Maval, Taluka, Pune. We have completed 25 glorious years of Indian floriculture industry this year. We formed a small forum called Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals, in year 2003-04. This forum comprises of all the Floriculture Professionals who began their career journey right from the inception of this industry in India. The sole objective of this forum was to exchange knowledge, information, new findings, technological updates, products update, and market trends of the industry, among the professionals serving the ongoing projects in India and abroad. We all know that the initial years faced by Floriculture Industry were very tough for survival. Out of almost 500 EOU’s registered, around 100 survived. In order
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Award
to survive and succeed in Floriculture we needed extra ordinary efforts. [The promoters of the surviving projects did some extra ordinary efforts.] We worked hard; paid high prices for the foreign technology. The Floriculture Professionals, worked hand in hand day and night to overcome various bottlenecks faced by nascent export oriented industry in the nineties. We worked to ensure the foreign technology was adopted with Indian Conditions. A lot has happened in the last 25 years, there has been a tremendous growth of Flower Industry around the world. We are pleased to inform that the contribution of India in global flower industry is tremendous. Total exports from Kenya and Ethiopia reach US$800 m plus. Out of which almost 70% is grown under the able management of Indian Managers. The emergence of all these Indian Managers, who are doing wonders around world, can be traced back to India’s first generation projects. Hence, we have decided to acknowledge the great contributions made by all the first generation investors/ promoters in this industry. We are here to let them know that their investment was great, it may not have generated great profits to them in financial terms, but they gave this industry a platform to step on. We the professionals are known more by our first project of association than the university we have passed from. The investment they made is still actively contributing to not just Indian Floriculture but Global Floriculture as a whole. We all regard all the first generation projects as Institutes; each of the projects which survived the first five years of existence had a typical work culture, fighting spirit that clearly reflected among the professionals of respective projects. We have reached a mile stone in Indian Floriculture. This is the time to look back and see who all have contributed to this industry and acknowledge them. This was a night to remember for all
the Indian Floriculture Fraternity. The journey of Indian Floriculture, ever since the first export oriented project was set up in Pune Region, was replayed in a flash back. The participants for the event included Mr. AK Gupta, Former GM, APEDA known for his contribution in pushing Floriculture Industry in India who despite in poor health flew down from Delhi to be a part of the show. The Lifetime awards ceremony for the first generation Floriculture Growers held by the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals on the side lines of Flora Expo 2017 event was a raving success and had many veterans of the Industry gathered together to commemorate 25 years of Floriculture in India. The event was marked by nostalgia with the first time Growers reminiscing about the struggle they underwent compared to the present generation and how the Industry has come a long way through indigenization. Other participants included suppliers of polyfilm, irrigation, fertilizers, greenhouse, nurseries, breeders, etc and each of the attendees had something to share about their contribution to the Industry. The awards were given away during much trump and the evening stretched
to late in the night with some palatable cuisine served at the Grand Sheraton, Pune and a resolution was determined to continue the efforts to place India among the top Floriculture nations of the world. The program was attended by Who’s Who of Indian Floriculture Industry. To name a few: Mr. Firoz and Leela Poonawal, Fila Rozil Exports, Mr. Dinesh Bheda, Horizon Flora I Ltd., Mr, Ramesh Lalwani, Century International , Mrs. Sanjay Ghodawat, Mr. and Mrs Anil Kotecha from Ghodawat Group, Mrs. Dhanshree Patil , Mr. Bharat Bhojane from Rise n Shine group, Mr. Kishor Rajhans and Team from KF Bioplants, Mr. S N Patil from Jain Irrigation, Mr. Sunil Patil from Finolex Plasson, Mr. A K Gupta, Advisor to APEDA, M. Dave, Mr. Singh from APEDA Mumbai, Mr. C M Sane, Sriroz, Mrs. Rekha Vishwas Jogdand, IGPL. Event was also attended by the dignitaries from South Indian Floriculture, Mr. Mammen Mapillai of Indo Bloom, Mr. Najeeb, CCL Flora, Mr. Anne Ramesh, Suvarna Florex Dr. Raju, Nagarjuna Floritech, , Mr. PJ Raju Classic Biotech, Mr. T. Rangarao of Sachin Flora, Mr. R D Reddy from Meghna Flowers. The event was conducted by Mr. P K Sondhi a Senior Floriculture professional and India Representative of Meilland International, a French Flower Company and Mr. Praveen Sharma, President of ISFP.
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Award
FOUNDERS OF FLORICULTURE INDUSTRY AWARD
Awardees
Mr. A.K.Gupta Mr. Aditya Pitti Mr. Arun Shroff/Mr. Bimal Shroff Mr. Mohan Rao, Farmtech Agro Mr. Ashok Shah Century International- Mr. Ramesh Lalwani Late Shri. Ranganekar-Ace agro Mr. Dinesh Bheda-Horizon Flora I Limited Mr. Firoz Poonawala Mr. Farmtech-Mohan Rao Ms.Jalpa Vithlani Madam Mr.Jatiya sir-Pudmujee Mr. K.K Mammen Mapillai Mr.KVLN Raju Mr. P J raju Mr. Pramod Choudhari- Praj Industries Mr. R.D.Reddy, Meghna Flowers Mr. H.K.Choudhari/Ravi Goyal, Vikram Greentech
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Award
Flag Bearer of Indian Floriculure
Awardees
Mr. Arif Sopariwala/Soex Mr. Global Agro Pro Pvt Ltd Essar-Kamlesh karle Mr. Manish Jain/ Mr.Kishor Rajhans-KF Bioplants Late Mr.Nadeem and Mr. Najeeb CCL Flowers Mr. Ganpat Patil- Shrivardhan Mrs.Bhagyashri Patil /Bharat Bhojane-Rise and Shine BiotechMr. Sanjay Ghodawat, StarGhodawat Agro Mr. Avinash Mokate Mr.Santosh Kulkarni Mr. Paraji Kadlag
