FLORICULTURE TODAY - January Issue

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012

www.floriculturetoday.in

Contents

8 Editorial Chief Editor

S. Jafar Naqvi

Consulting Editors T.V. Satyanarayanan

K Dharmarajan Chief Coordinator M.B. Naqvi Editorial Coordinator Syed M K

General Manager Lalitha V. Rajan

Layout & Design Mohd. Iqbal

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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)

Floriculture in J&K 10 Kashmir Set to Boom with Tulips again Dutch Experts Encourage Indian Growers to Form Cooperative Report 16 Modernizing Indian Horticulture: National Horticulture Board 38 The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is a treat to the eye!

— Naryana Swamy Biotechnology 22 A Novel Tool for the Improvement of Flower Crops — Narayan Singh, Santosh Kumar, Ajit Kumar Green Landscape 26 Importance of Home Garden Floriculture Markets 30 Floricultural Prospects in Uttarakhand — Dr. Deepti Singh Planting Material 33 Preesman Designates New Agents in India Trials of new varieties to suit Indian climate International Cooperation 34 Netherlands & India Government to Government Programme on IPR issues Pre Show Review 42 IMP ESSEN 2012 Special Developments and Trends in the Flower and Plant Markets of European Union

Editor : S. Jafar Naqvi

46 CII to host the 2nd edition of Green Landscape Summit at Bengaluru

Vol 16....... Issue 8 ...... January 2012

50 News

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012

Editorial G

ardening with children can be real fun. It benefits both the young and old. (Floriculture Today carried a small write-up in the December 2011 issue).

By nature, children love to play in the mud or sand, making models with clay. They are excited to see a worm, a beetle or a butterfly and they enjoy watering plants with elders.

Yes, with encouragement from parents or guardians, they love to do gardening work, tending to flower and vegetable plants. Why not involve them in this fascinating activity, to help inculcate in them a love for nature and make them environment-conscious.

Sometimes, one’s experience in teaching gardening to small children can turn out to be hilarious as well, as teachers of a school in Kerala once realized. As part of an outdoor activity, children of an elementary school were being taught how to plant seeds in a flower bed near their classroom.

The next day, the flower bed was found all dug up, because the curious kids were eager to find out how the seeds planted by them were doing!!

Gardening enthusiasts have found that children enjoy planting seeds, watering plants, watching them grow and harvesting what they have grown. By nursing their enthusiasm, one can develop in them a healthy attitude towards flowers, plants and trees and, in the process, facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between plants and people.

A master gardener of Colorado State University says vegetables are a good choice for young children. They germinate quickly and can be eaten when mature. Children usually have many likes and dislikes about vegetables, but they shed their prejudices when it comes to eating vegetables grown by them.

Expert gardeners have some tips to offer on how to involve children in gardening. Children would like if they are involved right from the planning stage of their garden. They should be allowed to do the planting themselves so that they can proudly say it is “their” garden.

The young gardeners need to be taught that growing a good garden begins with good soil. They need to be explained that just like people, plants need to eat and drink. The chosen spot for a garden should get enough sunlight and have ready access to water source. Preferably, the site for the garden should be such that it can be admired by others.

If one lives in an apartment, where there is no space for outdoor gardening, use of pots and containers for planting can be equally exciting for the child.

Choice of plants is important. Colourful vegetables and flowers have a special appeal to the young minds. Many garden vegetables and flowers are now available in rare colours and shapes. Care has to be taken to ensure that plants and flowers are non-toxic. No child should come in contact with poisonous plants like parthenium, which is a big menace all over this country, particularly in the rainy season.

To encourage their enthusiasm, children should have their own tools to work in the garden. Small shaped rakes, spades and gloves can be found in garden shops. Even heavy kitchen spoons and old mugs and cups can be cheaper alternatives for digging and scooping.

Garden projects for children can have great educational value – they teach them about nutrition, nature, recycling and organic cultivation and, more important, about the balance of nature and protection of environment.

Media Today Group wishes all its readers a Happy New Year.

Comments are welcome at: mediatoday@vsnl.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

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture in J&K

Henk and Javed Shah J&K Floriculture Department

Kashmir Set to Boom with Tulips again Dutch Experts Encourage Indian Growers to Form Cooperative Regarded as the ‘paradise on earth’, Jammu and Kashmir has a historical tradition of many a garden set up by Mughals. The state is also trying to regain the glory. Having undergone a change and with the launch of Tulip Garden in Jammu and Kashmir, the state is aiming towards changing the perception of people associating the production of Tulips only with Holland. Jammu and Kashmir government is looking forward to a public-private partnership towards making investments for encouraging the production of the flower on a commercial scale.

Dutch Flowerbulb Experience is a young and dynamic flower bulb export company, settled in the Netherlands. The company is specialized in supply of high quality bulbs for professional use in cutflower industry.

Though company focuses on tulips, lilies, gladioli and dahlias, they claim to be possess knowledge about other bulbous flowers as well. Recently the company representative Mr. H van Voorbergen shared some important developments in Jammu & Kashmir with Floriculture Today team.

10 Floriculture Today January 2012

How do you see climatic suitability of J&K state for Tulips. Which parts are comparatively more / less suitable for Tulip flower / bulb cultivation.

J&K being bestowed with varied agro climatic conditions ranging from temperate-tropic-subtropic-arid type of climate, hence most suitable for cultivation of all types of flowers. The overall valley has typically the most suitable conditions for growing specifically temperate crops, the tulip being one of them. The tulip crop is a typical winter product, whether we use it for bulb propagation or cut flower production.

It needs cold winters (<10 dgr.C) and not too warm summers (< 25 dgr. C) for bulb production. For flowers as soon as it becomes warmer (> 20 dgr. C), there is no market for tulips. The flowers after

Floriculture in J&K for tulip bulbs. The technology is not yet available in India and it can only be realised with Dutch know how.

For cut flower production, Kashmir has the most ideal circumstances, as long as the polyhouses are equipped with irrigation (drip/fog), shading and heating system with ventilators. Till the time postharvest infrastructural facilities are not in place, Kashmir needs tulipbulbs from Holland. Again I repeat for cut flower production of tulips is the most ideal area with highly qualified results!!

Henk planting experiment 2009-2010

cut will last approx. 5-7days in inside and as soon as temperature becomes warmer, tulips will lose vase life.

Therefore in commercial way there is a good market for tulip flowers in India from December upto the end of February, although it is also possible in March-AprilMay outside India.

I have been in several parts of India, and I have had many requests last year for tulips both for flower and bulb propagation. Although Kashmir is the most northern part of India with very low temperatures, it is on the edge to do tulips, and is the only area in India where you can do tulips successfully.

For cut flower production, which is indoors (polyhouses) we can regulate the temperature and even heat up the polyhouses to get the quality production.

For bulb propagation, which is outdoors, we need a climate with low temperatures during winter months (lower then 10 dgr C) and not higher temperatures than 25 dgr C during March-June. I have seen results from some more eastern parts of India, but Kashmir is the area for tulips.

In brief, bulb propagation in India is only possible in Kashmir, but then they need the exact post harvest infrastructural storage facilities / techniques especially

Polyhouse before planting experiment 2009-2010

Polyhouses overview experiment 2009-2010

Polyhouse experiment 2009-2010

Considering availability of transport, what areas of Kashmir are commercially viable for export oriented flower / flowerbulb production.

Although there are so many areas suitable both for cutflower production as well as bulb propagation, but presently the area around Srinagar is very good for this purpose and it is in development very positively, although the infrastructure needs to be still improved, as it is nearby the Airport. But when railway transport, which is under development, will be realised, it will give boost to floriculture industry. For flowers, transport by air will be used the most; this also happens in Holland. Besides this, I have been to several spots around Srinagar; the soil and circumstances are most ideal, apart from being nearby the Airport. Frankly speaking, Kashmir is a very good area for agricultural purposes in its widest form because the soil, water and light intensity is fabulous. However, for bulb transport from Mumbai upto Srinagar, good acclimatised trucks will be needed, and also roads to Srinagar need to be improved.

Once Kashmir is accepted by India as a very important agricultural area, and they take care that Kashmir is more accessible, more agri- and floriculture companies will be there and ultimately unemployment problem will be handled in a short time.

It is general perception that the Tulip garden only had landscape & garden varieties. How commercially viable do you think is tulip cultivation for cut flower varieties.

No, this is not the fact, what I have personally observed, there are different Floriculture Today January 2012 11

Floriculture in J&K

Development in polyhouse Polyhouses tulip garden

types of assortments comprising of both garden and cut flower varieties. The Floriculture Dept J&K have a good team of experts who are well versed with floriculture, I believe assortments are selected for creating awareness about its commercial exploitation, besides, giving boost to tourism sector and the Dept. has succeeded in its goal to a reasonable extent, as cutflower production of tulip has been initiated in Kashmir.

What is role of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dutch Flowerbulb Experienceâ&#x20AC;? in this development? How is state government involved.

It all started when we were approached by Micropower Engineers Inc Srinagar, in connection with tenders floated by floriculture department for supply of imported tulip bulbs in 2007.

Accordingly we set up a plan of actions including orientation of myself in Kashmir.

