FLORICULTURE TODAY- November 2012

Floriculture Today November 2012

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www.floriculturetoday.in

Chief Editor

Contents

S. Jafar Naqvi

Consulting Editors T.V. Satyanarayanan

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

News Editor

General Manager

Layout & Design

Anwar Huda Lalitha V. Rajan Mohd. Iqbal Faiyaz Ahmad

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10 Editorial 12 Cover Story

Pushpa-Bitan Friendship Society

Creating friendship through flowers 16 workshop

Floral Decor

KF Bioplants brings Israeli artist to popularize Gypsophila – Anwar Huda

18 20 22 24 32 36

interview Nutovitz Baruch, Israel’s famous floral designer Manish Chakurkar, Sr Marketing Manger, KF Bioplants Pvt Ltd. Ajay Barua, proprietor, Barua Flowers, New Delhi Ankur Bhai Desai, Consultant, Desai Agro Infra Rajeeb Kumar Roy, CEO, Agriplast Tech India Pvt. Ltd. Deepak Salunkhe, India Director, A.A. Politiv Ltd

26 Flower decor

India may achieve 100 % jump in flower demand

– Anwar Huda 28 curtain raiser

Flora Expo 2013, Landscape & Gardening Expo 2013

Expos Par Excellence

India to fast become floral super power of the future

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42 Green House

Variant agro-climatic conditions make GREENHOUSE highly viable

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)

52 Ornamental

Portulaca: Profuse flowering ornamental plant

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Editor : S. Jafar Naqvi Vol 17....... Issue 6...... November 2012

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Floriculture Today November 2012

44 Flower Exports

Floriculture Industry Review: East Africa and India – Praveen Sharma, CEO, Flora Consult, Pune

56 Plant Science

THE PLANT AS A MACHINE – Robert de Bos, MD, Bangalore Plants First, Bangalore

60 Biodiversity

Convention on Biological Diversity Resource mobilization is top agenda: Jayanthi Natarajan 70 News

Floriculture Today November 2012

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Editorial E

ven as delegates from 180 nations were meeting in Hyderabad for the U N Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), newspapers were carrying shocking reports that do not bode well for biodiversity conservation and protection of environment. The reports were highlighting large-scale diversion of forest lands to agriculture and industry, particularly mining, increasing number of tiger and rhino deaths, illegal trading in wild orchids and medicinal herbs, plunder of marine echo systems and so on in various parts of India.

Let us take the case of only orchids, the mysterious and magical species, highly prized for their beautiful and long-lasting flowers. Of more than 25,000 species of orchids – some of them on the verge of disappearance -- found all over the world, India is home to more than 1,500 species, of which at least fifty per cent is to be found in north-eastern states, nestling in the lap of the Himalayas. Western Ghats are also the repository of a number of species, and out of them, many are facing extinction. Orchids occupy about 10 per cent of the global floriculture trade, and the demand for these flowers is on the rise.

Although institutions like the National Research Centre for Orchids, set up in Sikkim by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), are engaged in documentation, conservation, hybridization, and mass multiplication through tissue culture, large scale smuggling of wild species has been a major problem.

Besides illegal trade, road building and natural disasters like landslides have also contributed to disappearance of many wild species. The hills of Sikkim and Darjeeling alone once harboured about 450 species, but the number has been steadily dwindling.

To check extinction of species due to smuggling, Mizoram has done well to set up an Orchid House along with a medicinal plants garden, where different species of orchids are sought to be preserved. Located in Sairang, the Orchid House would take special care of nearly 90 species found in the state.

It is unfortunate that smuggling is being encouraged by some sections of people who want to keep rare orchids in their home gardens as a status symbol. Instead, they can as well acquire a number of beautiful species and hybrids being developed by scientists by employing latest techniques of propagation.

Many rare-hued hybrids are on sale at various international expos held exclusively for the display of these bewitching flower species.

India, as is well known, presents a fascinating picture of biodiversity because of its wide range of ecosystems and habitats. They include forests, grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves and deserts -- both hot and cold—all of which are home to a number of animals, birds, reptiles and plant species. These ecosystems are also a source of livelihood for local communities.

As India takes over the two-year presidency of the Convention of Biological Diversity, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has pledged 50 million U S dollars (over Rs. 264 crore) for strengthening the institutional mechanisms for biodiversity conservation in this country. The funds would be used to enhance the technical and human capabilities of our national and state mechanisms to attain CBD objectives.

While the Prime Minister’s “Hyderabad Pledge” is indeed timely and laudable, we must ensure that in all activities of the bodies created to preserve biodiversity, the local communities should be fully involved to get the desired results. Alongside, these communities must be made aware that their survival and livelihood are closely linked to conservation of nature’s priceless gifts.

Comments are welcome at: MediaTodayMails@gmail.com

Views expressed by individuals and contributors in the magazine are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Floriculture Today editorial board. Floriculture Today does not accept any responsibility of any direct, indirect or consequential damage caused to any party due to views expressed by any one or more persons in the trade.

All disputes are to be referred to Delhi Jurisdiction only.

.....Editor

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Cover Story

Pushpa-Bitan Friendship Society

Creating friendship through flowers “F

riendship through Flowers” is the catchy motto of PushpaBitan Friendship Society (PBFS), a non-profit organization founded over 30 years ago. The Society is a member of the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA) which has members from 32 countries and the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), UK. In India, flowers have a special place in a plethora of festivals, cultural functions and other important occasions since ancient times. Motivated by a desire to showcase the richness of Indian floral art to the rest of the world, Mrs Uma Basu established Kusumika, a school of floral art and decoration in 1968, at the Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata. The purpose was to teach flower arrangement and ikebana. Subsequently, the passion to enrich the Indian floral art form paved the way to establish in 1980 the Pushpa-Bitan

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Friendship Society (PBFS), the floral club in Kolkata, in cooperation with Lakshmi Gidwani, Kazuko Nigam and Uma Vaid.

Together, they formed the only floral art club in the country. For, they consider floral art a tangible motif of communication and one which evokes a sense of joy to the beholder. They say, “We all prefer ‘saying it with flowers’ and ‘spreading friendship through flowers’. Begun with 20 budding floral enthusiasts as its members, PushpaBitan has blossomed into a flourishing organization with members spread across the country.

This non-profit organization, a conspicuous Society, transcended the boundaries not only of Kolkata and the whole of India, but has made international presence as well. Its first exhibition was held in 1982 in the Ashutosh Memorial Hall, Indian Museum, Kolkata.

PBFS also introduced foliage arrangement at the Agri-Horticulture Society of India’s foliage show.

Representing the club at Eden Garden’s and Agri- Horticulture Society of India’s flower shows has become a regular annual feature for it.

Members of the society have also been regularly participating in the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show in U.K. Pushpa-Bitan (PBFS) is the only flower arrangers’ organization in India to be part of the World Association of Flower Arrangers (WAFA), a body formed by flower arrangers all over the world.

From each country, only one floral art organisation can become a member. From India, Pushpa-Bitan got this honour in 1990. That apart, it has also received recognition from the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies of Great Britain (NAFAS), which has about 1,500 registered clubs across the world.

Cover Story

Recently, PBFS organized Flori Couture in Kolkata. Meaning ‘fashion through flowers’, Flori Couture, the first of its kind event in India, was a glorious success. The hall was jam packed with more than 300 people sitting and another 50 standing. Each sequence ended with a thunderous applause. Of course, the show stoppers were the confident kids

Its members have taken part in flower shows held in the UK, South Africa, New Zealand, Tokyo, Genoa and Scotland. The most striking one being the festival of flowers held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, on the occasion of the Westminster Cathedral Centenary Celebration in 1995 and the prestigious Chelsea flower show in London as an associate member of NAFAS. It was a moment of great pride for the organization when BBC broadcast a 10 minute capsule on its activities during the Chelsea flower show.

Be it Bimal Mitra’s book ‘Sahib Bibi aur Golam’ or Satyajit Ray’s ‘Pather Panchali’ and ‘Sonar Kella’, the PushpaBitan members have tried to showcase the masters’ creativity through floral designs. Using stems, leaves, fruits and flowers, they have created wonders and set a benchmark of excellence.

Thus, with the efforts of all the

members and the overwhelming response of this ‘City of Joy’, the art of arranging flowers is sure to be a catalyst in global harmony and aesthetic pleasure.

Flori Couture: First of its kind in India Recently, PBFS organized Flori Couture in Kolkata. Meaning ‘fashion through flowers’, Flori Couture, the first of its kind event in India, was a glorious success. The hall was jam packed with more than 300 people sitting and another 50 standing. Each sequence ended with a thunderous applause.

Of course, the show stoppers were the confident kids.

The Governor of West Bengal Shri M.K. Narayanan and his wife were the chief guests. Eminent dancers Priti Patel, Alokananda Roy, and many performing artistes along with heads of schools and business groups were present.

The theme-based shows at the event were: Manglacharan Rendered by talented Gaurangi Agarwal, Manglacharan was an invocation piece. Born in the temples of Oddisha, Oddishi dance is the oldest surviving dance form. Manglacharan is a part of this ancient dance form. The dance has three-fold salutation, paying homage to gods, reverence to teachers, and ‘pranam’ to the audience. *Originally composed by Kelucharan Mohapatra *Abridged by Reshmi Basu Mati or Malem Rendered by Suman Sarawgi was a beautiful rendition in honour of Mother Earth. In it, songs sung down the ages in Lai-Haraoba and hymn from Atharva Veda were used. The piece was presented in Lai Haraoba and Pung Cholom style.