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Award
Contributors of Indian Floriculture Industry
Awardees
Mr. Rajkumar Mirakhur-Oriental Floritech Mr. Amit Wasawada Mr. Praveen Sharma Dr.Avinash Dandekar Late Shri. Chougule Sir Dr.Suresh Dhumal Mr. Rajesh Prasad Mr.Bipin Deo -IndiGro Director- HTC, Pune Mr. Pandit Shikare Mr. Anand Zambare Mr.Mohammad Nasser Mr. M. B. Naqvi, Media Today Finolex Plasson Jain Irrigation Mr. Praveen Sondhi Dr. Ganesh Rao Mr. Chandramohan Sane - Sriroz Mr. Vishwas Jogdand-IGPL Mr. Shahaji Marathe-Shrihari Enterprise Mr.Dnyaneshwar Zagade-Puja Greenhouse Late Mr.Nitin Shah, Paras Engineering Rishikesh Rosarian Trimurti Nursery Mauli Rose Nursery Mr. Kekin Gala Jasani Airfreight Jet Airfrieght 24
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Award
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Medicinal Plant
Rhododendron arboreum Smith
A valuable medicinal and ornamental tree offers high potential for commercialisation & value addition
— Mamta Bohra, P. Chakradhar and B.P. Nautiyal
Trees are known as natural air conditioners, they help in conserving soil moisture, combating noise and controlling air pollution. Beside the environmental benefits they are also provide us timber, food and shelters. Among the trees, Rhododendrons occupied a unique position. Rhododendron arboreum Smith is the state tree of Uttarkhand; state flower of Himanchal Pradesh as well as Nagaland and National flower of Nepal. The beautiful red colour flowers bloom during the months of February to April and inhabited areas remind you of like a heaven on earth. Flowers of Rhododendron are considered as sacred one and widely used in religious offerings. The plants are highly suitable for woodland garden and can be used as avenue plant. Nowadays Rhodendron bonsai tree is becoming more popular. Other than aesthetic beauty, its flowers are used for preparation of squash, jam, jellies, pickle and herbal natural colour. The flowers also have medicinal value. The woods of trees are used as fuel, making tool handles, boxes and plywood. This plant also occupied a position in Guinness Record Book for world largest Rhododendron having height of 108 ft situated at Kohima district of Nagaland. To commemorate this flower, Indian postal department has issued a postal stamp of its flower. Besides above mentioned benefits from this tree, it is not yet being popularized among growers. As it is economically important tree, there is urgent need to encourage farmers for commercialization. One can established small industry of its value added products which can generate employment opportunities. Growing of trees as avenue plants support industry as well as the place become spot of attraction during flowers blooming which can promote state tourism as well as inculcate the feeling of love towards nature among visitors.
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t is revealed in literature that during the Mughal era, Mumtaz Mahal wife of King Shahjha was enthralled about the beauty of the flowers of rhododendrons. Every Friday, a fresh bunches of flowers fetched from Shimla for her. The genus Rhododendron was derived from a Greek word ‘Rhodon’ means rose and ‘Dendron’ means tree. It belongs to the family Ericaceae and commonly known as
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‘burans’ or ‘gurans’. There are about 900 species found under this genus. The genus is comprise of small tree, shrub, woody and perennial evergreen species in nature. The leaves are simple and alternate. Flowering occurs in clusters and colour varies from dark red, light pink and white. Flower petals are arranged in tubular shape with 5 lobes. Seeds are very minute. The genus is distributed throughout temperate, sub–
alpine and alpine regions. Rhododendron arboreum grows at an elevation of 15005500 m above mean sea level. Trees are widely distributed in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka Nepal and Thailand. It can be grown easily in open and partially shade conditions. It has been reported that shade of oak tree is developing tonic for this tree. Well drained, deep fertile, acidic soil having pH ranges of 4.5 to 5 are most
Medicinal Plant suited for its cultivation. The temperature around 20-23 0C is ideal for its growth and development. It prefers mild winters, mild summers and plenty of cool moist weather. It is generally propagated by seed, cutting, grafting and tissue culture methods. Propagation of plants by terminal cuttings is easy and cheap method. For earliest rooting, cuttings are dipped in Indole 3 Butyric acid @ 100 ppm for 24 hours and planted in a pot having suitable media. Tissue culture is one of the most common methods to get true to type plants. Once tree established, it needs little care and maintenance. Irrigation of plants is depends upon weather condition and type of the soil. In general, irrigation should be given at least 4-5 days intervals. Application of fully decomposed organic manures improves the vegetative growth of plants as well as maintains fertility status of the soil. High nitrogen level improves the plant vegetative growth parameters. Occasionally, chlorosis is appeared may be due to alkalinity of the soil, calcium, iron and potassium deficiency or by nitrogen toxicity, attack of root weevil or root death. The trees are usually disease free. However, may be susceptible to vine weevil, leaf hoppers, caterpillars and aphid attack. The major diseases reported in Rhododendron are powdery mildew, bud blast, rust, petal blight, phytophthora root rot etc. For controlling insect and diseases attack one should use integrated pest/disease management approach. This approach is consist of four parts i.e., cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical practices. Using only chemicals for controlling insects and diseases not only increases the cost of cultivation but has adverse effect on flora and fauna.