Tulip bulbs from Holland were supplied to Kashmir for tulip garden in years 2007-2008,2009,2010 & 2011. We approached cut flower producers to do cut flower production of tulips in 20082010. Soon afterwards, a (demonstration) project on cut flower production of tulips was organized by Floriculture Dept.

J& K and Micropower and our group, especially for cut flower producers of J&K. The project had a polyhouse facility of Floriculture Dept. Kashmir at tulip garden located at Cheshmeshahi. We did this project/test with extremely good success (2009-2010). Very high quality product was realised in Kashmir. The 12 Floriculture Today January 2012

High tech polyhouse

soil, I have tested in Dutch laboratory, is extremely good, water from Dal Lake/ Himalaya and higher light intensity were the main ingredients for very good results.

This was only possible with the open hearted support of floriculture Dept. J&K Govt. and with their continued sincere support ,this year Kashmir will realise for the first time, cutflower production on commercial base. In January, February and the beginning of March tulips from Kashmir will be introduced on the Indian markets. Especially for this cutflower production of tulips we set up a cooperation: Micropower Flower Farms (Dutch Flowerbulb ExperienceMicropower-Growers), of course with support and advise of the department. In this cooperation, growers like Mr. Fayaz, are growing tulips in polyhouses, DFE supplying programmed bulbs, technical support from planting upto production, marketing of tulips in India and Floriculture Deptt J&K Govtt:. Will provide Financial / technical Assistance, training to growers, facilitating in organising right equipments etc. The Micropower is importer of the bulbs and initiator of the cooperation Micropower Flower Farms, central and contact point for commercial actions like sales, etc.

The potential of flower cultivation had always been there in Kashmir, however, it was not utilised. What problems and experiences did face in this project.

Indeed what are issues that in your view need solution to fully explore potential of

floriculture in Jammu & Kashmir?

First of all, India need to accept Kashmir as a very important agricultural area. Second, this is only possible if there is an ultimate trust in each other. It has taken about 4 years before the time was ripe to start this project on commercial base, Holland and India together in a cooperation.

Last but not least, the phytosanitory restrictions are (very strict and it is ) difficult to bring tulip bulbs to India. With support of Micropower , Dutch Embassy in Delhi and most importantly Floriculture Dept. J&K, especially Mr. Javed Shah, we succeeded in bringing tulip bulbs for cut flower production, tulip bulbs for tulip garden and tulip bulbs for Presidential garden (Mughal Gardens) this year.

For the nearby future, there have been negotiations to simplify the phytosanitory restrictions at political level between India and The Netherlands, where our cooperation has been directly involved.

What is status of present project?

At the very moment tulipbulbs have been planted for the first production in January, and they still are busy with planting in polyhouses. I have started up the planting in the beginning of November. Even when I am there in Holland, I contact at least twice a day with growers and Floriculture Dept., about developments; weather circumstances, etc., to give the producers good instructions for the best results. In January I will be in India again not only for guidance and support to the first tulip production as cutflower, but also to promote the quality of tulips in several other areas of India.

Availability of polyhouses and some times high tech polyhouses is there. They are very suitable for cut flower production of tulips, as long as they are equipped with irrigation (drip) system, ventilator(s) and fog - and heating system. Those cut flower producers, who are equipped like this and interested in tulips for cut flower production, can become a member of this cooperation.

I will encourage growers to join the cooperation so as to enable them purchase of bulbs in bigger quantities, to take care that purchasing prices are low. They can also get an import permit easily for the

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Floriculture in J&K bulbs. So if you act as a single grower on your own it is almost impossible (to import). Cooperation also helps in start, as growers will get help and support from each other as a member for the best results. Flower market requests bigger quantities. A cooperation can fullfill this demand. In this way growers are more of interest in commercial way. As a cooperation growers can also act more stronger in business way. Highly qualified knowledge from Holland (me) is involved, where you can make use of, if you are a member.

For next year we already have big interest for tulips from Kashmir, not only for Indian market, but also outside!

Concerning use of bulbs, we do not only tulip bulbs, but also other crops like lilies, peony, gladioli, dahlia, etc. for cut flower production, including technical support, as well as landscaping.

I have been visiting Kashmir already 10 times since 2007, and for me it is quite clear that Kashmir is a very important area for agri- and floriculture purposes.

n

Floriculture Today January 2012 13

14 Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012 15

Report

Modernizing Indian Horticulture: National Horticulture Board NHB Delegation at “Floriculture Today” stall at Hortifair 2011

A report on participation of National Horticulture Board in the “International Hortifair” at Amsterdam and Cold Storages in the Netherlands The International Hortifair at Amsterdam is an annual event being held in Holland, is the biggest show in the floriculture sector, where around 1200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries showcase their products and technologies. India has regularly participated at this most important trade event and participation has helped the Indian exporters to showcase their products and network to the global leaders in floriculture sector and exploring marketing avenues. The event had been a premium one every year on APEDA’s calendar of International Events.

This report is prepared based on observations & activities of the delegation members. The report is based mainly on inputs and information from Dr. R. K. Sharma, Zonal Director of NHB at Gurgaon who was the Leader of the Delegation. Such inputs are received by all departments from various delegations that go out to international visits and events. Floriculture Today tries to cover all such developments and publishes them for benefit of flower growers. A report on the Horti fair was published last month. This report is an addendum to the same.

16 Floriculture Today January 2012

Report

NHB Delegation at Hortifair 2011

R

ealizing importance of Hortifair to NHBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial horticulture development program, a team consisting of officials of NHB was deputed to visit HortiFair and also observe various developments in Horticulture sector of the Netherlands. The delegation consisted of Dr. R. K. Sharma, Zonal Director, NHB, Gurgaon (Team Leader), Mr. Bani Singh, Sr. Asstt.

Director, NHB, Lucknow, Mr. Dharam Singh, Asstt. Director, NHB, Bangalore and Mr. R. Murthy, Non-official Member of Board of Director, NHB. Mr. Amit Sahai, Addl. Commissioner, DAC, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi also joined the delegation.

Beside participation in the Hortifair, the team also visited Flower Auction Centre at Aalsmeer, observed glasshouse production of cash crops, visited cold stores and modern fruit ripening systems including test facilities. This delegation was independent of the another nine-member mission from various states mounted by the Department of Agri and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt of India.

Main Observations Visits were made to the Hortifair exhibition to see the latest varieties of ornamental plants and flowers doing best in the commercial circles as ornamental horticulture is more for novelties and new introductions. One of the important features of this event is to felicitate the creators of excellence in various categories. NHB should introduce this practice for the major crops having inbuilt provision under its own ongoing scheme.

Ripening System As various subsidy schemes of the center have introduced the component of fruit ripening projects of various unit sizes and NHB has also come out with technical standards for pressurized and non-pressurized ripening systems, linked to the subsidy level, it was thought appropriate to visit the world leader -The InterKo Heat Exchanger & Ripening Solution - involved in promoting fruit ripening with high technology. Over 5000 ripening system for tropical and temperate fruits from this company are working in various countries. The objective to provide better service and strengthen the quality of the product is offered through perfect climate control required to achieve good colour, nourishment

Discussions with Horticoop management while displaying the produce of their farmer members & services to them

quality, taste and hardness of products like Bananas, Mangos, Papaya etc. at right time. With precise control of the Ethylene essential for ripening, modulations of proper temperature, control of Nitrogen and Carbon-dioxide can keep the product longer, without compromising quality. The advance technologies available in the ripening programme can be matched to have world class fruits.

During the visit to ripening of mango and banana, received from Southern America, it emerged that 140C temperature is essential for uniform and slow ripening. On insistence of Indian delegates, the experts informed that 200C ripening is also possible in India but shall lead to non uniform ripening (as is the case presently) due to high temperature and poor air flow. It can be easy for a small number of bananas for ripening but difficult for large volume in a full chamber capacity.

The company have offered system using Indian components as Dutch build components for both the ripening systems; LOCKSOCK plug and play system, and iNTH pressurized ripening system without humidifiers as over 5000 installed world-wide do not use humidifiers. Both are good for Indian conditions due to benefits of iNTH pressurized ripening. Main benefits of iNTH pressurized ripening system are : v A single 6 ton room will ripen 450 ton of fruit a year (good for Indian conditions due to large production base of banana, mango, and papaya to whom system is quite suitable; v

Improved energy consumption - system can optionally be equipped with a heat recovery unit, making sure for exchange the fresh air as needed in the ripening process, but keeping the precious cold, created at high energy costs, inside;

v

Healthy and safe food and working conditions;

v

Rooms are easy to operate and can be operated with minimal trained staff.

Cold Chain Development As the Indian cold chain sector is in transition phase from traditional onto modern lines, the team also paid visits to certain Floriculture Today January 2012 17

Report cold storage facilities to see technologies and practices useful but not yet practiced in India. After detailed presentation by Tolsma – a private leading company in the manufactures and testing equipment, showed their capacities for designing, engineering, and establishing of various types of cold stores for the following three items; i) cold stores for potatoes, onion, carrots as their core areas where former two are stored in heaps whereas carrots in big wooden bins but cooling is done from beneath the heap of the produce which is contrary to the Indian conditions. ii) grading/washing/packing lines of sophisticated nature for various applications, iii) processing equipment.