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Cover Story

Royalty The violet/indigo color was used to convey the feel of royalty. These colours are used to signify their majestic appearances. Purple flowers were used to convey wisdom, dignity, independence and creativity. The team included Vardhan Gupta, Nikita khaitan, Vidushi Jalan, Vinita Khema, and Devanshi Rajgariha.

Depth of the Ocean Blue always reminds us of the sea.

And depth of the sea is the home to the pearls, shells and beads. Blue colour has the calming effect on the psyche. As the collective colour of the spirit, it invokes rest. The team beautifully rendered the flower show conveying all these meanings.

Vaaswvi kanoria, Rachna Kheria, Malikkaca Kanoria, Monica Kanoria were the main players on the show.

Go Green Green gives calmness, and is therapeutic for all forms of life. Students who took part in this theme-based show beautifully conveyed the effects and meanings of this colour. The show also warned about the ill effects of rapid industrialization and pollution. The team, that included Mahi Lakhotioa, Manushree Kanoria, Meher Chhawchharia, Pallavi Jhawar, tried to send the message of preservation of the environment.

Miss Sunshine Yellow is often represented as the colour of sunshine, sunflower, and all else

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Floriculture Today November 2012

related to sun. It is a colour associated with joy, happiness, intellect and energy.

The show beautifully conveyed all these meanings through flowers. They sent forth the message of fun, cheerfulness and child-like energy. The team comprised Neha Jalan, Vasundhara Mantri, Avantika Gupta, Bhavani Bansal, Tanushree Somani, Mallika More and Jaahnavi Bansal.

Nandira Pal, and Mousumi Dutta.

Let’s Party Tonight Black colour was used to depict the night and the party mood. The black dress spoke of a night that was fun.

Screaming “Let’s party tonight,” the team kept the audience enthralled. The team had Radhika Surekha, Nandini Surekha, Heena Tulsidas, Padma Jalan, Usha Garodia, Sakshi Todi.

Autumn Autumn is nature’s phase of transition, the bridge to cross from summer to winter. The team used orange as it signifies autumn. It combines energy of red and happiness of yellow. It is associated with joy and sunshine. They also used brown in sync with orange to convey the overall effect of transition.

The team had members: Shweta Himatsingka, Devpriya Gupta, Shreya Jhawar, Saumya Bhartia, Susmita jhawar, Sweta Nathany, Aradhna Bhartia, Aadya Bhartia and Adya Nathany.

Sufism White colour was used by a talented team to convey the feeling of mysticism and Sufism. The whirling darvesh, as they were known in medieval times, came to life on the stage. White signifies the activities of the darvesh like dhikr and tariqa orders. The team comprised Amrita Tusnial, Neha Swaika, Renu Poddar, Avarna Awaika, Shivangi Poddar, Shalini Newar, Smita Bajoria, Aniyta Gupta.

Another attraction of this Flori Couture was a “Floral Chandelier”, the elaborate 10-ft show-stopper made of green and white floral hues, representing peace and harmony.

The contributors to the show included Pawan Agarwal of Oriental Flowers, Arup Babu (Orient Decorator), and Pawan Shukla (Classic Flowery).

Kavita Poddar, whose love for flowers is well-known, was one of the main hands behind this amazingly unique show. n

Shakti In India, red represents divine feminine in the concept of Shakti. Here Shakti is worshipped as the Supreme Force. Red is also the colour of fire and blood, and is associated with energy, power, determination, passion, desire and love. The team used red flowers to convey all these meanings. The team included Malobika Ghosh, Rita Nandy, Varini Nathany, Ratna Dey, Gopa Saha,

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Workshop

Floral Decor

KF Bioplants brings Israeli artist to popularize Gypsophila – Anwar Huda

Appearing very serious but occasionally smiling to the ladies, Baruch, as tall creatively as physically, was seen deftly working with his instruments such as biofix thread, needle, knife, scissor, sparklers, colour and water sprays and tape. Knowing all the nuts and bolts of his trade, he also spoke frequently informing attentive visitors the basic things that have to be followed while creating floral decorations

W

hen you want to introduce a new thing somewhere, you have to first create demands for it. And for that, you have to spread awareness, said Manish Chakurkar, Senior Marketing Manger, KF Bioplants Private Limited, on the occasion of floral decoration workshop, held in New Delhi, on October 12.

So, to bring the “wow” factor in floral décor business, four workshops were held, each in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi. KF Bioplants, India’s largest biotech company, brought

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Nutovitz Baruch, renowned Israeli floral artist, to spread awareness about the use of gypsophila in flower decoration like bouquet making and marriage and event decorations.

Bringing a global touch to India’s floral décor, these workshops became huge hits among visitors, mostly florists.

As no event is complete without the beauty of floral décor, people were invited to learn the new trends in floral arrangements from Mr. Baruch, a legendary floral designer from Smithers Oasis Ambassador, Israel.

Spell-bound visitors Visitors appeared highly impressed with the genius of Baruch, and very attentively remained there till the end of the show, watching him create floral wonders by using flowers, greens and other accessories like false jewellery. He dazzled them with eye-catching, heartstopping, creatively-stimulating, and thought-provoking bouquets, heartshaped gypsophila show-piece, and a lot of other mouth-watering items.

Appearing very serious but occasionally smiling to the ladies, Baruch,

Workshop

What is Gypsophila?

G

as tall creatively as physically, was seen deftly working with his instruments such as biofix thread, needle, knife, scissor, sparklers, colour and water sprays and tape. Knowing all the nuts and bolts of his trade, he also spoke frequently informing attentive visitors the basic things that have to be followed while creating floral decorations. He also answered their queries.

Things are cheap here “These left-over greens which are often thrown as garbage can intelligently be used to make fabulous bouquets, “he told them while using grasses and plant leaves. He was surrounded by a lot of roses, carnations, gerbera, leaves, and grasses, dry flowers, thin twigs and waves of ideas.

In My country, he told to the gathering, and Europe, everything what you see come expensive. You are luck as here these things are cheap. You just need to keep your eyes wide open to hunt such items from the markets. You can use anything that can add beauty to the decoration like you see this pearl necklace.

Gypsophila is like my baby Talking about gypsophila, he said, “I love gypsophila. It’s my baby! It is great filler and come cheaply. It adds extra beauty and provides a designer to expand his art forms. When asked about the fast perishability of flower

bouquets, he said it can last for 18 hours if frequently attacked with freshener shots. “You can also cover it with plastic while transporting.”

Tricks of the trade Making balls out of colourful thread and bangles out of greens, he showed many of his tricks to keep visitors spellbound. By just using five roses and a lot of greens, gypsophila, and other accessories, he created a massive bouquet that can easily woo a girl gone angry.

Like a showman, he asked visitors, “What do you want to see? Bouquets or bridal?” And he kept them in topclass mood by fulfilling their wishes throughout the show. All his pieces were carefully carried by Manish Chakurkar and his team, who kept them in the hall for people to see. Visitors took photos of them and stood in awe for a moment.

Manish was seen explaining to those who made queries about anything, and said that KF Bioplants has everything to offer for floral arrangement.

Like a genius finds his things anyhow, Baruch wandered in the narrow by-lanes of Mumbai to buy his stuff, and was amazed to find a lot of good things that he never imagined.

It’s amazing to see him create eyegrabbing bouquets. Worth coming…, exclaimed a visitor. “Gypsophila is the future of floral decoration in India,” said another.

ypsophila, commonly known as ‘Baby’sBreath’, is a cultivated ornamental garden plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, popular in the florist trade to provide a background for more colourful flowers.

Originally from Eastern Europe, its natural habitat is on the Steppes in dry, sandy and stony places, often on calcareous soils.

Gypsophila is often grown as ornamental plants in gardens; they are grown both as garden plants and also valuable as a cut flower in floristry to add as a filler to flower bouquets. The most commonly encountered in gardens are G. paniculata (a perennial species), G. elegans, and G. muralis (both annual species).

They are easily propagated from seed, by cuttings, or by root division before growth starts in the spring. Starting as a tiny seed, the annuals and perennials germinate in ten to fifteen days, and can grow rapidly up to 50 cm in height. While they prefer full sun, along with rich, light soil, deficiencies in poor soil constitution can be overcome by adding a general purpose fertilizer, as long as it is well drained.

There are several species of Gypsophila such as Gypsophila aniculata(Common Gypsophila), Bunge’s Gypsophila, Gypsophila capituliflora, and Gypsophila cephalotes.

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Interview

Traditional & Modern Floral Décor Styles can co-exist very well, says Nutovitz Baruch Nutovitz Baruch, Israel’s one of the top floral designers, was brought to India by country’s leading floriculture firm KF Bioplants Pvt Ltd to create ‘Wow’ factor in floral arrangement. It has recently partnered with Israel’s leading gypsophila producer Danziger to popularize this plant in floral arrangement in India. To achieve this goal, it organized four workshops, each in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi, in the second week of October.