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temperate areas landscape. It is also suitable for making bonsai. Value added products: Most important value added products of its flowers are squash, chatney, jam, jelly and pickles. In Darjelling, local people also prepare wine from its flowers, which is locally called as Guranse. In Shimla, pickles made of Burash flowers petals are very popular. Homemade recipe of Burans squash Flowers are collected and individual
petals separated out by removing the androecium and gynoecium parts from the flowers. Petals are washed with fresh water. A vessel containing water is added with petals (1/3 of the volume of water) and boiled at temperature of 80 0C for 20 minutes. After that it is left to cool down and filtered water with the help of muslin cloth. Prepare sugar syrup and mix the burans extract well so that total soluble solid content should be 45 0brix. For increasing acidity one can add citric acid (1 %). For long time storage of squash one can add
Uses of rhododendron tree 1. Religious importance: As flower is considered as sacred one and are used for decorating temples and offered to deities during worshiping. 2. Ornamental uses: Trees of Rhododendron are evergreen and bears magnificent red, pink and white flowers which can be used in avenue plantation. It is highly suitable for woodland garden. It is also referred as king of shrubs and can be utilized in
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Medicinal Plant preservative solution i.e., sodium benzoate 600 ppm. The squash is ready and should be stored in bottles. 4. Herbal colour dye: There are various synthetic colours available in the market which causes various skin allergies and irritation. Herbal colour prepared from rhododendron flowers is best alternative. Red colour petals are soaked in water overnight. One can extract natural dye i.e., anthocyanin from the rhododendron flowers by using simple extraction technique which can be used as the sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells. 5. Economic uses: The wood of tree is used as fuel by local people. The wood is also used in making spoon, boxes, saddles, tool handles and plywood. In Nepal, woods are used for building small houses and fences. The wood is also used for making charcoal. 6. Medicinal uses: The juice made of bark is used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and cough. Leaves paste applied on forehead is used in the treatment of headache. The flower juice is used in curing menstrual disorders. The fresh and dried petals given when fish bones get struck in the gullet. 7. Environmental uses: Growing of trees helps in conserving biodiversity, controlling soil erosion, air pollution and combating noise. Why sustainable utilization needed? Rhododendrons are widely
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distributed in the forest to alpine regions of hilly tracts of Himalaya. However, increasing urbanization led into habitat fragmentation and deforestation. Studies have reported that 46 out of 900 species of this genus are identified as threatened taxa. Therefore ensuring use of these species sustainably is urgent need and plantation of these rhododendrons needs to be carried out at large scale as they are the best gift of nature to mankind. Strategies for commercialization of Rhododendron arboreum 1. Development of modal nurseries: For commercial plantation there is need to develop nurseries where plant propagation should be done either by seeding, cutting, grafting and tissue culture methods. 2. Development of small industries: As we have discussed various benefits of Rhododendron trees there is need to developed small industries to ensure production of value added products i.e., squash, juice, chatney, pickle, wine, herbal colours and dyes can be prepared. One can also established wood industry where its wooden products like spoon, boxes, saddles, tool handles, plywood and furniture can be made. This will also helps in generating employment as well as encourage people towards its commercialization. 3. Extensive R&D: Information on medicinal uses and value added product are available for some extant. However, studies on cultivation practices are very meager. More
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focus on standardization of agro techniques is required so that farmers can go for its sustainable production to earn more profits. Government initiatives: It is state tree of Uttarakhand and state flower of Himanchal Pradesh and Nagaland, so state government has to take initiative to utilized this trees for landscaping of the state either in the road side as avenue plants or public buildings viz., school, hospitals, College, banks, hotels, parks etc. State government should develop the policy that every citizen has to grow single state flower /tree in their premises. Government can also provide support in the form of subsidy for commercial cultivation or opening its small scale industries and can also take initiatives for developing marketing channels and infrastructures. State agriculture Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendra: To create awareness among the farmers about its cultivation. They can also organized a training programme for post harvest handling and processing of its products like juice, pickle, chatney, jam and wine. So that farmers can earn profits. n — Mamta Bohra, Assistant Professor, P. Chakradhar, M. Sc. Research Scholar, and B.P. Nautiyal, Dean (College of Horticulture, Uttarakhand University of Horticulture and Forestry, V.C.S.G.C.H., Pauri Garhwal) Email: mbohragbptu@gmail.com
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National Flower
Rhododendron
The National flower of Nepal
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tate Flowers are the special design or visual object representing a quality, type, expression and culture etc. Emblems and symbols signify country. Particular national flowers have
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traditional or religious origins that go back hundreds or even thousands of years some are consulted by government bodies which may or may not have been officially accepted. Whereas others have become familiar due to public interest. Rhododendron, the Nepal national flower, was shown in the records in 1901. The outgoing Governor G e o r g e Atkinson praising the attractive and ever present flowering plant: “I know none more beautiful and none more common in West Virginia ( W e s t Virginia is an eastern U.S. state in the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains) than the
Rhododendron.” Lawmakers named the Rhododendron West Virginia’s state flower in 1903 after an awesome majority vote of the state’s school children along with the Governor’s recommendation. These flowers are extremely common in West Virginia as well as throughout the eastern United States. The fragrant shrubs, which are members of the heath family. It grow in almost every region of the state except for in its westernmost counties. Due to the popularity in several countries, and its uniqueness, long lasting property and other benefits, rhododendron was officially accepted as national flower of Nepal country. King of trees The Rhododendron plants are known as the King of trees since they are regarded by many as the best flowering evergreen plants for the temperate landscape. The National Flower of Nepal is Rhododendron. Its (scientific name) is same often called rhodies. It belongs to Ericaceae family and sub family of ericoideae. It is a class characterized by bushes and small to large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm (3.9–39.4 in) tall, and the largest reported to 30 m (98 ft.) tall. The leaves are spirally arranged; leaf size can range from 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) to over 50 cm (20 in), especially 100 cm (38 in) in R. sinogrande. Nepal flower (rhododendron) may
National Flower be either evergreen or has a short life. In some species, the undersides of the leaves are covered with balances or hairs (indumentum). Several well- known species are noted for their many groups of large flowers. There are alpine species with small flowers and small leaves, and tropical species such Species in this kind may be part of the heath complex in oakheath forests in eastern North America. oftenly it has normally been divided based on the presence or absence of scales on the lower leaf surface (lepidote or elepidote). These balances specific to sub genus Rhododendron are modified hairs consisting of a polygonal scale attached by a stem. Rhododendron plants are characterized by having flowering part with dry, a chromosome number of x=13, fruit that has a capsule, an ovary that is superior (or nearly so), stamens that have no appendages, and stamped pollen. Rhododendron Flower is from Ericacea family into which the genus falls, also includes heathers, mountain laurels, blueberries and cranberries as well as manzanita, trailing arbutus, madrone, huckleberry, kalmiopsis, sourwood, blueberries and a number of other genus.
for decoration of woodland gardens due to ornamental characteristics of its leaves and flowers v In Medicinal form it shows that flavonoids, phenolic compounds and saponins extracted from rhododendron have antiinflammatory properties. Also shows good action beneficially on the function of liver. v Rhododendrons plants can go on or live up to 100 years under optimal environmental conditions.