Their practice of face-to-face discussions between the farmers/ investors and manufactures who not only sell the equipment but undertake complete job of designing, supply and erection, and instrumentation to see the overall performance – needs to be encouraged in India. The company has its own test facilities, especially for pressure fans, and education programmes at its campus for skill up-gradation of investors and inspectors.

Possible areas of cooperation are; i) demonstration stores carrot and onion storage as Indian industry is trying to diversify into it but lacks protocol, ii) rehabilitation of old stores, and iii) test facilities for various equipments. The table-A attached shall indicate the storage conditions that can be achieved only through efficient storage provided necessary protocols are demonstrated.

Heating is also provided through hot water circulation in pipes inside the green house or through solar system on roof through a grid. Other glass houses were also coming in this area for cluster approach. The adjoining glass house has new crop and maintained by artificial lighting and heating due to ensuing winter.

In the green house technology, climate is perfectly balanced to create growing conditions of Temperature, Light, Air Humidity, and CO2 concentration etc. there are equipment now that increase the CO2 concentration in the green-house and thus faster growth.

Light being one of the most important factors for every growth - the light sensors determine the exact amount of light, including photo synthetically active radiation in the green house (PAR) even providing to know about micro climate at each plant level.

The water system is easily automated by connecting Process Computer that makes use of water management soft ware. The soft ware is coupled to Climate Control, Energy management, and Management information system (MIS). For optimal growth of crop, it requires sufficient nutrients with proper concentration.

Ingenious dosing system allows adding liquid fertilizer to irrigation water supplies. Intelligent design to senor can also be used to determine how much nutrient the crop has assimilated, ensuring that plants always receive the right nutrients at right stage .

Modern equipment HD/HV has been specifically designed for effective and efficient disinfection of irrigation water. The principle applied high density/ultra Violet for disinfection either small or large volume of water. Disinfecting drain and surface water saves on water and expensive fertilizer.

Table – A: Storage conditions for selected produce in cold stores Produce

Harvest

Store (Months)

Temp

RH

Heap

Potato

Sept.– Oct.

9-10

4,7,100C

95

9 M ht. No cooling

Onion Oct. 8 Spray MH in field 4.5(Cooling) 65-70

270C with curing & moisture

Carrots Oct. last 8-10 1 98-100

With soil layer, in boxes.

No ventilation. Fresh air little bit for a few hrs.

• Not measuring CO2, Ethylene, 02 concentration in above stores.

Glass House Technology In order to see protected cultivation, a visit was made to Red Harvest, Midden Meer Project situated in the AgriPort Park on 50 hectare – similar to the pattern of floriculture parks in India wherein common facilities are provided by the public development agency, and individual projects by investors. The project visited was on 7 hector indeterminate tomato cultivation 6.8 m high in Glass Houses. Due to continuous season in controlled conditions, the production is available for 11 months and tomatoes supplied to the European Union States although this was the fag, hence off-cultivation. As vines continue to grow, these are lowered down and wrapped around occasionally and leaves clipped. The nutrition is supplied through media in a small tray and fruit harvested under precision harvesting with respect to time taken to harvest a particular volume and care rendered not injure the vines. All other operations of collecting in trays, colour grading, weighing and packaging are mechanically controlled.

18 Floriculture Today January 2012

Any horticulturist, big or small, can make use of the knowledge, skills and technical means offered by the Dutch.

Fruits and Vegetables Interaction with Holland Fresh Group indicates bright scope for exporting fruits to EU market having high demand. It is identified that Mango, Pomegranate, Fig and Kiwi fruit is the most needed.

Mr. Peter Verbass, Sr. Executive, Fruit Trader Association of Holland has identified more than 10 groups who need these fruits.

It is understood that the Pakistan Mango are dominating the Dutch market. Fig and Blueberry are other exotic fruits needed as fresh and dried. It is suggested that introduction of exotic fruit varieties and area expansion of pomegranate and figs, kiwi, can also be developed in the highly suitable places in south of the country like Kodaikanal, Ooty, foot hills of Western Ghat region in Kerala.

Transfer of technology from potential countries like New Zealand,

Report Australia, California, Latin American countries can help to develop orchard.

Horticoop During a period of more than one hundred years, this cooperative organization has developed into a reliable trading partner in the vegetable and ornamental plant cultivation and in floriculture. The Cooperative has more than three thousand members who operate within the horticultural industry. Horticoop BV is under Cooperative Royal Horticultural Centre for horticulture related commercial activities.

It believes that good cooperation is vital making use of each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong points is the main challenge. Employees understand their profession and are fully aware of the current developments in the field of horticulture when it comes to inputs, environmental and health and safely legislation, and employees being up to dated continually by investing in their training and education.

The cooperation with Hortcoop can be useful to get key personnel to train management of the Indian Cooperatives associations or their federations. The Indian Cooperatives members are good on production front but organization management with respect to its membership base, administration, facilities & education to members, is lacking. To start with, confederation of Indian Horticulture & Associated a National Level Associations of Horticulture (presently more than 20) can be trained to link them to the ground level effective associations on one hand and make the national ones effective on the other.

MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, AGRICULTURE AND INNOVATION, NETHERLANDS As a follow up of the technology up-gradation initiatives in Indian Horticulture, a meeting of the delegation was also convened with Dr Hans Hoogeveen JD MPA-the Director General (Agro) and Mr Henk van Duijn (Agriculture Counselor)- responsible for initiatives in India. During this meeting, Agriculture Counselor informed that Govt. of Netherland is working with Govt. of India for Human Resources Development for which there are two centers working; NIAM in Jaipur and HTC in Pune. They have further developed programme for M. Tech and Ph. D in collaboration with Govt. of India through Ministry of Food Processing for areas like Food Processing & Cold Chain etc. It was impressed upon by the Indian delegates that course/training needs must be assessed in advance so that it helps in completing various links of the chain but not duplicating the efforts as India has many other institutes also. Indian delegates impressed upon the need for training to Indian cooperatives/Associations Management to help them in running efficiently, through Horticoop - a highly successful model in Netherlands. Other areas for cooperation can be training in scientific ripening of tropical fruits and training centre as well as that of cold chain operations as Indian investors are buying some cold chain equipments like sophisticated grading lines and cold rooms from Holland. Running of Indian flowers auction centers successfully is another area identified. n

Floriculture Today January 2012 19

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20 Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012 21

Biotechnology

Biotechnology

A Novel Tool for the Improvement of Flower Crops â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Narayan Singh, Santosh Kumar, Ajit Kumar Department of Horticulture, Pantnagar

F

loriculture industry has emerged as a highly competitive horti-bussiness, developments in plant biotechnology are now revolutionizing plant breeding and propagation. Most of the ornamental plants and flower crops had been benefited by the biotechnological impact. Biotechnology has greatly helped to mass propagate a number of plant species of commercial importance and production of disease free planting material. Apart from micropropagation, plant biotechnological approaches are now being increasingly relied upon to improve the floricultural crops. Genetic engineering, somaclonal variation and in vitro selection, in vitro breeding by production of androgenic plant, gynogenesis, somatic embryogenesis, synthetic seed technology and protoplast fusion are the latest developments. Genetic modification of ornamental plants to produce novel flower colour and form, plant architecture,

resistance to adverse biotic and abiotic stresses by biotechnological approaches is attractive proposition which can be an alternative to conventional plant breeding. Ornamental plants are produced mainly for their commercial and aesthetic value, thus the propagation and improvement of quality attributes such as leaf types, flower colour, longevity and form, plant shape and architecture and the creation of novel variation are important economic goals for floriculturists.

Engineering flower colour and form are very important for consumer.

Transgenic petunia with bright orange colour which is clearly distinct from salmon and red colour petunia in nature has been developed by transfer of petunia antisense Chs gene (chalcone synthase). Similarly development of blue rose or blue carnation or blue tulip has become possible using genetic engineering. In addition, by blocking the biosynthesis or action of ethylene flower with extended vase life can be produced. This strategy has been successful in carnation and petunia. For many commercial flower crops like gladiolus, carnation, gerbera and rose; using the short meristems culture has proved to be useful in eliminating the virus from plant. Altered flower morphology to suit the ever-changing demands of flower lovers can be achieved by transfer of deficiens genes from Antirrhinum majus and the agamous gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. Apart from these aforesaid techniques, DNA fingerprinting can be used for identification of various crop varieties.

Important techniques of plant biotechnology and their application in brief: MICROPROPAGATION Advantages v Rapid development of new cultivar v Year round production v Vigorous high quality plants v Disease free plants

Impotant techniques of plant biotechnology and their application in brief:

22 Floriculture Today January 2012

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Biotechnology SOMATIC HYBRIDIZATION Uses v To overcome the species barriers to sexual hybridization v Can be used to overcome the barriers of incompatibility v It provides an opportunity to construct hybrids between taxonomically distant plant species SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESI Use v For large scale clonal propagation v For gene transfer system MERISTEM CULTURE Use v In vitro production of disease free plants EMBRYO CULTURE v To rescue embryo

v Molecular breeding of complex characters TRANSGENIC Importance in floriculture v More faster technique than traditional plant breeding v Transgenic technology enables introduction of genes from a wide range of living sources v This technology provides the means for identifying and isolating genes controlling specific characteristics v To generate more useful and productive crop varieties containing new combinations of genes v It expands the possibilities beyond the limitations imposed by traditional breeding Some striking outcome of transgenic technology: Transgenic violet carnation

Blue Rose

SOMACLONAL VARIATON Advantages v To select desirable cell lines or tissues at an earlier stage of itself v Handling of non-variant or less useful plant can be avoided v It can be useful in crops with narrow genetic base v To some extent for in vitro selection against biotic and abiotic factors IN VITRO MUTAGENESIS Advantages v It is still possible approach when conventional approaches of improvement is cumbersome v Protoplast, fusion or genetic engineering has not been standardized

Longer vase life carnation

HAPLOID CULTURE Benefits of Haploid culture v Development of homozygous lines v Hybrid development v Early release of variety GENE CLONING: To produces numerous copy of desirable gene.

POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) Application: v Diagnosis of genetic disorders v Detection of nucleic acid sequence v For the analysis of homologous genes v The genetic identification of forensic samples MARKERS Use v In characterization of germplasm resources v Gender identification v Analyzing genetic diversity v Analyzing somaclonal variations v Parentage analysis v Genome mapping v Marker assisted breeding v Pyramiding disease resistance genes

Conclusion: Biotechnology can help in achieving the following goal in floriculture industry in a very rapid manner v Novelty through genetic engineering v Speed and pace of improvement v Altered plant form v Creation of genetic variation Biotechnological approaches have been found very successful in achieving these goals quickly by playing a significant role through improvement of flower crops. It is doubtless to say that the floriculture industry is poised for greener pastures and rosier future in this new and flourishing era of biotechnological revolution. n

Floriculture Today January 2012 23

24 Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012 25

Green Landscape

Importance of Home Garden

U

rbanisation is taking place all over the world at an unprecedented rate and land space per head is getting squeezed day by day. We have come into such an age that most of us have become apartment dwellers of multi-storey buildings. Air around us is quite polluted. Under these circumstances it is very essential to have

26 Floriculture Today January 2012

our own home garden.

NASA and ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America) conducted a study in late 1980s and found that plants purify the air inside a house. It is an established fact that plants convert carbon dioxide in the air into oxygen through photosynthesis, but very few of us know that they also remove harmful elements such as trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.

Plants are not only soothing to our eyes but looking at green is also good for our eyesight. The flora provides pleasant aroma.

Besides, there are lot of utility plants like basil (Tulsi), aloe vera, neem, curry leaves, all-spice, ajwain, green chilli,

lime, lemon grass etc. which can be useful in our daily life. If we have sizeable space, we can even enjoy the pleasure of growing some vegetables in organic manner! We can also have the satisfaction of growing seasonal flowers; it all depends on how much space we have at our disposal.

Blooming and growing of plants fill our soul with immense satisfaction and joy. It is indeed a pleasure to witness new emerging leaves, buds, flowers or fruits!

Plants create a liveliness and vibrancy in the atmosphere. Above all they are extremely beautiful ornaments to adorn our house with, available in many colours and shades; they are the most beautiful and meaningful gift of nature!

In order to achieve pleasure of success in home garden, primary step is right selection of plants. First identify the floor area where you would like to place pot plants, then identify if you have some space for hanging plants in your balcony or windows, if there is some ground area available, consider that also. If roof is under your disposal, see how much of it can be used for pot plants.

For interiors and sitting rooms, plants which can survive in low light are suitable. We must visualise what shape of plant would be appropriate for the space available, like slender tall, bushy tall, leafy, bushy, short or groundcover.

While making a decision, we should give first preference to plants which purify air, second, to utility plants and then to ornamental and exclusive plants. In other chapters of the book you would get details of plants which purify air and are good for our health.

In some regions, people follow certain guidelines like Vastu, Fengshui etc. if you believe in them; you can make selection keeping them in mind. In forthcoming chapters we have mentioned about them.

Raising plants from seedling level is quite difficult and cumbersome as their resistance power is low, hence we should always buy stable plants from reputed nurseries. Going for hanging potted plants is a good idea as it allows you a vertical gardening and saves floor space. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dinesh Rawat

Floriculture Today January 2012 27

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28 Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012 29

Floricultural Prospects in Uttarakhand — Dr. Deepti Singh

F

LORICULTURE is a rapidly growing sector of India which deals with the production, utilization and marketing of ornamental plants and fl owers.

Floriculture is a totally skill based farming, where from seed sowing to packaging, everything is done by the farmers. The world trade data shows that the share of developing countries amounts to more than 20% but Indian contribution in fl oriculture had not been more than 0.6% of the world transaction. In India, total area under fl oriculture is 1,67,000 ha with the production of 987 MT loose fl owers and 6667 million cut fl owers. The average productivity of fl ower crops is quiet high in comparison to other fi eld crops.

In India, Uttarakhand state has almost all the different agro-climatic zones making it particularly conducive to commercial horticulture and fl oriculture. The high altitude, cold winds and moist soil in the region make it ideal for fl oriculture, which require low temperatures to bloom.

Floriculture is being developed in a big way in order to meet the demand of both domestic as well as the foreign markets.

The climate is ideal for growing fl owers all 30 FLORICULTURE TODAY January 2012

Dr. Deepti Singh

round the year. Following the footsteps of leading state in fl oriculture, Uttarakhand is making a steady growth. The area under the state for fl ower production is almost doubled from 512 ha in 2005-06 to 1000 ha in 2010-11. The quantity of flowers has increased two folds and made a little progress in the export front. Hundreds of villagers in Uttarakhand are fast improving with the growing demand of fl owers across the globe. More and more farmers are giving up traditional farming for fl oriculture in the state. The farmers produce exquisite commercial varieties of fl owers like carnation, lily, chrysanthemum, gladiolus,

gerbera and Indian red roses that are in high demand in domestic as well as in European markets. Uttarakhand has now emerged as the largest producer of Gerbera in the entire region of northern India. Lately marigold is being cultivated in Rudra Prayag area as a commercial crop for Char Dham Yatra. At present the total turnover of cut fl ower from Uttarakhand is over 55 Crores.

In Uttarakhand, places like Padampuri (Nainital), parts of Dehradun, Udham Singh Nagar, Ram Nagar and Haridwar are now recognized as fl oricultural clusters.

Realizing the scope of earning more foreign exchange through the sector, Govt. of Uttarakhand has declared fl oriculture as a high thrust area and announced several policies in favour of the production of high quality fl owers. This led to large investment in this area and as a result, a large number of fl oriculture units based on green house technologies for the export of their produce have been set up. These developments had an effect on the fl ower cultivation in the open fi eld condition and thus signifi cant growth in the fl oriculture sector took place. The entrepreneur (the farmer) has been found to play the crucial role in the

Floriculture Markets innovative process so as to harness the benefits of the quantum jump created in the market by the consumers. About two decades back or so, the floriculture was just a pastime of rich people and hobby of flower lovers, but now it has opened a new vista in agri-business. For boosting the floriculture business, the state government has planned to rope in private companies to give fresh impetus to the production of various flowers. Advanced training centers in IHITC would enable incorporated learning and training to create strong market intelligence.

With the spread of commercial floriculture activity in India, many nurseries have come up in the market with planting material of different floriculture crops.

But the available planting material is not genuine, is infected and of inferior quality.

Apart from this, most small growers due to their scale of operations did not have access to the new improved varieties, which were imported to the country in recent years. In spite of Uttarakhand making big strides in floriculture, it has still a long way to go to become a major floriculture hub, catering to the global market. This is a paradox since the state, nestling on the

lap of the Himalayas, is endowed with rich natural resources all year round. The Government of Uttarakhand through its nodal agency State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal Ltd (SIDCUL) is establishing a floriculture project enabling comprehensive project execution inclusive of machinery supply, construction, management and operation of the entire set up to promote the floriculture sector by growing high quality bulbous material.

SIDCUL aims to promote and scale up the development of the floriculture industry in the state, with the participation of local hill farmers and entrepreneurs by use of the latest technological intervention, and as a means for creation of employment and income generation opportunities for farmers in the state. Also state government has signed an MOU with Indo Dutch Technologies Pvt. Ltd for the development of special infrastructure facilities and floriculture planting material. This would foster the promotion of export quality flowers from the state.

Uttarakhand Government has embarked upon an ambitious project of developing floriculture sector as a thrust area, envisaging an investment of Rs. 200

Crore in this sector in the 11th plan period.

After being carved out of Uttar Pradesh, the state has made significant progress in floriculture with government unabatedly showing special interest in developing floriculture as an industry. The focus now is both quantity and quality with a view to dent on the global market. Floriculture in Uttarakhand has the potential to specialize in cut flowers, planting material like flower bulbs and seeds and essential floral oils.

There are more than 300 kinds of flowers and about 50 kinds of greens which can fetch a good price in the Netherlands and Japan markets. In order to capitalize on the climatic diversity and geographical features in Uttarakhand, the state plans to formulate measures for facilitating the commercialized cultivation of more than 300 varieties of flowers.