The workshops registered massive response from retailers and flower-lovers. They were amazed by the awesome creativity of the world’s renowned floral artist, and learned few tips of design as well. Anwar Huda spoke to Mr Baruch to know his experience in India, and his views about modern floral décor and the promotion of gypsophila, among other things. Excerpts:

First of all, we would like to know your experience in India, your thought about its culture, people, and yes, their love for flowers?

This is my first visit to this country, and I am fortunate to be here in a land rich with history and culture, traditions and colours. It is a unique experience for me. People are very respectful, courteous, affectionate, tolerant, and receptive to new ideas. Although, they come late in the show, but come in great numbers and are very curious to learn new things in floral design. I am really privileged to be here. It is simply great.

I did research on internet before coming to India, and it really helped me. People love flowers here as you

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know they use it on every occasion.

And India has high quality flowers, like roses, gerbera. I visited a couple of nurseries and found a lot of greens that can be used as fillers in floral decoration as they are cheap and are often thrown away as left-over. In my country (Israel) everything comes for a price. Here you get accessories that are used in floral arrangement for low price.

These workshops have been organized to promote gypsophila in floral decorations. What do you think should be done to promote it in India, as it is not in vogue here?

The floriculture industry can create a lot of awareness about innovative floral arrangements through the intelligent

use of gypsophila. It can go very well with any flower and add extra beauty while saving on cost as it come cheap.

The use of gypsophila in designs can also be promoted through retailers and by organizing such shows in more cities.

What is needed is creation of demands.

And this will be achieved through awareness drive.

Flower arrangement in India is emerging and we also have our own traditional floral decor. Do you think the industry should try to create a synergy between traditional and modern styles, and is there any conflict between traditional and modern styles?

No, there is no conflict between

Interview traditional and modern. Each country including India has its own tradition styles. But that doesn’t mean there is no place for modern style. Both can co-exist very well. And in fact, both are complimentary to each other. An event will look more beautiful if we respect and amalgamate differences. Yes, the industry can create a synergy between both styles by guiding floral designers.

What has been your overall experience in conducting floral arrangement workshops in last few days, in Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and New Delhi?

Visitors in all 4 cities were very receptive, and it was very inspiring for me. But what is lacking here is awareness. People will be very interested in floral decorations, if they come to such shows, and their love for innovative designs will only grow. I really loved to conduct these shows, and will do so in future if invited. Visitors in all 4 workshops stayed with me for as long as 14 hours. They were very nice and welcoming. I would love to come back here.

Since, you are a renowned floral designer you must be a globe-trotter.

How many countries have you visited to participate in such shows, and in comparison to those, what do you think about India?

Yes, I visited some countries and held workshops. I got appreciation, and a lot of love. In this case I don’t think India is different from any country. But yes, India is an emerging economy, and due to growth in purchasing power and standard of living, its middle class are buying more flowers. Flowers are by-products, and people buy them more if they have extra money. So I think, the future of flower industry here is very attractive. Apart from that, buying flowers has become easier here too.

You get it though internet, and more and more shops are opening up even in smaller cities.

Flower arrangement is a top-class art but it must be supported by flower growers and exporters. What are your views about this bond? Do you think

such shows are great marketing tools?

You are true. I am here, you are here, and many people are here only because K F Bioplants organized this workshop.

If companies make money, we designers make money. They want to sell more flowers and plants, and my job is to create beautiful floral arrangements to help them achieve their targets. And I am nothing if not used. So, it’s a kind of give and take, a complimentary for each other kind of thing, you know. The bond should remain solid for the sake of industry. And such shows are definitely great marketing tools. It promotes floral arrangement in a big way.

What is the flower market scenario including flower arrangement demands, varieties, top-selling flowers in your own country--Israel?

Flower industry is robust in Israel.

We have a lot of flowers as India has. We have different flowers for different seasons. Our top-selling flowers are lisianthus, gerbera, tulips, sunflowers, roses, lilies, gladiolus, and chrysanthemums. We love all kinds of flowers. Intelligent and creative combination of flowers can create appealing wonders.

What are the factors that could boost floral arrangement segment? Do you think various family, social, religious, sportive, and cultural events, and gifting occasions such as Valentine Day etc give stimulus to this segment?

Awareness, love for flowers, various occasions, events and themes are some of the factors that boost flower decoration business. They certainly provide stimulus to the trade. We need to train more and more flower designers to popularize this segment further. For that, we need more institutes. Retailers should have expert employees who can motivate and guide customers.

You know, many things are needed to establish a segment.

It was really enlightening to see you dazzling visitors with your highly innovative floral designs here. On behalf of all the readers of Floriculture Today, I say you a big Thank You. Thank you very much!

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Interview

We have to first create demands of Gypsophila, says Manish Chakurkar Manish Chakurkar, Senior Marketing Manger, KF Bioplants Pvt Ltd., was too busy managing the entire show. He was very happy that the response of the workshops was tremendous, as visitors and retailers appeared very keen to learn floral art and the intelligent use of gypsophila in floral arrangement. In a brief chat with Anwar Huda, he talked about the importance of gypsophila, and how awareness programmes can boost its use, and consequently the sale of flowers. Here are the excerpts from the interview:

What is the main purpose of organizing these workshops?

The sole intention of these 4 shows (Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and New Delhi) is to promote GYPSOPHILA in floral decoration in India. You know, gypsophila is already very popular and much in use in other countries but not here.

Every show aims to create ‘wow’ factor. Here we too want to create this factor. Once, someone gets impressed with something he would love to have it.

And that is how demand is created.

KF Bioplants has recently partnered with Israel’s top gypsophila producer Danziger to popularize and intensify production and sale of gypsophila in India. And to guide retailers and impress upon flower buyers, it has brought this great floral artist Mr. Baruch here.

What has been the response of the visitors, and how will you create the demand?

We invited all our retailers and flower-lovers in every workshop, each attended by 100 to 150 visitors and

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florists. And after the show, everyone felt it was extremely worth coming.

Visitors are praising Mr. Baruch profusely for his great skill and highly intelligent use of gypsophila in floral arrangement, singularly as well as along with other flowers like roses, carnations, and gerbera.

You know, it is vital to first create demands in the markets. And in this case, we have to start from retailers as they are the first point-of-contact with customers. Once, they begin to sell such floral arrangements which have gypsophila, and have other promotional materials like brochures, wall photos, the business will pick up. It is only the lack of awareness that we have to remove with such workshops and other kinds of promotions and information dissemination.

Blower bouquet makers and marriage decorators are the people around whom this industry revolves, so, it is imperative to train them first, to make them aware about the use of gypsophila. So, once the demand is created, retailers will ask distributors for gypsophila, distributors will ask growers for gypsophila, and growers will ask us (KF Bioplants) for gypsophila. So, it is like chain reaction.

The retailers who are attending this workshop will learn how to use gypsophila innovatively in marriage and event decorations, in bouquet making, and other floral arrangements.

Flower arrangement in India is emerging and we also have our own

traditional floral decor. Do you think the industry should try to create a synergy between traditional and modern styles, and is there any conflict between traditional and modern styles?

Yes, India has a well-established traditional floral arrangement styles.

But there is no conflict between modern and traditional. We have to fully tap the market, as it has a lot of potentials.

Gypsophila is very good filler item, not very expensive, and as you see, it at once adds charm and beauty to the whole decoration. It looks more beautiful, more professional. So, it must be used as filler as well as individually to create various types of floral décor. People in India do not know how to use gypsophila in various types of floral decorations. So by attending these workshops, they now know how to use it.

What are the factors that could boost floral arrangement segment? And do think gypsophila can become as popular here as in other countries?

Absolutely, events and occasions are great time to sell flowers in large quantities. The industry should use them fully to boost trade. In other countries, gypsophila.

Go hand-in-hand with other flowers in bouquet making and event and marriage decorations, but not here. Due to this demand, they are growing it in large farmlands, with greenhouse as well as open cultivation. A single farmer in Israel is growing it in 12 hectares! That is the quantum there, because demand is high. In Holland auction it is the most

Interview important filler item. In India, we can achieve our target as gypsophila is a vital segment of all floral arrangements abroad. So why not here?

What are your further steps to boost the production and sale of gypsophila?

We have tied up with Danziger, and got the mother plants and technologies. We are passing them to growers. The main need for gypsophila is post-harvesting. We need to open up opening room (small room with

250 w light and having programmed temperature) to increase the base-life of gypsophila. So, we are focusing on postharvesting needs very much. Opening room has required temperature and proper lightings where the whole flowers bloom. So, they look good when used in arrangements.

What is the overall industry scenario in India, and its hurdles?

Indian floriculture industry is in a very good condition. The only thing

we need to focus on is post-harvesting technology. We need end-to-end cooling system, refrigerators, proper lightings and fast transportation. If these things are managed efficiently, surely the future of Indian flower industry is very good.

Indian flower exporters export mainly roses, though they grow a lot of gerbera and carnation as well. As gypsophila goes very well with all these flowers, we see a great future of gypsophila here.

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Interview

I see a great future for gypsophila in India, says Ajay Barua Barua Flowers is one of the New Delhi’s most popular suppliers of exotic fresh flowers. Ajay Barua, its proprietor, also attended the workshop, and like anyone, was overwhelmed with the innovative designs of Mr. Baruch. After attending the show, he seemed of the view that gypsophila has a great future in India. In a brief talk with Anwar Huda, he answered some key questions concerning national and local flower industry. Excerpts:

Please tell us about yourself?