v Due to the potentially toxic nature of the flower, it’s important to avoid displaying in the kitchen or near food. The fragrance can become quite awesome oftenly not good for those who are sensitive to hard sensing perfumes. v Great Smoky Mountains of USA become tourist attraction due to the remarkable blooming of the rhododendron in the month of June. n
Things one needs to know about Rhododendron v Rhododendron is the native and most popular flower of Nepal v It was discovered in 16th century by Flemish botanist, Charles l’Ecluse. v Nearly All the parts of Rhododendrons plant are dangerous, especially leaves showing abdominal pain, symptoms of Stomach irritation, abnormal heart rate and rhythm, convulsions, coma, death. v Honey made from the nectar of Rhododendron flowers is also toxic and should not be consumed. v A kind of herbal tea which is not a true tea. Labrador tea made from three closely related species. Rhododendron groenlandicum and neoglandulosum. v Rhododendron is commonly known as “rose tree” because it often produces flowers in trusses, just like some types of roses (“rodon” is Greek word for “rose” and “dendron” for “tree”) v Flowers often used in landscaping or
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Greenhouse
SCIENTIFIC DESIGNINGAND CONSTRUCTION OF GREENHOUSE PAYS — R. K. Gupta and Vinod Sharma
Greenhouse is a frame structure which is covered with a transparent material like glass, polyethylene and poly carbonate. It consists of two parts-frame and covering material. The covering material works as a barrier to air flow and traps energy within the greenhouse, which heats both the plants and the ground inside it. This warms the air near the ground, which increases the temperature inside the greenhouse. The greenhouses can be used for growing high-value vegetables, flowers, nursery, ornamental and medicinal plants. The advantages of greenhouses are high productivity per unit area as the genetic potential of the crop can be fully exploited, off-season vegetables and nursery can be grown which fetch high price in the market, good quality produce and it is easy to protect the crops against pests, diseases and climatic conditions. 40
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reenhouse cultivation is highly intensive enterprise requiring substantial labour and capital inputs. Because of this, potential growers should carefully consider all factors necessary for a successful production as a 24-hour commitment. Its maintenance, crop production and handling emergencies require constant vigilance. CONVENTIONAL VS GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY Conventional agricultural practices can only control the nature of root media through tillage, manuring, fertilizer application, irrigation etc. There is no control over light, temperature, air composition, humidity etc. in open field cultivation. However, greenhouse cultivation can be used as one of the solutions. The benefits of greenhouse cultivation are: v Efficient use of agro-chemicals by minimizing emission of waste and recycling. v Efficient use of most parts of the phyto mass produced v Efficient use of solar, wing and thermal energy v Off-season cultivation v Better insect and disease control v Reduced use of pesticides v Protect plants from environmental hazards such as heavy rain, strong wind, excess solar radiation and extremes of temperature and humidity v Better quality of produce v Higher productivity v High-income generation for small land holding Types of Greenhouse The greenhouse can be classified on the basis of cost, shape, size and environmental control. The greenhouses can be classified as: v Low cost
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v v
Medium cost High cost
The low-cost greenhouses are constructed from locally-available materials, bamboo, wood etc for construction of frame and glazed with stabilized polyethylene sheet. There is no environmental control in this type of greenhouses. The cost varies from Rs. 250 to 300/m2. In medium-cost greenhouses, frame may be made from galvanized iron (GI) / mild steel(MS) pipes. But the problem associated with MS pipes is rusting after sometime, which also damages the covering sheet. These greenhouses are also glazed with ultra violet (UV) stabilized polyethylene sheet. The cost varies from Rs. 800 to 1000/m2. The high-cost greenhouses are made from aluminum/GI pipes, glazed with double layer polyethylene sheet and poly-carbonate. The environment inside the greenhouses is fully controlled and operation is also automated. There are sensors and controllers for temperature, humidity and soil moisture. The cost of this type of greenhouses is more than 2000/m2. On the basis of shapes, greenhouses may be classified as quonset, modified quonset, gable / standard peak free standing (even and uneven span), multi span gutter connected and lean to type. On the basis of height, greenhouses may be classified as portable low tunnels and high tunnels. The portable low tunnels are of 1m height and used to rise the seedlings. On the basis of cooling systems, greenhouses can be classified as: v Without cooling system v Passive cooling (a) Natural ventilation (b) Shading type v Active cooling (a) Forced ventilation (b) Evaporative cooling
Greenhouse
Gable/standard/peak/ conventional free standing
Conventional lean to
Quonset
Solar style free standing
Solar slope lean to
Double slope lean to
Venol house Gothic/Modified Quonset Various shapes of greenhouses
The natural ventilated and use of shade nets for reducing inside temperature is the most preferred energy saving way of reducing greenhouse temperature. Crop Production Factors The crop production inside the greenhouse is affected by micro-climate, fertilizers, quality of seed, seed treatment, pest control, field preparation and irrigation. The plant growth also depends on other factors that are well within one’s reach and control. The key environmental factors affecting plant growth are light intensity, temperature, humidity, carbon-dioxide concentration, airflow etc. Light intensity : Visible light constitutes a source of energy for plants. Light energy, carbon dioxide, water all enter into the process of photosynthesis through which carbohydrates are formed. Considerable energy is required to reduce carbon that is combined with oxygen in carbon dioxide to reach the state in which it exists in carbohydrate. The light energy thus utilized is trapped in the carbohydrates. Later, carbohydrate can be moved from the green stem and leaf cells where photosynthesis occurs to the other parts of the plant. The carbohydrate can be converted into all other compounds needed in plants. Energy from the sun is utilized in all of these compounds. These processes result in plant growth.
Gambrel/Vinery free standing
Single slope lean to
Multispan
Respiration occurs in all living organisms at all time. In fact, most living organisms are ultimately dependent on light energy. The day length (i.e. photoperiod) also affects the plant growth. The relative daynight lengths may affect the rooting of cuttings, initiation of flowers and fruits, bulb and tubes formation, advent and cessation of dormancy, etc. Temperature: All crops have certain temperature range in which they grow
The intensity of incoming solar radiation is an important parameter for influencing the photosynthetic activity of plants. The light intensity varies from place to place but it6 generally varies from zero at the beginning of the day to 100000 - 150000 lux (lumen / m2) around noontime. Light intensity on cloudy days is quite low which leads to poor photosynthetic process. Light intensity below 3200 lux and above 129000 lux is not ideal for plant growth since the optimum light intensity for plant is 32000 lux. In this case, solar radiation transmittance needs utmost attention while considering controlled environment agriculture obtained in greenhouse. It is also influenced by the orientation of structure (greenhouse) and the sun elevation.