Scope The scope of floriculture in Uttarakhand has increased tremendously. There is high competition as floricultural economy has shifted to consumer-driven enterprises, rather producer-driven economy. In this scenario of consumer-driven market, producer of all sizes have to focus on

Floriculture Today January 2012 31

Floriculture Markets marketing with lookout for national brands to boost their sales. Growers have to look for niches and value-added products. There is a trend for direct marketing besides marketing, through super markets and wholesale markets. Business management is becoming important in this scenario of global competition. The domestic consumption of loose flowers, especially of marigold, China aster, jasmine, Crossandra and Barleria has been increased tremendously. Research is required on developing high yielding varieties and year round production of chrysanthemum, China aster, marigold and many potential flowers in promotion of crops like annual chrysanthemum and Desi rose. Floriculture is not limited only to commercial production of cut flowers and ornamental plant but also creates scope for subsidiary agro-business like export-import, nursery, seed production and organic manure production, and agro-industries like manufacturing of pigments,horticultural implements, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, bio-fertilizers, tissue culture, modern packaging, extraction of essential oils and performing other value addition work. All these in return, create a huge potential for sustainable employment generation, both direct and indirect.

The establishment of model floricultural nurseries is very important for timely supply of quality planting material. Co-operative florist organizations like cut flower growersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; association there is also need to establish co-operative societies for traditional flower growers. This would help for minimum support price. Effective planning and monitoring is very important from quality point of view. Beside this, proper transfer of technology is also the need of hour.

Floriculture is emerging as a blooming business today. The job related to this field comprises handling plantations, nurseries and other landscaping projects.

These works need scientific management of soil preparation, sowing, harvesting, administration of nutrients and controlling the climate. One can work in different capacities such as consultants, farm/estate managers, project coordinator, plantation experts and plantation supervisors. Research and teaching are some other opportunities.

Marketing of Floriculture products for different ventures has also emerged as a potential segment of this field.

future as there is a shift in trend towards tropical and traditional flowers and this can be gainfully exploited by us with high amount of diversity in indigenous flora. Specific attention is to be given to the development of traditional flowers by assisting traditional farmers in terms of bank loans, proper marketing facilities and dissemination of information through training and media support on improved varieties. Hi-tech floriculture industry can be successful only if enough support is provided for procurement of genuine planting material either domestic or global and marketing of production by the government. Present status and growing trade is still in infancy. Flower seeds in India, is being viewed as a high growth Industry but again to keep an eye on market, Flora expo is playing important role in creating market intelligence. Commercial floriculture has gained importance over the years. Technical collaborations of India with foreign companies is required to increase total share in the floriculture world trade.

Professional qualification combined with an inclination towards gardening and such other activities produce efficient floriculturists and landscaping professionals.

The skills and knowledge required are imparted under the professional courses of floriculture and landscaping. Following measures, if taken will immensely benefit the entrepreneurs engaged on floriculture. v Streamlining of export/import regulation, and provision of in house quarantine certification. v Creation of infrastructure for export like fleet of refrigerated trucks, cold storage at airports and pre-cooling facilities etc. v Development and enforcement of quality standards. v Allocation of guaranteed cargo space. v Incentives to flower exporters-freight subsidy & cash compensatory system. v Extensive international marketing and promotional support. v Simplifying export document and billing procedures. v Extending insurance coverage to include delayed delivery. v Establishment of separate export promotion council on floriculture produces.

Future prospects India is having a better scope in the

With increasing flower demand, production centers have expanded from

32 Floriculture Today January 2012

traditional centers (USA, Japan, the Netherlands and Columbia) to new ones (Latin America, Africa and Asia). In Asia, India, China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka are moving in direction of intensive floriculture.

New consumption centers are also emerging in South-east Asia, Middle-East and Eastern Europe. The scenario provides opportunity to capitalize on the strength and convert weaknesses into opportunity.

However in the consumer-driven market, quality of service and delivery system will play a significant role. Marketing is no more a meeting of buyers and sellers, but it is complex, which is driven by quantity of products and reliability of delivery. New distribution structure with the aid of IT is likely to be in place, which would be a virtual market, demanding, branding, cataloguing and quality assurance emphasizes. To be honest, most farmers are innocent which requires timely supply of quality planting material and cultivation tips. Tighter checking is required to check fake projects.

Government should supply continuous electric power and give more concession.

Government should have a control over the Value added tax on cut flowers (presently 9-12%), and should solve the marketing problems. The loan with subsidies should be provided by government for building up the basic infrastructure of floriculture industry.

The main problem in floriculture is overproduction, with quality being overlooked, resulting in low price realization. A large number of farmers are financially weak and uneducated. They do not understand which flowers are in demand in the market and what quantity they should grow. In addition, the growers have very poor know-how of technical packaging of flowers. It seeks to promote and develop floriculture in the state with active participation of local hill growers and entrepreneurs through latest technological intervention and thereby creating more opportunities for augmenting employment and income. However, some experts feel that the state can make much headway if schemes and strategies, worked out in workshops and conferences held at regular intervals, are implemented with a greater sense of urgency. n (*Author is Assistant Professor, Department of Floriculture and Horticulture Management, Sikkim University)

Planting Material

Preesman Designates New Agents in India

Trials of new varieties to suit Indian climate

Left to right: Ahmed Nzibo (President of Preesman), AvinashMokate (MD CosmitaHortivision, General Manager- Preesman ASIA, Mr Bob Goedemans (CEO- Preesman Group) AvinashMokate and Preesman Holland finalized their working partnership agreement earlier this month at the Expo Flora exhibition in Moscow.

S

heel Biotech Ltd has been named the exclusive agent for Gerbera in India. A close Preesman associate for many years, the two companies have recently decided to further cement their cooperation. Founded in 1994 in New Delhi, Sheel Biotech is an ISO 9001-2008 Biotechnology, Floriculture, Horticulture and Agro-based enterprise.

It also boasts a world-class tissue culture laboratory at its facilities located near the New Delhi International Airport.

With regional offices all over India, Sheel Biotech is managed by a strong team of experts and professionals who specialize in floriculture, horticulture, agriculture, biotechnology and greenhouses.

Preesmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second new appointment in India is Mr. AvinashMokate. His company COSMITA HORTIVISION has signed agreement with Preesman Plant BV and Preesman Royalty BV to act as an agent in Asian sub continent. Avinash

is the subcontinentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive agent for Roses, Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum; he will also be responsible for representing Preesman Gerbera in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Pakistan,Indonesia, Malasiya, Combodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Well-known in the Indian market, Avinash has been associated with Preesman in India, Africa and South America since 1995. He has also grown Roses, Gerbera and Alstroemeria in other countries as well. The agreement between Avinash and Preesman was finalized earlier this month during Expo Flora in Moscow. At the same time it was agreed that Avinashwill continue assisting Preesman and its clients in Latin America.

Sheel Biotech and Avinash will work together to serve and to extend the market in India and neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, Preesman is continuing its efforts to introduce new varieties that

will be more adaptable to Indian climatic conditions. The new Gerbera, Roses, Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum will offer high production and stable headsize year-round. Testing of all new codes is currently underway in Pune and other locations.

Specifically for Roses, the most promising varieties for tropical conditions presently include Upper Class, Upper Impact, Bianca, High & Sparkling, and High & Magic, with many more to come.

In addition, many of these varieties enjoy popular demand in European supermarkets.

About Preesman Holland:Preesman Holland BV is a leading Dutch breeding company for Roses, Gerbera, Alstroemeria and Chrysanthemum. Preesman has its own offices in Africa, and Latin America; the rest of the world is covered by an extensive agent network. n

Floriculture Today January 2012 33

International Cooperation

Netherlands & India Government to Government Programme on IPR issues Marcel Vernooji, Director, Agrochain International Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation of Netherlands was recently in India to facilitate inter-action between their agriculture department and Plant Protection Variety and Farmers Authority of India.

He had a series of meetings with officials in the union Ministry of Agriculture. Media Today had an exclusive interview with him to understand their future plans, the outcome of their active participation in exhibition and other allied issues. Excerpts: As the Director of the department of Agro Chain International, Govt. of the Netherlands, what are your views on the current phase of Indo-Dutch co-operation in Agri and Food business?

Our Indo-Dutch co-operation in the Agri and food business is taking off smoothly since the last one and a half year. Agriculture trade is one of the pillars of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands is the second largest agriculture exporter in the world. Our foreign agriculture network works to facilitate that trade. India is one of our partners of upcoming importance.

To secure trade, our strategy is to invest in India in local production facilities and enhance local capabilities through technology transfer.

We believe we have to be in India in order to integrate into the total Indo-Dutch trade chain.

The Indian Agri and Food business and market are in transition and are growing rapidly. Indian farmers and Agri business are demanding new seed varieties, modern production technologies, post harvest technologies, cold chain and new concepts of retail. The present discussion on FDI in retail in India illustrates the importance and sensitivity of the transition of the whole agriculture chain, from farmer to consumer. A development we see as a stimulus for more 34 Floriculture Today January 2012

empowerment of farmers and less food inflation.

Two memorandum of understanding between India and Netherlands were signed last month during the visit of Mr Henk Bleker, Minister of Agriculture and Foreign Trade, the Netherlands. What are the main features of these?

The visit of our Minister for Agriculture and Foreign Trade this November and a visit of a high official delegation in June 2011 indicates the growing importance of India in our bilateral agriculture trade, facilitating the ambition to triple our trade to 1 billion US$ in the next five to ten years.