I have been in this industry for 20 years. And throughout this long journey, I learned many things. My shop Barua Flowers used to be in Connaught Place.

Now it is in Gazipur. We sell many types of fresh flowers, and the sale is impressive.

What do you think about this workshop? Will it popularize gypsophila in India?

This workshop is of extreme use to popularize gypsophila in India. And I am amazed with the creativity of Mr. Baruch. Although gypsophila production in India is good, people do not know how to use it along with other flowers

to make bouquets and while decorating venues on various occasions. Those who have attended these workshops will take it further and farther to spread awareness and to create demands.

I see a great future for gypsophila, and I am 100 per cent sure that its production and demands will increase. If demands are generated all stakeholders like growers, flower sellers, and marriage decorators will get benefits. Market will definitely grow. It is a good initiative from KF Bioplants.

What are your suggestions to take this initiative further and farther?

More companies should also come forward to popularize gypsophila

by holding such workshops more frequently, and I appreciate KF Bioplants for taking the first step. Everything happens slowly, and once the demand is generated, all will be benefited.

I think more such workshops should be held by companies in many cities, and at various mandis to make florists aware about gypsophila.

What are current developments at Barua Flowers and in Delhi’s floriculture industry?

I have recently become floweraccessories dealer in Delhi. It is good for me. The markets in Delhi are growing, and mandi will keep high until 28 February. There are some bottlenecks like lack of cold storage and efficient post-harvest management that should be addressed. But overall, industry is expanding. Many small, regional, international players are coming, government is helping, and the industry will grow, and infrastructure will also come up.

What about exports?

To boost export, we need greater government support. It is negligible currently. As labour cost is low here, we can grow very impressively, if we get good support. Everything should be done from Mandi, so that it would be easier for everyone. And space problem is another big hurdle for exporters.

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Floriculture Today November 2012

Interview

I really love his floral design….

It’s fantastic, says a visitor Dr. (Ms) Avtar Pennathur, a young-old lady, highly educated (Harvard), sophisticated in style and communication, and above all a passionate, die-hard flower-lover, juggled her busy schedule to reach the workshop almost on time, and pledged to Israeli designer that she would not mind to stay there till night if he keeps on dazzling her with his unique floral art. The other visitors appeared amazed at her agility, alertness, and love for flowers. She also does a lot of humanitarian work, like running a charity for the disabled, senior citizens and the poor, including a ‘Home Away from Home’ for them. She is really one of the “Zameen ke taare”.

A

fter profusely praising and complimenting Mr. Baruch for his genius, she spoke to Anwar Huda to give her feedback of the workshop.

“I live nearby, so coming here was not too difficult. I really love flowers too much, and I think everybody does. Initially, I wrote to the organizer that I might not come as I had other

appointments, but then the love for flowers pulled me here. And I am here since 10.30 am. I juggled my schedule to reach here. You know I am a busy lady (laughs). The intelligent combination of flowers and greens and other accessories like artificial pieces of jewelery can create beautiful floral decorations. It was quite a learning experience for me.

I really enjoyed the brilliant show and communicating with this Israeli genius Mr. Baruch. I will be here till 11 pm if the show runs to that time…(laughs).

You know dedication and commitment are important to achieve any thing. As Gandhiji said that if you want to change the world, first you be the change. That sums up everything, I think.”

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Interview

Domestic markets are more profitable than exports, says Ankur Bhai Desai Ankur Bhai Desai of Gujarat-based Desai Agro Infra is one of the top floriculture consultants in the country, and works closely with KF Bioplants Private Limited. Desai Agro Infra is a consultancy firm engaged in floriculture and greenhouse. He also attended two workshops, and is sure that gypsophila will be a great success in India. For the last nine years, he has been working with many highprofile entrepreneurs and helped them launch profitable floriculture projects, mainly in Gujarat. Equipped with desired technical expertise, he answers to M B Naqvi some key questions about floriculture in Gujarat. Edited Excerpts: Please tell us about these workshops, and how they are going to increase popularity of gypsophila in India.

I attended two workshops-Hyderabad and New Delhi. It was a learning experience for me as for everyone. We can create a lot of beautiful floral decorations by using gypsophila, which is not in fashion in India. I think these workshops will definitely increase awareness about gypsophila among retailers who would popularize it further.

What are your activities in the field of floriculture in Gujarat, and how did you start your project?

I started as a floriculture consultant nine years ago. My work field is Valsad, Gujarat. My interest in the floriculture was born when I visited a small village and met Mr. Solanki. Then I began to go to Pune frequently to learn all the information, as I wanted to know the latest technology in floriculture. This helped me a lot. I wanted to serve this field with some good works.

Initially, I joined Rise n’ Shine in the marketing department. But after sometime, I felt KF Bioplants is stronger in technical know-how, so I joined it.

What are the favourite crops in your state?

It depends on different regions.

Growers are more interested in flowers

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Floriculture Today November 2012

in the region between Baroda to Valsad.

Today, gerbera and capsicum are grown more in the state. It has been so for the last two years. While earlier, rose was the top crop. In the middle Gujarat or Saurashtra region farmers are more interested in vegetables.

But it is said that people are entering floriculture as it is fashionable today in Gujarat. Tell us how many are seriously trying to explore this segment?

Yes, people may think if subsidy is coming, let’s reap the benefit. The first question they ask while entering floriculture is how much is the subsidy.

The percentage of serious people is 60 to 70 per cent. Small farmers are based on subsidy, but there is a parallel trend also. Many high-profile players like stars, corporate houses are also entering the segment. They are interested in this segment, so they are entering. They do not care about subsidy.

It is a fact that unless you have deep interest and massive involvement, you cannot succeed in any business, and floriculture is no exception. Do you think these corporate personnel have serious involvement and give their own time to it?

You are true. In my state, these big people are personally involved. In each project one or two family members are

present in the field with me. Currently, I am doing two big projects, and project owners’ family members remain present with me in the field.

In many places, water is not suitable for high-value floriculture in your state.

What do you think?

Actually, it differs from region to region. I am a technical person and know which region provides favourable soil and water to a particular crop, so if some builder or high-profile person meets me to launch a project, I advise him/her accordingly. And he/she follows my advice.

Any example?

A big party from Rajkot, that has been in touch with me for three years, wanted to establish their floriculture farm there, but the soil quality was not good, so we searched favourable land, and settled near Bharuch.

Although, Gujarat is good for floriculture, but the farmers of the north belt mostly opt for masalas and vegetables, and for the last few years capsicum and other vegetables are grown more. What is your thought on it?

Yes, north belt is used only for vegetables, while Saurashtra and middle Gujarat are good for floriculture. People select crops according to suitability of soil

Interview and water and atmosphere. But overall, floriculture is growing in the state.

Are these things for local consumption only, or they export as well?

No, it is only for local and regional markets.

Floriculture needs government support to remain competitive. Farmers would be interested only if they get good support and infrastructure. Is your state government supportive to floriculture?

No state government encourages floriculture as much as Gujarat government does. We have the biggest subsidy in India--65 % per cent per acre. The system is efficient and fast.

Management is good. Farmers get subsidy very fast. There is no running from pillar to post. Farmers get season’s benefits as there is time-limit of subsidy.

Subsidy is given at district level and a project gets completed on time.

Is there any land-limit for availing subsidy?

Yes, one acre for one farmer. He must not increase his farming land beyond 4000 square metre if he wants subsidy.

Are you bringing some new crops in Gujarat?

We will bring dandelion crop in coastal area within one year. Gujarat is suitable for gypsophila. It can grow very well there, so we will work on that as well, and have selected Saurashtra region as it has good sunlight. You

know, gypsophila needs a lot of light.

Since, Gujaratis are known to spend lavishly on various religious, cultural and family occasions, so it could be expected that its floral arrangement market must be very strong and growing. What do you think?

When I started, there was negligible flower arrangement market in my state, but later it picked up very fast due to awareness and new generation’s preferences. Earlier, we used to send flowers to metros like Mumbai and Delhi. Now, we send them to interior markets also such as Rajkot and Baroda.

Is Gujarat government giving subsidy to florists also for opening shops?

No, there is no subsidy for them.

But we will put this demand before the authorities in next general meeting.

Gujarat is very famous for crops like zeera and Seeng Dana. They are its traditional crops, and farmers cannot ignore them, as the business is quite impressive. So, in such preferencebased scenario, what do you think about gypsophila? And why KF Bioplants hasn’t organized such workshops in Gujarat?

When KF Bioplants brought this crop two years ago, I suggested them then to hold such workshops

as awareness is vital to introduce a new thing. Now, I think gypsophila production in Gujarat will take some time. No workshop has been organized in this state, because flowers from here go to Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, so holding workshops in these cities are more important. The demands should be created here. Once demands are created, growers will automatically grow gypsophila.

Export of flowers is not impressive at all.

What is the reason?

I have been observing for the last three years that domestic markets are more profitable than exports. So, this is the only reason for the negligible quantity of exports from the state, and India. Apart from this, export is a demanding business.

It takes one to two months, so only big players can tackle it.

What do you think about cold chain issue? Is it affecting the business badly?