better. Below this range, the process necessary for growth stops. Under very high or extreme temperatures, enzymes become inactive, causing necessary processes for plant’s development to stop. Thus, temperature may affect the movement of minerals, water and food in roots, stems and leaves. This can affect the photosynthesis process significantly. Prolonged low temperature results in loss of flowers and fruits; slowing their growth. On the other hand, prolonged high temperature results in loss of flowers, fruits, burning of leaves and lowering in plant growth because it affects the absorption of water from the soil by the plant. Humidity: Humidity in the atmosphere has its own importance as it governs most of the metabolic and photosynthesis activities of the plants. It has been observed that a relative humidity between 20 and 70 percent is ideal for plant growth. This is so because, very high relative humidity provides better environment for pathogenic organisms making the plant susceptible to diseases. Low humidity is also harmful for plants since it increases the evaporation rate, and at the same time, enhances the water requirement. In environmentally controlled chambers, relative humidity between 55 and 65 percent and temperature between 20 and 250C are maintained. Carbon dioxide: The amount of CO2 present in the plant environment affects the plant growth considerably because it is essential for photosynthesis. The amount of CO2 required for optimum plant growth depends on the plant type, state of development, temperature, light intensity, leaf area, air, velocity, humidity, water stress etc. But the CO2 requirement differs for various plants. Air movement: Although air movement affects the plant growth, through its effect on transpiration, evaporation of water from soil, CO2 availability, tearing of leaves, cooling effect, etc. The air velocity affects the boundary layer thickness of the plant’s leaves through which the plant transpires and water vapour diffuses into the outside air while the atmospheric CO2 required for photosynthesis enters into the plant.
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Greenhouse
Research has shown that controlled environments, such as closed greenhouse system offers ample opportunity to improve productions through the elevations of CO2 levels. Carbon dioxide, which comprises about 0.03 percent (300 ppm) of ambient air, is essential for plant growth. This level of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air is sufficient to photosynthetic requirement of open field crops. In closed conditions, level of CO2 rises to nearly 1000 ppm, because respired CO2 remains trapped overnight. As sunlight becomes available, photosynthetic process begins and CO2 from greenhouse air gets depleted. As a result, the CO2 level in greenhouse even goes below 300 ppm before noontime. If the greenhouse air does not receive additional CO2 from any other source the plant would be deficient of carbon dioxide resulting in poor growth. Reports have shown that crop yield increase by 20-30 percent when CO2 level is maintained from 1000-1500 ppm inside the greenhouse. The most common method of CO2 supplementation is through burning of carbon fuels. Greenhouse Construction Site selection v The greenhouse should be so located that it is well connected to market for getting input supplies as well as for marketing its produce. v The soil should be of good quality and well drained. v There should be permanent source of water near greenhouse, this is most important for meeting our water requirements of greenhouse crops. v There must be no obstructions (shadow), which will restrict the supply of sunlight to greenhouse Locate the greenhouse at a distance of 2 times the height of any object that might cast a shadow on the greenhouse. v The availability of uninterruptible electricity supply must be ensured. Greenhouse orientation The most important and complicated decision that what should be the orientation of greenhouse? The greenhouse orientation should be such that it receives maximum sunlight in winter and prevailing winds should have the minimum effect on greenhouse structure and other operations.
Summer and winter solar path
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v
v
v
The maximum sunlight is received in the winter if the long side of the greenhouse is oriented from east to west as compared t north south. However in case of the multi-span greenhouse the gutter should be oriented east-west to avoid the shadow of structural components. The long side of the greenhouse should be so oriented that the wind exerts minimum pressure on the greenhouse. It should be parallel to wing direction.
Size of Greenhouse The size of the greenhouse depends upon: production required from greenhouse, land available and the capital investment. Greenhouse frameworks v The greenhouse frame can be constructed from different types of material. The selection of right framing material will depend
Polyethylene films when exposed to outdoor environment for longer durations are prone to degradation as a combined effect of sunlight, heat and oxidation. Interaction with the sulphur of halogen based crop protection chemicals (CPC), further accelerates this degradation process. Special chemical additives are incorporated into the polymer matrix to provide a longer lifetime in case of greenhouse films. These activities are known as UV stabilizers when used along with antioxidants, protect the poly films from photo as well as thermal degradation.
v
v v
upon capital investment, size of greenhouse, height of greenhouse and availability of material. The most common materials for greenhouse frameworks are bamboo, wood, mild steel pipes, galvanized pipe and aluminum. The framework should be strong enough to bear wind, snow and dead load including the load required for training of plants as well as for hanging of plant pots. It should allow the maximum amount of light to reach the plants. It should require little maintenance. Avoid the use of MS pipes as it will require frequent painting and its rusting will damage the greenhouse cover.
Greenhouse glazing The covering of the greenhouse is referred to as the glazing. The considerations in choosing a glazing material include durability, light transmission, cost, and heating and cooling costs. The solar radiation spectrum can be divided in several specific wavebands, which are defined by their range of wavelengths or energy content (e.g. radio and TV radiation, microwave radiation, visible light, etc.). The higher is the wavelength, the smaller the energy content. Typically, the wavelength of light used by plants is expressed in the units of nanometer(nm). Not all components of sunlight are useful for plant growth and development. In general, ultra-violet (UV: less than 380nm) and excessive infrared (IR: above 770nm) or heat radiation can be harmful to plants and should be avoided. Plants use photo synthetically active radiation (PAR: 400700nm), as their energy source for the process of photosynthesis. Therefore, greenhouse structures and especially the glazing material should have a high transmittance of PAR radiation. The common materials for greenhouse glazing (covering) are: glass, plastic films and rigid plastics (poly carbonate and acrylic). Glass: Glass has the highest light transmission, lasts the longest and is the most expensive. However the single layer glass covering have relatively high heat transfer coefficient.