In close co-operation with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries two co- operation programs were signed on behalf of both governments between Wageningen University of Technology, the NIFTEM and the Indian Institute on Crop Processing Technology (IICPT). The two programs will facilitate exchange of technology, research & development and capacity building in the field of supply chain management, Food Processing, post harvesting technology and crop production & processing technologies.

We have seen that there are many Dutch investments in China and

International Cooperation

The Netherlands agribusiness wants to be local, a reason why a Dutch seed companies invest in India and why the most important gherkin variety is Dutch in India.

African countries, especially in Horti and Floriculture sectors. But India is not getting such investments. What, according to you, are the reasons?

The Netherlands is one of the top 5 largest investors in the world, also in India. Investments in agriculture mostly start small and with the necessary protection of plant breedersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rights, institutional and infrastructural condition (in place) investment will take- off in a big way. In Africa and China Dutch agribusiness is offered this condition.

In India the Dutch vegetable seed sector and some companies in the floriculture and fruit sector are investing in R&D facilities, production facilities and tissue culture labs. New investment in post harvesting technologies, fruit and vegetable production and processing, cold chain and logistics will come in the future. The Netherlands agribusiness wants to be local, a reason why Dutch seed companies invest in India and why the most important gherkin variety is Dutch in India.

What are your views on the participation of Dutch companies in Indian Exhibitions like Agri Tech, Grain tech and India Foodex? Are you satisfied with the results? What are your future plans to display more and more Dutch products and technologies in India?

The Netherlands agribusiness is always looking for partners especially in India at the moment. Exhibition like AgriTech, DairyTech, FoodEx are of major importance at this moment to introduce Dutch companies who are new to the Indian market; especially in Dairy, Animal husbandry, Greenhouse Management and Horticulture, Cold Chain and Food Processing. Over 25 companies participated in the last edition of the exhibition in Bangalore in September 2011. Our companies were satisfied with the professional and business driven visitors and we had the opportunity to introduce our companies to different State Horticulture, Agriculture or Food Processing departments in the country.

On supply chain management and allied areas, where the Dutch are strong and India is lacking, do you feel more attention or investment is needed by private sector?

The supply chain is lacking in India. In the Netherlands the government and the private sector invested jointly in infrastructure, post harvesting facilities, cold chain logistics, distribution centers, markets and the financial system. A development model which would be suitable for India, besides the huge government subsidy scheme in the supply chain. We see a good example in Karnataka, where the government, the development agency and the agribusiness together invest in the supply chain.

As mentioned we see also important opportunities in co-operation in establishing A strong supply chain in India. In close cooperation with the National Horticulture Mission, National Horticulture Board, the Cold Chain Development Center of NHB, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the private association and individual through capacity building, demonstration projects and investments. During the visit of our Minister in November our focal point was for business development in the supply chain. The Netherlands Agro & Food Technology Center India was also launched.

Import of planting material and IPR are other areas where, we understand, the Dutch Government is talking with Indian Agriculture Ministry. Could you please elaborate the developments and outcome to facilitate better understanding among floriculture and horticulture growers?

As mentioned earlier the Netherlands agribusiness need some institutional condition especially in plant breeders right before large investment in production, greenhouses, introduction and development of new varieties will take off. In close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Plant Protection Variety & farmers rights authorities of India, we would work on a government to government program to facilitate and strengthen these conditions.

Plant breeding takes time and to develop a new variety of roses, it takes a major investment and 8-10 years of time. That is why plant breeders become owner of a new variety. Plant breeders worldwide are united in an association called UPOV. This organization drafted regulation how plant breeders are protected and how farmer may use the new varieties. The last ratified set of regulation was UPOV 1991.

Floriculture Today January 2012 35

International Cooperation Plant breeders in all member countries are protected accordingly when they register a variety and farmers are not allowed to propagate and market these varieties without paying royalties to the breeder. A number of Indian companies work according UPOV 1991 and produce new varieties of Dutch flowers and seeds. Still a lot of farmers and growers “illegally” copy varieties in a vegetative or tissue culture way without paying royalties while selling the products to the market. How it feels when a plant breeder sees a field of over 100 acres with an illegal copied variety of his roses in India!

There is a major Horticulture event to be organized in India called ‘International Horti 2012’ where Holland is the partner country. What are your plans to give greater exposure to Dutch varieties and technologies at this platform?

The Netherlands is world leader in horticulture and we know how important exhibitions are. With world class tradeshows as Hortifair, IFTF, the Hortiweek and the Floriade world largest Horticulture outdoor experience once every ten years, which will be organized in 2012, in the south of the Netherlands, Venlo.

36 Floriculture Today January 2012

Over 25 companies participated in the last edition of the exhibition in Bangalore in September 2011. Our companies were satisfied with the professional and business driven visitors and we had the opportunity to introduce our companies to different State Horticulture, Agriculture or Food Processing departments in the country.

Netherlands is the Partner Country of the International FloraExpo and HortiExpo in Delhi, March 3-5. With over 600 square meter of Holland Pavilion all Dutch-Indo companies in floriculture and horticulture will show new varieties, new production and

post harvesting techniques, the latest water management and bio security techniques of the Netherlands. During the show we will organize in close cooperation with NHM the technical seminars and workshops on different topics relevant in the floriculture and horticulture supply chain.

What are the areas, according to you, where Indo-Dutch joint ventures are feasible?

I already see a growing number of joint ventures in Floriculture and Horticulture producing products for the export and domestic market. The Dutch government would like to stimulate this private initiative in the future. Other areas of co- operation and joint venture opportunities we see, is in potato production and processing, dairy production, animal husbandry (poultry and piggery) and fruit production and processing, cold chain and logistics and last but not least capacity building on vocational education level as well on B-Tec and M.Sc. level.

Creating a flourishing and above all a profitable joint future in the supply chain in India is ahead of us. n Marcel Vernooij Further info: nde-lnv@minbuza.nl

Floriculture Today January 2012 37

Report

The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is a treat to the eye!

— Naryana Swamy

Author examining the flowers of Legestroemia Indica at the FRI Campus

Main entrance with elegant guard rooms add beauty to the campus as landscape elements

Panoramic view of the lush green laws as seen from the artistic window of the FRI Building

Purple coloured Bougainvilleas raised as standards enhances the beauty of landscaped grounds

Guiltoras, the flowering shrubs bloom twice a year and the coloured flowers remain for long time

38 Floriculture Today January 2012

T

he Forest Research Institute (FRI), is an Imperial Institute, established in the year 1906. Now it is a premier Institution functioning under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE). It is only of its kind in Asia.

It is not just the Institute but the impressive building in which it is located that creates interest in the minds of Connoisseurs of beauty and aesthetics.

The Institute is housed in structure, which is now one of the National Heritage buildings. It is not the building alone, but the vast, lush green, landscaped ground that enhances the beauty, serenity and stillness of the place. It holds one’s breath for a while when viewing it from any one of the four gates.

Built in 1920’s, the European Greco-Roman styled building was designed by C.G. Bloon field. Having been built by using locally burnt red bricks evokes the legacy of colonial structures of British Imperialism. The building was inaugurated in 1929. It is an unparalleled structure in its design, style strength and, above all, in its architecture.

It is set at the centre of the vast grounds measuring more than 1000 acres, with great Himalayas as backdrop. The grandeur of the structure is enhanced by its central location and vast, lush green, plain grounds around. The landscape of the whole campus is in tune with the building. The landscape is simple with contoured terraces. Only green grass covers the nakedness of each contour with few trees sprinkled here and there. The standard, trained, well-clipped bougainvilleas sporting purple colored brackets and orange flowers of guiloras break the monotony of the green grass underneath.

Any trained and learned landscapist could understand from this campus that elegant buildings need subtle and simple landscaping – the vista would be placing and enchanting.

Planting trees in the near surroundings of the majestic building should be minimal – so that view of campus can be more panoramic – as could be experienced at the Forest Research Institute Campus on Chakratha road, located 5km from Dehradun City in Uttaranchal state.

Report Distant view of the Indira Gandhi National Institute for Forest Research and Development Academy(IGNFA) located in the campus amidst flowering shrubs and trees

One of the elegant gates leads the way into the campus

Integration of architecture and ornamental trees – a Classic example

A vista of lush green lawns in the frontage and natural clouds as back drop – an enchanting scene.

Clouds as backdrop and lush green lawns enhances the aesthetic beauty of the structure

Integration of structure with trees amidst

Colourful Guiltoras

Flowering tree – sprinkled around the campus

IGNFA Frontage – flowers & Lawns

Floriculture Today January 2012 39

40 Floriculture Today January 2012

Floriculture Today January 2012 41

Pre Show Review

IPM ESSEN 2012 Special

Developments and Trends in the Flower and Plant Markets of European Union

T

he European flower market is lingering on a high level. The demand in the consumptionintensive countries is stabilising. In the EU countries with a low demand volume and also outside the EU, new markets are growing slowly but constantly.

The most important flower and plant markets in Europe are Germany as the frontrunner with a market volume amounting to € 8.3 billion, followed by the British market with € 4.5 billion, France with € 3.3 billion and Italy with € 2.2 billion.

A different ranking is shown in relation to the per-capita consumption: Here, Denmark and Norway are at the top with € 156, followed by Germany with € 102, Austria with € 96 and the Netherlands with € 90 per capita.