Earlier, the cold chain problem was very intolerable, but not now. Now, trains are good to send flowers to major cities. But we have to use our own vehicles to send flowers to Hyderabad, as transportation problem is formidable on this route. n

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Flower Decor

Flower Décor Market

India may achieve 100 % jump in flower demand – Anwar Huda

“F

lowers are unique things. A person can refuse chocolate or pastry, but not flowers.

And flowers are for every occasion, even death, “says M B Naqvi, CEO, Media Today Group that publishes Floriculture Today. “And due to rising income, aspirations of the new generation, globalization and internet, people in India are willing to spend lavishly on floral decoration. So, this news can be music to the ears of anyone wanting booty out of bourgeoning Indian floral decoration markets through flowers and floral accessories”.

Israeli floral designer Mr. Baruch said it rightly, “All over world, flower decoration is growing phenomenally.

And India is an emerging economy, so middle class are buying more flowers”. A lot of new occasions are being celebrated

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here apart from theme-based marriages, events, religious, cultural, social and family occasions. All this has made Indian floral arrangement markets highly lucrative.

Flower décor market in India is growing at an impressive annual rate of 15 to 25 per cent. But in tier-II cities the growth rate is 30 to 40 per cent which is astonishing. The reasons are psychological and social. Life in Metros is fast and nobody cares who spends what.

But in smaller cities, people care for their social image and want to show-off. They enjoy life and want social prestige. Due to leisure, marriage ceremony runs for 6 to 10 days.

So, they spend lavishly on everything including floral decoration. That is why we see a phenomenal growth in themebased marriages where a particular

theme demands a particular type of floral arrangement. This has put pressure on marriage decorators who, often, have to import flowers to honour their contracts.

Due to theme-based events and marriages, the demands of plant materials have also increased manifold.

Marriage decorators are demanding new types of flowers and unique colours, so growers, in turn, are asking top firms for new kinds of planting materials. In last four years, flowerer market has seen 200 per cent growth, and will see 100 per cent growth this season.

More and more flower shops are coming up in big and small cities. Even roadside sellers are doing brisk business.

The constantly ballooning flower and floral arrangement market in India can further be proved by the fact that many marriage decorators are now themselves

Flower Decor Flower décor market in India is growing at an impressive annual rate of 15 to 25 per cent. But in tier-II cities the growth rate is 30 to 40 per cent which is astonishing. The reasons are psychological and social. Life in Metros is fast and nobody cares who spends what. But in smaller cities, people care for their social image and want to show-off. They enjoy life and want social prestige. Due to leisure, marriage ceremony runs for 6 to 10 days. So, they spend lavishly on everything including floral decoration. That is why we see a phenomenal growth in theme-based marriages where a particular theme demands a particular type of floral arrangement.

This has put pressure on marriage decorators who, often, have to import flowers to honour their contracts importing flowers and fillers. Ajab Singh Chaudhury, a Delhi-based businessman who calls himself wholesaler as well as grower, is the MD of Intouch Flora Pvt Ltd. His astonishing success further proves the insatiable hunger for flowers in India. Intouch Flora has become India’s largest importer of orchids of Thailand, and recently formed a joint venture with a Japanese investor by taking over a flower production farm in Thailand.

“My younger brother Teg Singh is now permanently settled in Bangkok to look after this JV, and to send flowers to India. This reflects our goodwill and devotion towards floriculture industry,” Ajab Singh said proudly. “We are importing not only flowers but also fresh fruits and vegetables, as India has become

a hot destination for high-value and quality fruits and vegetables. We import from many countries and sell through auction at Azadpur Mandi, New Delhi” Toady, buying flowers has become as easy as getting newspaper. Order can be placed on internet, and the same day delivery has become a reality. Florists offer competitive rates and a lot of choices. All this has also boosted the sentiments in the floral arrangement segment.

In India, it is a growing market as a result of improvement in the general level of well being in the country and increased affluence, particularly among the middle class. This has led to transformation of the activity of flower growing into a burgeoning industry.

Availability of diverse agro-climatic conditions facilitates the production of all major flowers throughout the year in some or the other part of the country.

The increased growing of contemporary cut flowers like rose, gladiolus, tuberose, carnation, gerbera, orchids etc has led to their use for bouquets and arrangements for gifts as well as decoration of both home and workplace.

Customers can avail from online and road-side florists premium quality flower decoration services for different styles of weddings and events. Different aspects of themes such as flower types, colors and quantities are decided in consent with the client’s wishes and their budgetary limits. The unique decorative designs developed by various designers in varied styles are highly appreciated for their aesthetic appeal.

A host of occasions such as birthday party, wedding, get together, special events, corporate decoration, event decoration, corporate party decoration, wedding decorations, love n’ romance, anniversary, congratulations, friendship, get well soon, sympathy, etc have created unprecedented demands for flower arrangements. Today, in India, price of a birthday flower bouquet with 20 roses is around Rs. 600 to Rs. 1000.

Florists have flower gift items starting from Rs. 500 and going beyond Rs. 3500.

To keep the preferences of the customers, choices have been created including flower with cakes, flowers with chocolate, flower with soft toys, flowers with fruits, among others.

Due to above reasons, the four floral décor workshops held in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, by KF Bioplants Private Limited registered tremendous response. Florists and flower-lovers thronged the workshop to see the various bouquet creations by Mr. Baruch. More workshops are expected to be organized to popularize Gypsophila in India which is one of the cheapest and best fillers in floral decoration. These workshops further prove that India is a big, untapped, and growing market for floral arrangement segment.

Naqvi further says, “iFlora and Flora Expo aim to increase per capita flower consumption even further to give more impetus to floriculture industry. We can’t have better time, and sky is the limit.”

Fortunately, for everyone related to floriculture industry, he is 100 per cent true. n Floriculture Today November 2012

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11-13 January, 2013, New Delhi, INDIA

Expos Par Excellence

India to fast become floral super power of the future

W

ith over 300 million middle and higher income population, India is the world’s 2nd largest consumer base and fastest growing retail destination. Flower consumption, growing at a whopping 30% per annum and numerous festivals, along with increasing modernization and per capita income make India a floral super power of the future. A huge domestic market supports high quality export oriented flower production by

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Floriculture Today November 2012

providing a unique competitive edge.

India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan along with other countries of the region make South Asia, the world’s largest market and India is emerging as world’s fastest growing flower and gardening market.

sponsors including National Horticulture Mission, National Horticulture Board and Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States, Irrigation Association of India, National Medicinal Plant Board, and Indian Flowers and Ornamental Plants Welfare Association.

Celebrated Sponsors The expo, which has the Union Ministry of Agriculture as its Principal Sponsor, has a host of other celebrated

Trading & Networking Opportunities India has unique culture of flower consumption in many forms like garlands, flower-carpets, floral rains and

Curtain Raiser

floral jewelry, to name a few. FLORA EXPO 2013 will bring you not only conventional flower and gardening industry professionals but also mass buyers from new types of large industry retailers such as home centers, supermarkets, departmental stores and interior shops. The buyers will come from every part of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Persian Gulf & Arabian countries and many other parts of the world. FLORA EXPO 2013 is one and the only opportunity in India for international suppliers to meet and trade with all of them on one single platform!

India’s enormous flower and gardening market!

India is poised to become the top trade center in this part of globe. Imports & exports of flowers, seeds, bulbs, planting materials and gardening related

goods from all around the world are increasing year by year because industry professionals in India are always seeking new products, techniques and devices that are highly effective and costefficient.

Expos Par Excellence The 8th International Flora Expo 2013 along with the 7th International Landscape & Gardening Expo 2013, the 5th International Horti Expo 2013, and 2nd India Potato Expo 2013, is scheduled to be held from 11th to 13th January, 2013, at NSIC Exhibition Complex, Okhla, New Delhi. South Asian Horti Congress, followed by Award function will be held concurrently. “Floriculture Wealth & Technology” would be one of the theme pavilions Flora Expo 2012 Last Flora Expo attracted

professionals from over 19 countries from around the world including leading ones from The Netherlands, Japan, UAE, USA, China, Taiwan, Thailand, other South East Asian, Arabian countries etc. FLORA EXPO has emerged as South Asia’s premier meeting ground for various business dealings. The forthcoming FLORA EXPO 2013 will be the best venue to expand business into new markets both in India and other South Asian Countries.

The three-day event drew over 15,000 visitors. At the Flora expo, which drew maximum crowds, the presence of many Indo-Dutch companies presented a look of a mini Holland.

The sections devoted to flowers and nurseries selling a variety of plants and flowers, machinery & equipment had much to offer to the large number of visitors, moving around cheek by jowl.

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Floriculture Today November 2012

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Post Event Report

IPS Biennial 2012

Participants marvel at the palm & floral beauty of Thailand T

he 2012 Biennial was on of the most exciting destinations ever – a return IPS Biennial visit to Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Thailand.

It took place from 11 September to 18 September.

Biennial originated in September 1998 at the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden.

Without exception, participants in that event consider it one of the premier Biennials of all time. The IPS was quick to accept the offer from Kampon and the Garden to revisit this marvelous garden and areas in September 2012.

This edition was attended by 250 delegates or palm and flower lovers, coming from many countries including India. The biennial hosted a useful conference on palm varieties and gardening. They were also taken to various gardens for a nature-walk.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden Focus for the IPS Biennial was on Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Chon Buri province, near Pattaya. Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden is a 500-acre (2.0 km2) botanical garden and tourist attraction.