Greenhouse Plastic films: The use of plastic films as green-house glazing is very popular across the globe. The advantages offered by them such as light weight, translucency, flexibility, toughness, hydrophobic nature and durability, make plastics films the most preferred material for cladding of greenhouses. Different types of plastic materials such as poly vinyl chloride (PVC), poly carbonate (PC) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) are commonly used for cladding of greenhouse structures. LDPE remains the most popular of all plastic material because of its features, ease, in availability and economics. The main types of LDPE films used for greenhouse covering are: cross laminated, clear, multi-layered (different layers of having different properties). The different variant of multi-layered sheets is available such as: anti-dip, anti-dust, diffused, thermic, anti sulphur, UV blocking, thermic etc. Different types of chemicals are blended into the material when manufacturing these films. The two main types of UV stabilizer systems being used are: HALS (hindered amine light stabilizer) + UV absorber films based on the above package are colorless / translucent in appearance, stabilizes the harmful UV radiation from entering in to the greenhouse and allow maximum transmission of light. For chemical resistance against halogens or sulphur, it is necessary to include a costabilizer in this system. Nickel-quencher + UV absorber films stabilized with above package are greenish / yellowish in appearance. This shade gives a slightly hazy effect thus reducing the intensity of direct light transmission. This stabilization system gives excellent UV stabilization also provides good protection against action of CPC’s. This property is also sometimes termed as anti-sulphur. Special chemical additives are incorporated into the polymer matrix to provide a longer lifetime in case of greenhouse films. These additives are known as UV stabilizers, when used along with anto-oxidants; protect the film from photo as well as thermal degradation. At the same time helps in proper and maximum light transmission. The selection of film depend upon the
Proper light transmission filtering, out the harmful UV radiation is very essential for optimized growth of the crops inside the greenhouse. The photosynthesis activity in plants is directly proportional to the amount of light. Higher light transmission enhances the growth of plants. Therefore it is crucial to select the right combination of polymer and specialty additives, to get maximum light transmission. This is more significant for greenhouses located on colder climates where availability of daylight is limited. The ultra violet radiation is harmful for the plants growth. As well as when the protective polyethylene films are exposed to outdoors environment for longer duration are prone to degradation as a combined effect of sunlight, heat and oxidation. Interaction with the sulphur or4 halogen based crop protection chemicals (CPC), further accelerated this degradation process. type plants grown inside the greenhouse and properties of glazing cover required. The film thickness is specified in microns or weight density, 200 microns thick or 120-150 GSM (grams per square meter, weight density) sheets are uses for greenhouse covering. Rigid plastics: The rigid plastics (e.g. polycarbonate and acrylic) are less expensive than glass and last seven to 20 years. They are usually manufactured as twin-walled sheets. The air space between the two walls acts as an insulator. Light transmission through rigid plastic is very good, although it usually decreases over time as the plastics age and turn yellow due to the amount of UV radiation contained in sunlight. The large sheets are much lighter than glass and require fewer support bars to attach them to the greenhouse frame. However, these rigid panels are not so easy to install on curved roofs.
v v v
hoops. Fix the glazing material with thin MS strip/ screws Secure excess sheet in the channel around GH Construct a drainage channel around greenhouse.
The greenhouse glazing should properly secure with greenhouse for its long-life. The properly constructed greenhouse with quality construction n material will last many years. Dr. R. K. Gupta, Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering, Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, has published 25 research papers, five research project reports, and 15 extension articles. He has guided students and disseminated scientific information to target audience.
Construction v Select the site v Mark the boundary of greenhouse v Make excavation for foundation pipes v Fix foundation popes with cement concrete v Fix all the hoops with foundation pipes v Construct a ridge line by fastening/ welding with
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Environment
A tribute to the Indian orchid — Vidya Ram
wide, or will require a specific kind of tree trunk.”
T
he London winter can make even the spectacular grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew— home to one of the world’s biggest and most diverse botanical collections—look bleak, so its very refreshing to step into its Princess of Wales Conservatory, awash with colour, as the gardens hold their annual orchid festival. The festival has been running for 22 years now—
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deliberately held at the height of winter to provide relief from the grey skies outside—and has been used to highlight orchids from across the world. Orchids are, it turns out, the largest family of flowering plants with 25,000 known species across the world, from the tropics to sub-polar regions, providing the team at Kew with great opportunities to showcase different species. Last year, Kew focused on orchids native to Brazil while this year they’ve turned to India, joining many British institutions in marking the U.K.India Year of Culture. Orchids, explains Nick Johnson, the manager of glass houses at Kew and the creator of the festival, though so diverse are remarkably specific to regions. “Some will live just in a deep dark valley, 300 metres
The right environs Their specificity makes them particularly fragile, and the work of Johnson and his team particularly tricky: around 1,600 man-hours have gone into creating the displays, which feature around 3,600 orchids, mainly native to India. They’ve gone to great lengths providing the right environ for the orchids, including the building of a giant cement tree branch, for epiphyte orchids that grow on trees. The massive glasshouse has different climate zones, which gives plenty of scope for a huge variety to be displayed. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, and dendrodiums (found in the Himalayas) constitute the bulk of the displays, and feature in spectacular pieces such as the giant ‘Samsara’ cone, a three-metre-high whirl of white and orange in the middle of the greenhouse’s pond, and in chandelierlike arrangements of pink and yellow orchids from the ceiling.