Outside Europe, the USA is the number one in the world with a market volume of € 23 billion and a per-capita consumption of € 74.

42 Floriculture Today January 2012

The developments in the flower and plant sales are very different in the individual EU countries: v The Northern European countries are exhibiting stability. v Due to the economic crisis, the consumption volumes are falling in the severely affected countries, e.g. in Greece, Spain and Portugal. v In the Eastern European member states, the markets are developing positively once again with a rising demand.

In this respect, the product fields are exhibiting opposite developments. The cut flower consumption is tending to fall in many countries, even irrespective of the economic situation, while the potted plant sales are exhibiting a tendency towards slight increases. This trend may be explained by altered consumer behaviour.

Positive Signals are Emanating from the Potted Plant Market With continuous rates of increase in the past, the potted plant market is proving to be far more stable than the cut flower market.

However, the intra-European trade in house plants in the first half of 2011 had not yet reached the same level as in the previous year (approx. - 10 %).

A different picture is reflected in the Dutch export statistics. From January to August 2011, the potted plant exports rose to € 1.45 billion and thus by 3 % compared with the same period in the previous year. Half of the rise was achieved in the internal market countries.

Here, the British market was supplied to an increasing extent once again (+ 14 %), as was Scandinavia with + 20 %, while the supplies to Italy, for example, decreased (- 7 %). The other half of the Dutch export growth is accounted for by third states such as the Russian market

Pre Show Review (+20 %).

This means that the Netherlands are continuing to consolidate their market position as a potted plant exporter.

Expert opinions are confirming the positive development on the Russian market. These developments are said to have already existed in the past years.

Because of the economic and political situation, the experts are not expecting a stable condition but instead a fluctuating situation.

For the first half of 2011, the Dutch auctions are reporting a decline in the supply quantities of green plants. All in all, the prices of green plants rose by 2 cents per pot and reached an average value of â&#x201A;Ź 1.56.

After years of growth, the supply quantity for phalaenopsis has dropped by 20 % for the first time. This is also having a positive influence on the prices.

The Market for Cut Flowers is Proving to be Non-Uniform In the first half of 2011, the import activities in the individual EU countries proved to be very different. According to EUROSTAT, the cut flower imports to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania have increased substantially in comparison with the same period in the previous year, in contrast with Ireland, Greece and Portugal with extreme falls in the import volume.

This is also confirmed by the Dutch export statistics: Decreases in the Dutch exports to EU countries were shown in the first eight months of 2011 in comparison with 2010 (i.e. Portugal - 26 %, Ireland - 12 %, Greece - 7 % and Spain - 6 %) and slight losses to stagnation to Germany - 2.1 % and Italy + 0.4 %.

In the Southern European countries, it is primarily economic reasons (presumably liquidity problems of the trade and targeted cost savings of the institutional sources of demand and of the consumers) which are leading to a decline in the Dutch export values of cut flowers.

In contrast with this, the Dutch export values to Eastern European EU countries grew until August 2011 in comparison with the same period in the previous year: Slovakia + 48 %, Lithuania + 42 % and Latvia + 27 %. The export value to Russia also rose substantially (+ 32 %).

The Northern European cut flower market is proving to be stable or to be growing further. In the first eight months of 2011, the Dutch export value to Scandinavia rose by + 27 % in comparison with the same period in the previous year.

All in all, the cut flower market is developing further, above all in the Eastern European countries, and the demand is rising, even if with a lower demand volume than on the Northern European market. The setback suffered in 2009/2010 due to the economic crisis seems to have been overcome.

For example, Lithuania raised its imports by 70 % in the first half of 2011 (January to July) compared with the same period in 2009, Slovakia by 40 % and the Czech Republic by 25 %.

The expenditure on consumption for personal requirements is also rising along with the prosperity in these countries.

According to a more recent study, the expenditure on consumption for personal requirements in Poland in the first half of 2011 rose by 5 % (compared with 2009) to 31 %. In comparison with this, the purchases for personal requirements in Germany constitute over half of the total expenditure. For Poland, an economic growth rate of 3.9 % was predicted for 2011.

All in all, the cut flower prices have dropped somewhat in the first half of 2011. The value-related turnover of the

Dutch auctions decreased by 0.9 % with an increased supply quantity. The average price was 4.1 % below the level in the previous year. Because of the poor general market situation, it was not possible to continue the positive price rises from 2005 to 2007 (i.e. 3 cents per stem on average) as a result of changes in the ranges.

The Flower and Plant Markets in Germany Great Increases in Demand Are Not to be Expected The expenditure on flowers and ornamental plants in 2010 fell by 2.2 % (compared with the previous year) to â&#x201A;Ź 8.376 billion. That corresponds to a per-capita consumption of â&#x201A;Ź 102 and to the same consumption level as in 2002.

This was mainly caused by the extreme decreases in the fourth quarter. Frost, ice and snow prevented the consumers from visiting the specialist business. More flowers and ornamental plants were sold in the purchasing sources which had to be visited, for example, for food supplies in spite of snow.

This experience is confirming the longstanding assumptions that a structural decline in the specialised trade has a negative effect on the overall demand and that a strong specialised trade everywhere is the cause of the high flower and ornamental plant consumption in Germany.

For 2011, experts are once again Floriculture Today January 2012 43

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Pre Show Review expecting a “normal” expenditure level, i.e. 0.5 - 1 % above the market volume in 2009. However, it will not be possible to reach the peak values in the consumption in 2008 amounting to € 109 per capita.

The demand behaviour is influenced to a lesser degree by economic crises than by the weather conditions.

Only low trading in flowers and plants was established during the summer months of 2011. Everybody was intent on not buying any surplus goods although the prices of numerous products were comparatively low. Because of the warm months of April and May, the supply of indigenous autumn plants was on the market earlier than usual. Nevertheless, the prices were at a low level, particularly for chrysanthemums and, in this respect in turn, particularly for the so-called “big ball” varieties.

Annual evaluations will show to what extent the subdued demand in the long winter and in the rainy summer can be compensated for by good autumn and winter seasons.

Within the demanded ranges, there have been shifts for years with a decline in the cut flowers in favour of the demand for potted plants. The proportion of cut flowers in the expenditure on consumption fell by 5 % from 2000 to 2009 and the proportion for potted plants rose by 7 % in the same period. The bunch of flowers is being increasingly supplanted by (flowering) potted plants - not only for personal requirements but also in the gift sector.

This competition situation became particularly evident in the spring of 2011. Here, the bedding and balcony plants started early due to the warm, nice weather and this led to decreases in the demand for cut flowers.

The first half of 2011 was unusual and not particularly good for the cut flower trade in Germany. January and February were good months; the figures for March and April turned out to be poor. May triggered mixed feelings because of a strong demand on the occasion of the Mother’s Day season and a poor final week in which, as at the beginning of June, hardly any serious demand could be registered. Although the supply quantity was low, the price level was at rock bottom. Therefore, hardly any turnover 44 Floriculture Today January 2012

could be recorded in this period. The experts estimate that the very low prices caused German importers to considerably restrict direct imports of roses and wild fern from third states since they could purchase the goods at lower prices at the Dutch and German auctions. In the case of a few products (including cut greenery, wild fern and salal), the market lost its equilibrium since the supply quantity was much too high for the low demand. The demand for these goods did not pick up in spite of the low prices.

The Market Structure is Remaining Relatively Stable with a High Specialised Trade Proportion The structures on the retail trade level are relatively stable: The specialised trade continues to slowly surrender market shares to the large distribution forms. The fourth quarter of 2010 in which aboveaverage increases were recorded in the retail trade was an exception due to the weather.

The market share losses of the specialised trade are more extreme in the potted plant sector than in the case of cut flowers. As far as the expenditure on consumption is concerned, the specialised trade accounts for approx. 50 % of potted plants and approx. 70 % of cut flowers.

The German Foreign Trade is Still Being Determined by Dutch Supplies The Netherlands continue to be the main supply country for the German market and were able to raise their exports to Germany in 2010 by 4.7 % to € 1.599 billion.

German Potted Plant Imports from the Netherlands Reached the Same Level as in the Previous Year In the first half of 2011, the German imports of house plants are also still approx. 15 % below the figures in the previous year. The imports from the main supply countries dropped: Denmark (import proportion: 9 %), Italy (import proportion: 8 %) and the Netherlands (import proportion: 78 %).

According to the information in the Dutch export statistics, the potted plant exports to Germany (house plants as well as bedding and balcony plants) once again reached the same level as in the previous

year (i.e. approx. € 500 million) by August 2011.

In the Case of Cut Flower Imports, the Supply Relations are Beginning to Move In the first half of 2011, the German import values have not yet reached the same level as in the previous year (- 10 %). The direct imports from Africa and South America are stable. However, shifts are being shown in the individual supply countries: In the first half of 2011, the imports from the main supply country (Kenya) were extended by 10 % in relation to the comparable period in 2009. The same picture is shown for imports from Ecuador. Supplies from Zambia have increased by 20 % but on an even lower level than Kenya or Ecuador. Statistically, imports from Colombia have decreased by 20 %; it cannot be estimated to what extent re-exports are playing a role in this respect.