It is also a major scientific center dedicated to cycads, with its own Cycad Gene Bank.

l Palms of the World Garden features many of the 1,000+ palm species that inhabit the Gardens. Generally there are not just one or two specimens of a species, but rather six or more specimens of hundreds of species. A fruiting Lodoicea

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Floriculture Today November 2012

maldivica, several large Copernicia baileyana planted next to Hydriastele costataand Corypha lecomtei next to Dypsis decaryi add to a surreal atmosphere of perhaps the best grown palms you will see anywhere in the world. l Cycad Garden showcases one of the foremost cycad collections in the world.

Most are mature specimens and beautifully grown. The Asian Cycas specimens are a prime focus for conservation efforts. l Hortus Botanicus is an area of the Gardens that contains collections of palms, cycads, heliconias, gingers, cordylines and other plant families. Plants of each family are separated into their own area. There is a further breakdown of “new world” species (the Americas) separated from “old world” species. Plants are arranged by species in long raised beds where they can be viewed and compared with other species of the same genus. Many of the more than 1,000 palm species which are not planted elsewhere in the gardens can be found here and most are mature fruiting specimens. This is a shade facility with primarily understory species being showcased. To see all the plants here can take several days. l The French Garden is a reconstruction of a formal European Garden with sheared plants and intricate designs and pathways. l Stonehenge is a reconstruction of the original Stonehenge in England that sits in a formal garden next to the French Garden.

l Cactus & Succulent Garden features a large representation of these plants from around the world. Much of this Garden is covered to protect the arid plants from Thailand’s tropical rains. l The Variegated Garden shows off the variegated oddities that have been grown at Nong Nooch and elsewhere. There is also one of the foremost collections of variegated Rhapis palms. l Nong Nooch also offers a separate Orchid & Bromeliad Display Garden, Flower Valley, the Cart Cross Arboretum and other focus plantings.

Other areas visited by the Biennial In addition to the Bangkok and Chon Buri areas, IPS Biennial attendees also visited Khao Yai National Park, which is situated in the western part of the Sankamphaeng Mountain Range, at the southwestern boundary of the Khorat Plateau. This park lies largely in Nakhon Ratchasima Province (Khorat), but also includes parts of Saraburi, Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok provinces.

The Khao Yai is the third largest national park in Thailand. It covers an area of 2,168 square kilometers, including evergreen forests and grasslands.

In 1984 Khao Yai National Park was made an ASEAN Heritage Park, and on July 14, 2005, the park together with other parks in the same range and in the Dong Phaya Yen mountains further north was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name Dong Phaya Yen–Khao Yai Forest Complex.

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Interview

Greenhouse film market growth is about 50 % Agriplast Tech India Pvt. Ltd. is a leading greenhouse film importer in India. It imports films from Israel’s leading company Ginegar that manufactures five-layered Green House Films. Agriplast also imports innovative insect-nets, shade nets and other high quality woven nets from Israel. Its CEO Rajeeb Kumar Roy appears sanguine about the potentials of greenhouse films in India, but says that farmers need to be educated for profit and productivity by global experts on latest farming technologies. In a chat with Floriculture Today, he shares his views about greenhouse progress in India, greenhouse films that suit Indian crops and temperatures, among other things. Excerpts: In the previous edition of Flora Expo, many of the flower growers, visiting the expo for the first time from various parts of the country, had a common query about the availability of consultation, green house construction, availability of good quality greenhouse films etc. What do you feel about India as an emerging market for greenhouse film?

Well India is a big emerging market. I have been in this field for the last 18 years and I have seen the growth of the market in a big way. I have a belief that with the growing population, decreasing farm land and more people to feed, implementation of better technology is the only answer.

India has to move to protected cultivation today or tomorrow. Greenhouse film plays a very important role in protected cultivation. In India we use mostly naturally ventilated greenhouse. The only job the structure does here is to hold the plastic and hence the role of high quality plastic is very important.

Production of flowers and vegetables in greenhouse is growing every year, and the demand of quality film is also increasing accordingly. Can you please share your views on demand-supply gap?

The growth in the market also encouraged more players to enter.

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Floriculture Today November 2012

Ginegar Plastic Products Ltd has been a leading quality supplier of greenhouse film for the last 17 years. We have geared up our supply to meet up the growing demand.

As we have different climatic zones (0 to 50 degree C), do you agree to have a national study on greenhouse structure, designs, film varieties and their suitability for different crops in different climatic conditions. What are your views on in this regard?

I have been a big advocate for this.

A study should be made based on crop and locations through out the country.

The guideline must have some basic parameters important factors in mind.

In face, this is what we have done in our operations. We import and supply films that suit the local conditions and crop.

Indigenous versus imported product and technology is another debate going on for quite a long time. Being a leading importer of green house films and other accessories, how do you tackle this competition?

Farmers should use the best product.

The loyalty should be for quality and not for local or imported. The farmer can produce the best only if he uses the best inputs. We have been following

this simple principal of using the best quality products from wherever we get in the world and this takes care of the competition.

Cost-effectiveness and viability of a project is the key for the success of floriculture and horticulture growers.

Can you suggest some solution for the industry which will require financial support from government and technical expertise from persons like you?

Government should have world class training centres located in different agro climatic zones where the global experts can come to understand the local conditions and give the farmers free training on agronomy. Education is the key of success for any new thing in any place. Our farmers are really hard working but they are not exposed to the best of the technologies. Even the universities are imparting outdated knowledge.

In your view, what is the overall size of greenhouse industry in India along with the ratio of growing crops—flowers and vegetables, and also growth pattern?

Greenhouse market in India should be about 3500 ha in my opinion.

Greenhouses are still mainly being used for flowers and almost 90 percent of

Interview

Greenhouse market in India should be about 3500 ha in my opinion.

Greenhouses are still mainly being used for flowers and almost 90 percent of them are under flowers. The growth of the market is about 50 %. Government support is helping this growth

them are under flowers. The growth of the market is about 50 %. Government support is helping this growth.

Please tell us about the current status of your company. How do you plan for further development? Is there any foreign tie-up plan in the pipeline or what kind of new product range you are offering to growers?

We are on the path of growth. We have big plans for future. We have some local production and exciting new products in the pipe line which you will know in due course of time. One new thing I would like to mention here is

the introduction of Net houses from P Marom and Israeli company in India. We have already done probably the best net houses in the world in North India. For the first time we have done net house with the option of fixed net on the top and movable motorised aluminet inside the fixed net. This is operated by DC operated motor and can run even on a tractor battery. We are soon going to be locally producing these net houses here.

Give us your frank views on the schemes of NHM, NHB, State horticulture departments and other agencies working for the holistic

growth of horticulture sector in the country?

Well these schemes have definitely helped the growth of development of greenhouse industry in India. However India still needs huge reforms on the transparent subsidy delivery mechanism.

There is a necessity of education and exposure on the global standards of greenhouse technology to implementing agencies. There has to be a different yard stick of quality checks for different vendors. Every supplier can not qualify for equal subsidy. Empanelment of companies is another method that needs to be looked into.

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Floriculture Today November 2012

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Interview

India emerging as a strong market for greenhouse film A.A. Politiv Ltd is an Israeli company, founded in 1985. It specializes in the production of “smart� polyethylene sheets for agricultural and industrial purposes. The company has a large-scale production capacity in Israel, which houses state-of-the-art machines, capable of meeting market demands both in Israel and abroad. Its India Director Deepak Salunkhe, in a chat with Floriculture Today, spoke about greenhouse film scenario and India as an emerging market for greenhouse films. Excerpts:

In the previous edition of Flora Expo, many of the flower growers, visiting the show for the first time from various parts of the country, had a common query about the availability of consultation on green house construction, availability of good quality greenhouse films etc. What do you feel about India as an emerging market for greenhouse film?

People who want to enter a new area of activity generally tend to do some study and gather knowledge. Exhibition acts as an important source for this purpose as they can meet there all reputed suppliers of technology in that field.

Indians, known to be innovative, tend to adopt the technology best suited to local needs. We believe India will emerge as a strong market for the greenhouse film.

Greenhouse production of flowers and vegetables is growing every year, and the demand of quality film is also increasing accordingly. Can you please share your views on demand-supply gap?

The area under protected cultivation is increasing in India due to uncertain climatic conditions. There is everincreasing demand for the quality film in India. There are very few players the world over who have ventured into India to cater to the requirements of greenhouse film.

The most important aspect is the film suppliers’ standing with the greenhouse cultivator to meet his demand as and

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when required, as the greenhouse films have limited life.

As we have different climatic zones (0 to 50 degrees), do you agree to have a national study on greenhouse structure, designs, film varieties and their suitability for different crops in different climatic conditions. What are your views on in this regard?

Politiv is a company which supplies film to more than 50 countries the world over. The climatic conditions vary from

country to country, hence with our experience we have selected the suitable film for different regions in India with the necessary properties that can cater to any specific requirements of our customers.

Indigenous versus imported product and technology is another debate going on for quite a long time. Being an active player in the industry how do you tackle this competition?

If we consider any field, India has

Interview

done the localization but still the key components where technology is involved needs to be sourced from global market.