Environment They’ve also taken on other ambitious pieces such as a moss-peacock with a tailfeather purely of orchids, a rickshaw filled with orchids, and a section with Vandas, colourful orchids with long wispy roots that grow on trees, hanging like fragile lanterns from the ceiling. The Vandas, native to the Himalayas, originate from a variety of Blue Vanda that were so popular in Victorian Britain of the 19th century that each plant could fetch the equivalent of £15,000 in current valuation, says Johnson. Kew has built up a wealth of orchid knowledge with around 4,00,000 preserved specimens, in the world’s largest orchid herbarium. Some of the orchids come from their own collection, though those in the displays come from across Europe, and Holland in particular. (With strict regulations governing the import of plants to protect biodiversity, orchids reared elsewhere would have to spend months in quarantine.) Bala Kompalli, an Indian botanical horticulturist who oversees some 10,000
Vandas and dendrodiums from high up in the Himalayas form the centrepiece at this year’s Orchids Festival in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London species of orchids at Kew, works on conservation projects with organisations such as the Botanical Survey of India and the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute. She’s recently been working with Indiabased conservationists on the Coelogyne cristata, an epiphytic orchid with fragile white flowers. “The festival gives us a chance to talk about conservation and look after the habitat where orchids are found,” says Johnson. The festival seeks to give a flavour of Indian botanical life beyond orchids too, in a colourful way: there’s a large Indian flag made entirely out of chrysanthemums, and a village “street scene”. There will
also be electric violin performances by London-based musician and composer Jyotsna Srikanth, as well as Indian cooking masterclasses by author Monisha Bharadwaj. For those seeking to delve deeper, there are behind-the-scenes tours, including to the orchid nursery, and talks on the history and diversity of Indian orchids, the Vanda orchids of Sikkim, and how the elaborate displays were put together. Johnson says he was especially excited to tell the story of Indian orchids, which have not typically been associated with the country. “Orchids are a thing of wild India,” he says. “To see them you have to get away from the cities and towns and see them in their natural habitat… Its much easier to see marigolds whereas the biodiversity of India is in the wilds where people don’t go.” On show: Till March 5, at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, South West London E-mail: vidya.ram@thehindu.co.in
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Profile
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Profile
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Nursery Business
Sri Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens
Spreading Greenery About Nursery Sri Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens is one of the land mark of entire nurseries today in Kadiyam region in Andhra Pradesh. Sri Palla Narayya father of Sri Palla Venkanna established Sri Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens in the year 1953 in 50cents of Land. Although Sri Palla Venkanna was physically disabled he developed the nursery to National and International level. Sri Palla Venkanna extended the nursery in many acres of land situated very near to NH-5 road in Kadiyapulanka. Sri Satyanarayana Nursery Gardens is a popular and very famous nursery among all the nurseries in Andhra Pradesh. We propagate the plants and grown to usable size. We are specialized in Ornamental, Decorative, Indoor-Outdoor, Avenue, Fruits and Palms varieties in different sizes. We sell the plants in wholesale and retail for general public, to business to other nurseries, to commercial gardens and also for needs of private estates and institutions. Our business is mainly done through e-mails, phones,faxes and directly by personal meetings. We take so many precautions and take special care for the growing of plants. Each and every plant should be under our supervision and we are the only one for maintaining good health and good quality of plants by performing better ways to grow the plants. We take so much
of extra care while we transport the plants throughout the country. Very special care should be taken for transportation, which includes proper packing of each plant and careful loading of the plants and special environment should also be provided during the transportation of plants by trucks to different corners of the country. Till now Approx.128 cinemas have been filmed in our nursery like Telugu,Tamil,Hindi and Oriya took place for free of charge,
because to spread the message the importance of greenery. Every producer had a sentiment that if their film pictured in this nursery will definitely be a big hit. Most familiar Politicians, Government officials, Foreign Diplomats and other people visited our nursery and enjoyed every minute by seeing our nursery activities and scenery. Importantly many professors and scientists visit here for their research. National and International students visit for botanical tours and case studies and gains lot of knowledge on plants and their varieties. We also exported the plants to abroad and we are proud to say that our nursery is the first nursery in India to export plants to other foreign countries in large scale. Our main aim is to spread the greenery across the nation by growing and supplying wide variety of plants. We want every one to spread greenery by planting vast number of plants to eradicate pollution to save the world from “Global Warming�. n
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Nursery Business
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Company Info
Handling and Supplying High Quality Healthy Plants
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he verdant greens of many landscaping projects boast of the nurture Gowthami Nursery has awarded it. Professional facilities combined with a high level of customer delight are what we stand for. Gowthami Nursery was founded by Veera Babu Margani in 1992 in Kadiyapulanka. Veera Babu is an exceptional nurseryman with extensive knowledge of plants. The mission of the Gowthami Nursery is to promote the cause of Environmental conservation by promoting greenery. The abundance of natural beauty is successfully harnessed to good use by us. The flawless execution of projects is only a part of the success story of the Nursery. They are deeply committed to the creation of beautiful surroundings and peaceful ambience. Strengths Developed to be the pioneers in the field of supplying a large variety of Nursery products. The vast array of well-appointed plants include avenue plants, ficus, palms, fruit trees, ground covers, indoor plants, climbers, and creepers. They are the largest producer of Terminalia Mantaly in the country. A large variety of palms are also available. All conventional bag sizes are available with us. The vast experience that Gowthami Nursery has amassed in the field of handling and supplying high quality healthy plants in stipulated time frames has put it in a class of its own. There is a vast legion of nurserymen and landscapers that swears by our dedication and sincerity. There motto is Quality before quantity. Successfully catered to a large number of prestigious projects: v Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad v Vedanta Group’s Aluminium Smelter Project at Jharsuguda, Orissa
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v v v
GMR Group /T2 Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd at New Delhi Patanjali Yogpeeth at Haridwar Janeshwar Mishra Park at Lucknow
The landscapers of these projects are milestone clients who speak very highly of the service and turnaround time we have provided to them. There are miles to go before we can achieve the dream seen by our founder, of a beautiful and green country. We shall keep on striving t maintain the highest standards of quality and perseverance to gain the pinnacle of success. Varieties Bismarckia Nobilis, Butia Capitata, Chamaerops Humilis, London Pine, Pencil Pine, Terminalia Mantaly, Terminalia Mantaly Variegated, Ficus Starlight, Ficus Panda, Ficus Blackiana, Ficus Prestiage, Ficus Panda Multiheads, Syzygium Myrtifolium, Ashoka Pendula, Bambusa Ventricosa, Phyllostachys Nigra, Multiplex Bamboo Green, Multiplex Bamboo Gold, Plumeria Dwarf Varities, Bougainvillea Sp Sing, Pandanus Variegated, etc. Achievements Gowthami Nursery has been the proud recipient of National Level Awards in the past. We are honoured to have bagged the “Best Nursery for the Year 2011”. Mr. Sharad Pawar, Minister for Agriculture had graced the occasion. Gowthami Nursery was the winner of “Best Promising Nurseryme for the Year 2012.” A big and recent achievement was to meet with the Prime Minister – Narendra Modi along with his Family. He also requested the n Prime Minister to look forward in the Nursery Industry.