Experts are speaking of an upward tendency in relation to direct supply relations between large German purchasers and cut flower farms, for example, in Kenya. An extension to these direct supply relations will have great effects on the German wholesale and retail trade structure. Then, procurement problems of the German specialised retail trade will be seen in particular.

Conclusion The market estimation shows that, in the countries with a high flower and plant consumption, the short-term change in the market situation and in the demand is extremely weather-dependent. In these countries, long-term changes tend to be caused by changes in the preference structure of the consumers.

In the Eastern European and Southern European countries, the demand is coupled to the economic course to a greater extent.

The economic crisis has not shaken the European flower and plant markets to an essential degree. However, there is a need for great efforts in order to achieve market growth which will, at least, follow the inflation. n (Sources: AIPH, AMI, HBAG, VBN and EUROSTAT) Dr. Marianne Altmann CO CONCEPT Marketingberatung By order of IPM ESSEN

Floriculture Today January 2012 45

Pre Show Review

CII to host the 2nd edition of Green Landscape Summit at Bengaluru

I

ndia’s rapid pace of growth in population would manifest into air, vehicular pollution, and health hazards amongst others. Vast tracts of Indian topography are getting converted into concrete jungles, leaving little or no space for the rich flora and fauna to thrive and flourish.

Growth is inevitable and should happen in sync with nature. This means conservation of natural resources to be our prime agenda with a holistic approach in promoting green landscaping and urban forestry.

Landscape design & sustainable architecture practices are becoming integral part of the eco-system and they have a pivotal role in addressing urbanization and threats of climate change.

The need of bringing ‘nature’ back into the concrete cities is intense. Innovative ways in City planning, architecture and ecological landscaping is of predominant importance at this moment. The green belts, amusement parks and residential townships have etched a new dimension to the art of landscaping through green infusion into urban-spaces.

An important development in this green focus is CII’s initiative of starting an Green Landscape Summit at Bengaluru.

The objective of the Summit would be to facilitate a Green Landscape Movement in the Country and transform landscape into greener, healthier, inspirational and recreational place. This will in turn promote a business opportunity for the landscape.

The main focal areas of the Summit would be the trends in landscaping, 46 Floriculture Today January 2012

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sustainable landscapes, cultural landscapes, and National & International best practices in landscape design The Summit would have numerous benefits, as it would provide excellent opportunity to know more on latest concepts in landscape design and discuss best practices, challenges and practical

solutions in urban landscape. People would also get to explore the untapped business potential in the sector, provide networking opportunities with experts and gain better understanding of current and new trends in landscape.

Some of the prominent speakers at the Summit would include, P Teva Raj, Director, Industry, CUGE & National Parks Board; Niek Roozen, Landscape Architects, Netherlands; Prof. Ravindra Bhan, Landscape Architect, New Delhi; Robert Fernandes, Associate Vice President, Landscape Horticulture, K Raheja Corp; Ar Prashanta Bhat, Principal Landscape Architect, The Landscape Company and Ar Sekar James, Managing Director. Master Plan, Chennai The Summit would be held on 19 & 20, January 2012 at Hotel Chancery Pavilion in Bangalore city. n

Floriculture Today January 2012 47

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News

From trash to tyre shops Memi Devi’s enterprise making unique items from old tyres

Ms. W. Memi Devi, Innovative Entrepreneur “We keep a tin of Rasagulla in our house.

One day I decided to add poison to the tin and feed it to the entire family. It was better to die in peace than to struggle to fill our stomachs everyday,” says Ms W. Memi Devi from Imphal.

Ms Memi Devi was driven to this state after her husband lost his job as a contractor in the Manipur State Road Transport Corporation in 2005. Today, the 54-year-old Memi Devi is a role model for hundreds of women in that region who are struggling to make their ends meet.

ANNUAL INCOME Not everyone thinks that used tyres have value. Often discarded as trash by tyre shops, Ms Memi Devi’s enterprise in making and selling unique items such as buckets and flowerpots from old tyre coverings, bailed her family out of starvation. This micro-enterprise now generates an annual income of Rs 4 lakh and leaves her with Rs 1.40 lakh cash in hand.

Ms Memi Devi, who recently received an award from Citi Micro Entrepreneur Awards 2011 for being an innovative entrepreneur, recalls the struggle for the family to have two meals a day, after her husband lost his job.

After a series of failures, her husband gave up looking for a job. “To make some money, I started making and selling a sweet pakoda, which is a local speciality of Imphal.

Our four children were still in school at that time. One day my son was playing with a discarded tyre cover. This was when this idea struck me and I thought of making circular flower pots with the tyre cover,” she says.

Initially, it was a struggle because the separation and sorting process takes a long time. Her family helped her out. She took

two loans of Rs 5,000 and Rs 15,000 from Chanura Microfin Manipur (CMM) which helped her buy the required tools. “Now, I have nine people working for me.” After the separation process is over, a person can make 25 buckets if he works from seven in the morning to four in the evening.

FIRST ORDER She started off making flower pots, but discovered that it was possible to make buckets out of the tyre coverings as well.

She worked out an exact replica of a metal bucket from a tyre covering and a wire.

Her first order was for 100 buckets. “I approached a contractor who gave me the order and gave me Rs 500 in advance.” After that there was no looking back.

He was delighted by the idea as these buckets were durable as workers throw buckets from heights. She advertises her products on the local radio station.

She now distributes her products in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland and in the local markets. “I dream to own my own shop so that I can display my products. I also want to buy an alignment machine to enhance the quality of my products,” says Ms Memi Devi, while speaking at the awards function in Mumbai.

As business climate improves, Pakistan keen to export flowers, produce films jointly The fragrance of Pakistani and Indian flowers could soon breeze through homes and offices on either side of the border while Bollywood heros could soon serenade their Pakistani heroines.

With the Governments of India and Pakistan easing visa restrictions and encouraging business to business contacts, exports of flowers and joint production of movies are some of the new ventures being considered by the Pakistani business community.

“I am thinking of making a flower exchange where Indian and Pakistani flowers can be auctioned. It will be on the lines of what you have in Bangalore. Setting up an exchange will make it more viable for 50 Floriculture Today January 2012

the farmers. In Pakistan, we have a variety of roses, gladiolas, tube roses – all of which can be exported to India directly through the exchange, thereby saving costs. This could be an alternate market to the West where there are so many quarantine issues,” said Ms Saeeda Nazar, Vice-President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Ms Nazar, whose primary line of business is footwear, hopes to convert her hobby into something which will help the farmers and brighten up homes and offices in both India and Pakistan.

Similarly, having been in the film production business in Pakistan since 1958, Mr Anwaar Ahmed Sheikh is now keen to have a collaboration with the Indian film

industry. “We would want a co-production between India and Pakistan film industry and want to promote India-Pakistan friendship through the medium of movies. We would like it if the hero is from here and the heroine from there. The young generation wants originality, not enemy culture,” he said.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Apart from flowers and movies, the Pakistani business delegation said at a function organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry that it was looking at business opportunities in conventional areas of textiles, chemicals, plastic packing and chemicals among others.

News

‘Floriculture could do miracle for national economy’

biggest industries of the world and this industry could play a vital role in bringing economic turnaround for the country.

“A little attention towards floriculture could do miracle for the national economy, while private sector should come forward, avail the opportunity and reap the fruit, not only for themselves but for the Pakistan,” he said while speaking at the flower show organised by Horticultural Society of Pakistan (HSP) here at the Jillani Park.

Former Chairman Wapda Tariq Hameed, Chairman of HSP Syed Baber Ali, Vice Chairman Ibrar A Mumtaz, Secretary General Lieutenant Colonel Sajid Ikram (Retd), Finance Secretary Sardar Baber Fareed, Executive Committee members, a large city elites, businessmen and students were present on the occasion.

Pervez Malik said that floral industry is one of the major industries in many developing countries.

“Today floral industry has become fast growing, global and dynamic and has achieved significant growth rate during the last few years.

In the decade of 50s, the global flower trade was less than $3 billion but not it has grown to more than $100 billion and growing with the impressive rate of 6 percent annually,” he said.

He said that Netherlands has the most prominent position in respect of flower cultivation and industrial scale.

He said that Pakistan was located at ideal geographic location having four seasons, fertile land and cheap but hard work labour.

He said that climate in Pakistan is most appropriate for the floral industry and country could earn huge foreign exchange by exporting flowers.

He said that many countries of the world were earning huge foreign exchange by the flower’s trade who have not an ideal climate but in Pakistan no concrete measures have so far been taken for the promotion of floral industry.

He said it was a matter of concern that Pakistan has almost no share in the international flower trade of more than $100 billion.

He urged the Pakistan’s private sector to concentrate on the floral industry and earn muchneeded huge foreign exchange for the country.

Malik paid rich tributes to the management of Horticultural Society of Pakistan for holding a marvellous flower show.

He said that such activities were need of the hour.

Chairman of Horticultural Society of Pakistan Syed Baber Ali in his address said that this show is important and historic event in the calendar of Lahore, which is being held regularly for the last 60 years.

Speaking on the occasion, former Chairman Wapda & Vice Chairman of Horticultural Society of Pakistan Tariq Hamid said that they are promoting the cause of horticulture in the country.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and industrialist Muhammad Pervez Malik has said that floral industry is one of the Floriculture Today January 2012 51

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