Same is the case with greenhouses, we do the greenhouse covering, and covering material is the most important component of a greenhouse.

Cost-effectiveness and viability of a project is the key to success of floriculture and horticulture growers.

Can you suggest some solution for the industry which will require financial support from government and technical expertise from persons like you?

In order to make these projects viable, the government should look into the marketing set-up like cold storage, produce procurement center, grading and redistribution facilities so that the produce is not damaged and the farmer gets better rates and the end user gets better services.

In your view, what is the overall size of greenhouse industry in India along with the ratio of growing crops— flowers and vegetables, and also growth pattern?

Till now only the flowers were doing well and one or two speciality vegetables. With growing purchasing power of Indian consumer, we should be able to cater to their requirements in fruits and vegetables too, as there are limitations to flower industry in terms of consumption because of periodic demand cycles.

Please tell us about the current status of your company. How do you plan for further development? Is there any foreign tie-up plan in the pipeline or what kind of new product range you are offering to growers?

Politiv has its own daughter company in India to take care of

supplies. We import the film and maintain stock in India and also cater to the customers who import directly from Israel. We have a wide range of products to cater to different climatic conditions in India.

Give us your frank views on the schemes of NHM, NHB, State horticulture departments and other agencies working for the holistic growth of horticulture sector in the country?

The government has to support farmers with these schemes to have assured supply of agriculture produce to the large population in India. The incentive schemes should have an element of minimum period for each activity, with the benefits going into the farmers’ bank accounts, so that the banks will be encouraged to pass on the benefits to the farmers.

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Green House

Variant agro-climatic conditions make GREENHOUSE highly viable India had vast potential to emerge as a major player in the flower export market, which is estimated at $ 11 billion at present and expected to grow up to $ 20 billion by 2020.

The flower trade of the country is accounted for just 0.2 per cent of world flower exports.

Though many states in the country had the conducive weather for production of quality floriculture material, they lagged behind in flower exports due to various bottlenecks being faced by growers and exporters including protected infrastructures

– Gian Aggarwal, MD Rajdeep Agri Products Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

U

ntil a few decades back, the Green House technology remained architectonics of some of the advanced western countries, which made their farmers rich and prosper. This concept for commercial production of flowers and vegetables was introduced in 90’s in India. There are many green house manufacturers in India making this technology indigenously or importing green house film and accessories from overseas markets. But there are some issues related to adoption of technology in Indian conditions, different climatic zones, state policies, lack of knowledge among horticulture farmers and investment.

The Greenhouse Technology is an appropriate intervention for crop production, particularly in hostile climatic conditions. It has the potential to give manifold production of quality produce round the year from small land holdings compared to the open field cultivation. A greenhouse works on the principle that crop production is influenced not only by heredity but also by the micro-climate around the plant.

To overcome the vagaries of nature, over

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two hundred years ago, the scientists had evolved a technique, which could escape the vagaries of the nature to a great extent. This technique is known as green house technology.

Today small & marginal farmers contribute nearly 42% of marketable surplus. Greenhouse can provide answers for round the year cultivation under climatic uncertainties as well as price fluctuations. Greenhouse technology is an agro-system that presents important productive advantages in comparison to openair cultivation. Greenhouse protects crops from extreme climatic factors temperature, high winds, heavy rains, storms, insects and diseases. It maximizes the productivity per unit area with genetic potentiality of the crop being fully exploited. Off-season vegetables

can be grown which fetch high prices in the market. Greenhouse has been used in raising healthy nurseries & quality planting materials.

Advantages of Greenhouse Greenhouse technology is highly relevant under Indian conditions due to variant agro-climatic conditions of the country. The list of advantages includes providing favourable micro climatic conditions for the plant, cultivations in all seasons is possible, higher yield with better quality per unit area, less irrigation, suitability for cultivating high value/off-season crops, good control of pest and diseases, helping in raising early nurseries, round the year propagation of planting material, protection of the crops from wind, rain, snow, bird, hail etc, generation of self-employment

Green House opportunities for educated youth.

The cut flowers, which are being exported from India, are from these hi-tech floriculture units. Protected cultivation, although is in limited area (5% of total flower crop area) its contribution to total floricultural exports is significant. At present, there are about 110 export oriented floricultural units (EOU’s) in operation covering an area of 500 ha. These units are growing mostly roses, tomato and capsicum but can be diversified into orchids, anthurium, other vegetables and plant -material/seedling production of fruits, vegetables and floriculture grown organic as the demand is increasing worldwide. India has several advantages and great potential to increase the acreage under intensive production and ultimately to increase the horticultural exports provided the units should be opened in ideal locations with sound technological back up.

The world economic scenario is changing very rapidly influencing the international trade. Consumer perception is changing and marketing has become consumer-driven, which demands quality produce, cheaper price, better assortments, range of products and

senesces. Traditional market is getting saturated with increase in expendable income in non-traditional area and new markets are emerging. The challenges, therefore, is to widen the market base and capture the new emerging market for commercial production of flowers and vegetables.

India had vast potential to emerge as a major player in the flower export market, which is estimated at $ 11 billion at present and expected to grow up to $ 20 billion by 2020. The flower trade of the country is accounted for just 0.2 per cent of world flower exports. Though many states in the country had the conducive weather for production of quality floriculture material, they lagged behind in flower exports due to various bottlenecks being faced by growers and exporters including protected infrastructures.

There is an urgent need to showcase India as a reliable supplier of quality floriculture products. Looking at the advantages of greenhouse technology, the Government of India has been providing financial assistance for adoption of Naturally Ventilated Greenhouse and Greenhouse with Fan and Pad Cooling

system (Forced Ventilated Greenhouse) under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEHS) - centrally sponsored schemes for holistic development of horticulture in the country. The pattern of assistance is 50% of the cost limited to an area of 4000 sqm per beneficiary.

The choice of crops to be raised in a greenhouse depends on the size of the structure and economics of crop production.

Potentials of greenhouse technology *Cultivation is possible under extreme climatic conditions. *Export of hybrid seeds, ornamentals plants and tissue culture plants. *Suitable for biotechnology and genetic engineering. *Cultivation of rate and exotic medicinal, aromatic and ornamental species. *Production of high value, low volume horticultural crops. *Supply of high quality fresh fruits/ vegetables and flowers for cities. *Production of healthy planting material.

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Flower Exports

Floriculture Industry Review East Africa and India – Praveen Sharma, CEO, Flora Consult, Pune

Most positive outcome of entire exercise of promotion of Indian Floriculture Industry was the development of very good quality of Greenhouse Management Professionals. Indian managers have learned the art of growing hard ways. As the industry came even before the Agriculture Universities could take up the courses in Greenhouse Management

T

he export oriented flower business in the developing world got fancy in late 1980’s when Holland being the main flower supplier to European markets, started feeling the heat of increasing cost of production followed by stringent environment norms. The major cost in growing involved Heating, Lighting, Expensive glass houses, and high labor cost.

Plant Propagation Nurseries, Irrigation and Fertigation systems, Greenhouses Manufacturers, Greenhouse Coverings etc. Though with time the effect of higher cost of production took its toll and the flower exports from Israel has shrunk to limited exports of summer flowers and pot plants. This year it is expected that Israel will be importing Roses for the first time during the Valentine Period.

Israel Israeli’s were the first one to identify this opportunity of growing and exporting flowers to Europe, in early eighties. Though they too had issues of hot climate and shortage of water but by innovative technique, cooperative farming, good support from the government extension services, they succeeded developing good market base in Europe. This also gave boost to supported industries like

Kenya Kenya was the next to identify the flower exports opportunity in 1980’s with very few flowers farms in the early days.

In the year 1990 onwards the Kenyan flower industry has gone through a significant maturing.

In the horticultural sub-sector, the floriculture industry has recorded growth in volume and value of cut flowers exported every year (10,946 tons in 1988 compared to 86,480 tons in 2006, 117,713

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tons in 2009, 120,220 tons in 2010 and 121,891 tons in 2011).

Figure 1 Mr. Dilip Barge training a worker in a Kenyan Farm

Graph above shows the Growth Story of Kenya Industry

Flower Exports Last year, the floriculture industry contributed Kshs 44.5 billion(US$ 500mapprox) to the economy. The year saw a dramatic weakening of the Kenya Shilling against world’s major currencies.

The exchange rate shot to a high of Ksh105 to $1 and Ksh144 to €1 in midOctober from an average of Kshs 82 to $1 and Kshs 115 to 1€ seen during the first quarter of 2011. However, Flower farms did not experience a negative impact of this exchange rate phenomenon, due to the fact that majority of their inputs are charged in dollars and sales are mainly in Euros. The wage is the major bill paid in local currency. This meant a net off between increased costs of inputs vs an increase in value of turnover in the local currency. Further, many farms had engaged in currency hedging contracts with their bankers. Other growing destinations include Japan, Russia and USA..(Source: Kenya Flower Council)

Figure 2 Mr. Ravi Goyal, Mr. Navale from Ethiopian Farm along with Mr. Mokate, Mr. Siddharth Viswas, and Mr. Santosh Kulkarni from Kenya

Ethiopia The floriculture sector had shown a very dramatic growth in Ethiopia, even surpassing most African nations that have an established operation long before Ethiopia starts growing flowers.