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Company Info
Setting New standard in export quality
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ited in the fertile delta region of River Godavari, in village Burrilanka which is 12km away from the historical city Rajahmundy, Andhra Pradesh is the A.K.S.V. Nursery, established in the year 2008. A.K.S.V. Nursery runs by young enthusiastic Nursery man Ratnam Ayyappa and his brother Mr. Ratnam Dorababu, supported by a dedicated team, which is the blend of youth and the experienced. Adopting the Modern Techniques and sticking to basic fundamentals, A.K.S.V. Nursery has earned confidence of several leading Landscapers all over the world. Nurturing the plants with great care & prompt supply of the best quality plants as desired by Landscapers has turned out to be a strong platform for the Nursery business. A.K.S.V. Nursery are the pioneers in supply of all kinds of plants like Shrubs, Hedges, Palms, Grasses, Avenue trees, Creepers, in-Door and out-door plants. Has the credit of introducing several new varieties of plants to Nursery industry. A.K.S.V. Nursery successfully transplanted huge trees and palms above 50 feet. Certification & Export The plentiful commitment to the implementation of the system of quality control has allowed A.K.S.V. Nursery to meet and maintain qualitative objectives over time, and to continuously search for the satisfaction of the market place closest as a point of reference, thereby creating an efficient and legitimate and organized system capable of making improvements with continuity. A.K.S.V. Nursery, received
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Registration-cum-Membership certificate from the Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, and a Certificate from National Institute of Plant Health Management. The always attentive attitude towards the satisfaction of its clientele, has determined, since its inception to practice a quality management system and to certify it in order that allows it to demonstrate the achieved results. Quality A.K.S.V. Nursery consider quality management of planting material as a mission and maintaining the required parameters to produce, distribute and export of our plant materials. They are committed to strive for service excellence in : v The standardization and regulation of norms for all plants that we produce. v The promotion and provision of propagation material of superior quality. v The prevention of agricultural pests and diseases being importedexported or distributed. v The analysis of our products to ensure compliance with prescribed standards on local and foreign markets. v No use of chemicals as growth regulator or plant protector but instead we use trichoderma viride and verticillium, sterilized coco peat, neem powder, vermicompost and black soil for growth and plant protector. In the extent of 75 acres of vegetation,
the nursery accounts variety of production e.g. Adansonia digitata (Baobab tree), etc. Few more varieties: (1) Trees: Ficus lyrata, Alstonia scholaris, Callistemon lanceo, etc. (2) Palms: Copernicia hospita, Wodyetia bifurcata, Hyophore lagenicaulis, etc. (3) Shrubs: Mussaenda erythrophylla, Mussaenda philippica, odiaeum multicolor etc. (4) Ground Covers: Rhoeo spathacea ‘tricolor’, Ophiopogan jaburan ‘variegata’, etc. (5) Aquatic Plants: Equisetum hyemal, Victoria regia, Nymphaea, etc. (6) Fruit Plant: Nephelium litchi, Carissa carandas, Pink Mango, Citrus Maxima, etc. (7) Creepers: Pyrostegia venusta, Petrea volubilis, Mandevilla sanderi, etc. Recently as part of improvising the landscape new, A.K.S.V. Nursery imported the Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘yellow’, Crinum zanthophyllum (yellow crinum), red jade vine and Acmena smithii, Crinum menuhune, Ludwigia sedoideds, Thalia geniculata from Malaysia, Australia, Thailand and Middle East. The plants are exported in countries like Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordon, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, United Arab Emirates and others. Major export is of different palms such as Foxtail Plam, Royal Palm, Veitchia Palm and Alphanso variety Mango. A.K.S.V. Nursery multiplies more than 400 species of ornamental plants.
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News
Flower show comes as much-needed breather at DU
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lasses were suspended on Thursday to allow students and teachers to visit the garden near the V-C’s office While a part of the Delhi University campus simmered, the other saw visitors enjoying a spectacular display of flowers at the Mughal Garden near the ViceChancellor’s office. Classes were suspended at Delhi University (DU) on Thursday so that students and teachers could visit the Annual Flower Show. The event offered a perfect excuse to ensure that students stayed away from campus, a day after the violent clash at North Campus.
‘Sheer bliss’ A DU official, however, said that classes are suspended every year for the flower show. “It’s very rare to see so many flowers together. I could not imagine something like this in Delhi before coming here. Most of the time we are stuck in our PGs and
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colleges. This is sheer bliss,” said Laura Joycelyn, a visitor. Many students, meanwhile, condemned the violence witnessed on Wednesday. “The flower show has come as relief for those shocked by the violence,” said Anubhuti Prasad, a 2nd year student. “The flower show has always been a popular event among garden enthusiasts in the Capital. The idea behind the show is to celebrate the beauty of flowers and promote interest among the people. Also, this is the time of the year when many flowers are in full bloom, including some rare specimens,” said Professor Arun Jagannath, an organiser. Keeping up with tradition, the show
was open to all colleges and schools in the Capital. Also, competitions were held in 74 categories pertaining to gardening. “Not only educational institutions, but individual participants also take part,” Prof. Jagannath added. Street plays performed Street plays highlighting the importance of the environment were among the highlights. Speaking to The Hindu, members of Dhwani - the theatre society of Acharya Narendra Dev College - who performed at the event, said, “We have attempted to focus on major issues like deforestation and ozone layer depletion. The key message of our play was that if environmental degradation continues at this rate, Earth will soon become devoid of life.”
News
Indian consultant helps growers through innovation to their critical role in Hindu religious ceremonies. Not satisfied to simply manage a small, sustainable farming operation, Fresh Harvest has invested in new technologies like precision farming, low-energy greenhouses, rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation to reduce costs and improve sustainability. They
have added food processing units to prepare food more efficiently for delivery to market. In the last year alone, Fresh Harvest has delivered 35 tons of vegetables to market – more than twice the amount delivered by farms of similar size in the region.
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hen Parvathi Menon launched her own consulting firm, Innovation Alchemy, in 2009 in India, she found a fertile market of social enterprises, large NGOs, and government agencies seeking insights on social innovation, sustainability, supply chain management and advice on how to scale up their solutions for the base of the pyramid. Over the next several years, Innovation Alchemy built a network of 2,000 social enterprises around the world and directly assisted 60 social enterprises to grow. Having worked in management consulting, media and as a leader of the World Bank’s Development Marketplace programs in India, Ms. Menon had acquired a deep knowledge of the developmental challenges facing India. In 2014 the company decided that the best way to test its consulting hypotheses was to experiment as a social enterprise itself. To do so, Innovation Alchemy launched Fresh Harvest Pvt. Ltd. According to Menon, “We chose the agriculture sector for the first venture expansion, given the need and opportunity for innovation & facilitation in this sector, in the Indian context”. The Fresh Harvest farm, located outside Bangalore, India, uses nearly 10 acres of land to grow everything from lemons, beetroot, carrot, chilies, and greens to Indian vegetables like murungakkai and nellikai. The team is also harvesting flowers for the domestic Indian market. Flowers provide small farmers with reliable cash flow and local market access everywhere in India, due
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Date of Publishing 25-26 Every Month Date of Posting 3-4 Every Month
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