The floriculture sector had started growing fast from about 300,000 USD forex income in 2001 to 104 million in 2006. The annual forex income in the current fiscal year from floriculture alone is expected around 200 million USD. In essence, the sector is one of the top five

foreign exchange earners to the nation.

Land size is also expanding every year where new floriculture enterprises are opening every year. In May 2010, land used for floriculture is over 1,500 hectares.

Figure 3 Kenyan Professionals at Naivasha Flower Show in Kenya

Ethiopia is producer of large budded and long stemmed roses with vibrant colors. Many varieties are available and the main production season is from October to May. Flowers are produced in modern farms around

Addis Ababa and in the Rift Valley and are exported via Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. Rose is the most widely produced variety. Gypsophilia, hypericum, eryngium, carnations, cala, agapanthus, freesia, and lilies are also produced.

Many farms are already certified with MPS, ABC, and MPS SQ labels and all farms have either implemented or currently working towards implementing the EHPEA Code of Practice. Flowers are exported mainly to Holland, Germany, and the UK but as well to Scandinavia, Russia, Japan, and the Middle East countries.

Figure 4 A project team from one of the leading project in Kenya

India Indian flower industry too got a boost in 1990-91, when government liberalized the seed policy. Huge investment was done in so called 100% EOU’s,(Export oriented units), to enable the investors to freely import the major capital items like greenhouses, plants, irrigation systems, refrigeration equipments etc.

The investors need not to pay any import duty on these products, but had obligation to export 100% of their produce, with exclusion of rejects.

The first generation investors burnt their hands, due to many reasons, mainly high capital cost of the projects, slow adoption of technology, the category of flowers produced did not sell well in Dutch Auctions, which was the only market the investors knew, almost 50% of the projects closed down in 2-3 years.

From 1995-96, the remaining projects had learnt to live with the situation and begun working on productivity, appropriate technology and innovative marketing.

Till 2005-06, many leading export oriented projects decided to shift focus from flower growing, due to enormous appreciation on land prices, followed by increase in the labor cost due to close vicinity of their lands to Major cities and industries.

Most positive outcome of entire exercise of promotion of Indian Floriculture Industry was the development of very good quality of Greenhouse Management Professionals.

Indian managers have learned the art of growing hard ways. As the industry came even before the Agriculture Universities could take up the courses in Greenhouse Management.

Today Indian Managers are the major contributors to East African Floriculture Industry. Almost 70% of the Kenyan Flower farms are being managed by Managers of Indian Origin.

Each one of them has a brief history of working in one of the Indian Flower Farm either in Pune, Delhi, or Bangalore region.

In last two decades the industry has seen many ups and downs.

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Flower Exports In September issue of Floriculture Today, we carried a report on IIFT Workshop held in Pune, on July 12.

After his participation, the author elaborates on one of the subjects discussed at the Workshop.

Emerging opportunities for Indian floriculture exports – Vinod K Kaul, Deputy General Manager, APEDA, New Delhi

I

n the post-liberalization era that began in India in 1991, export of floriculture started emerging as a potential area in the overall export basket of the country. During the following years, a large number of floriculture units mushroomed across the country. In due course, however, many of them vanished. The reasons perhaps were two-fold: 1. The technology from temperate countries that was used in the Indian conditions did not succeed, especially in the tropical climates of India.

2. Being a new area, perhaps financial institutions were not able to appraise such projects in terms of their long term sustainability and viability.

interest in expanding the floriculture activity across the country, especially in the states where climatic conditions are conducive for growing flowers. The details of production in various states are given in the table below:States

Loose flowers

Cut flowers

000 MTs

lakhs nos.

West Bengal

59

23919

Andhra Pradesh

134

6202

0

2860

Arunachal Pradesh

2994

5860

Gujarat

Karnataka

50

5063 1084

Haryana

60

Orissa

4

5911

Maharashtra

91

7914

2

3416

Uttrakhand Jammu & Kashmir

However, some climatically conducive regions for floriculture development in the country did see blossoming of floriculture export activity. These included Bangalore in South India and Nashik and Pune in Western India. .

Production scenario in India In India, even as floriculture activity moved from dormancy to infancy, a conducive policy and support from the Government concurrently resulted in commercialisation. According to the Indian Horticulture Database 2011 published by the National Horticulture Board of India, the production status has been reported as under:Year Area 000’ Hac Production 000 MTs 2007-08 166 868 2008-09 167 987 2009-10 183 1021 2010-11 191 1031

West Beng al has emerg ed as the largest cut flowers producing state followed by other states like Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka,Gujarat, Haryana, Orissa, Maharashtra, Uttrakhand and Jammu and Kashmir. This reflects the growing

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All India

0.6

605

1031

69027

Source: Indian Horticulture Database 2011

The country is bestowed with ideal temperate conditions for commercial floriculture throughout the year in some or other part. This has helped in entrepreneurs and growers recognizing diversification into floriculture as a commercial viable activity.

The Indian culture has traditionally seen use of flowers in ceremonial activities, divine worships apart from decoration.

With growth in floriculture production in the country, the domestic market has also expanded several folds. An ASSOCHAM study conducted recently has brought to light that India’s floriculture industry which is growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 30% is likely to cross Rs.8000 crores mark by the year 2015. Over and above, the 191000 Ha under flower production in the country, Hi-tech protective cultivation is also taking place in around 600 ha of land area.

Global Scenario: Today EU market accounts for almost 50% of the global trade in flowers. Of the US$ 16.81 billion international flowers trade EU counts for US$ 8 billion on the other hand US

counts for US$ 1.6 billion. The global trend has also seen paradigm shift over the years. Whereas earlier The Netherlands, Germany and France used to be known traditional flower growing countries but there has been a transition with India, Eucador, Kenya, Colombia, South Africa and Israel emerging as floriculture origins. While major consuming countries today are Germany, France, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, The United States, and Japan, Netherlands has transited from a producing country to a trading country where flowers from third countries are traded through auction. Thus the Netherlands has become the hub for trans-shipment of global flowers trade activity.

Today the top traded flowers in the international floriculture trade are sunflower, wild flower, liliac, carnations, orchid, lilium, tulip, primerose, rose and iris.

Export of Floriculture from India: Over the years the export of fresh floriculture has been as given in the table below:Year

Quantity-MTs Value-Rs lakhs

1991-92

NA

340

1992-93

NA

405

1993-94

NA

461

1994-95

NA

473

1995-96

NA

1563

1996-97

NA

2243

1997-98

NA

2709

1998-99

9759

4461

1999-00

78014

5965

2000-01

16932

6377

2001-02

6638

4170

2002-03

7840

4711

2003-04

4038

7010

2004-05

4952

5877

2005-06

6849

10289

2006-07

12896

42002

Flower Exports

Source: APEDA

and Bangalore Regions due to high property valuations.

D. New generation growers are small farmers with small units of 1000 sq.m to one acre, hence do not have to capacity to export independently, nor there is a cooperative formed to enhance exports under one banner.

Exports (Rs. In Crores)

The present figures of exports from India are pathetically low, and there is need to provide special thrust to promote new projects and new regions.

Figure 5 Indian exports are almost invisible

Why are the Indian exports so low?

This is a very common question asked to most of the professionals working abroad. They get surprised when they see 60 to 70 % of the flower projects in East Africa being managed by Indian Managers, but from India there is hardly any remarkable exports?

The main reasons are: A. Tremendous growth in Domestic Markets B. The growth in domestic market is estimated as 25% per annum C. Closer of many leading export oriented projects around Pune

What is lacking in the system: 1. There is no strong Coordinating Agency for promotion of Floriculture in India, like Kenya Flower Council.

APEDA is an agency involved in various kinds of products with a small department allocated for floriculture.

This has not helped the cause of floriculture in last two decades.

2. There is a need to have a strong Council for promotion of floriculture, the members should include, technocrats with vast international experience, entrepreneurs with successful track records, and government policy makers. The council should work under Ministry of Agriculture.

3. The council needs to have offices in all the states of India.

4. Following could be the main objectives of such a council: a. To identify the floriculture products based on the geographical region b. To develop training centers in each of the geographical region c. To set up one Model Project in each climatic zone d. To maintain up to date marketing information and to impart the information to farmers e. To identify nontraditional floriculture products for potential export markets.

f. To develop models for value addition on post harvest of flowers g. To coordinate with Research institutes and develop new varieties of flowers.(There is hardly any coordination between Floriculture Industry and research in our country, but Potential is huge) h. To develop Appropriate Technology Models suitable to every regions. ( Like for States in North East like Meghalaya, Bamboo Greenhouses, can be best options, low cost high return) i. Backward integration by organizing right inputs like organic chemicals, Bio Control Measures, Water Soluble fertilizers etc at right pricing. j. To organize farmers/entrepreneurs visits /participation to various international trade shows k. To educate farmers/entrepreneurs about various International Certificates like MPS, Fair-trade, FLP, and BOPP etc. These are certificates which are required by the major European buyers. l. To develop Brand India by organizing trade fairs within and outside India on regular basis.

Above all there is a need for us to maintain database of first generation entrepreneurs, who have learnt the art of growing and marketing hard ways. The present growth of floriculture in India should be dedicated to all those first generation entrepreneurs who invested millions of dollars in this industry and brought/bought this technology to country like India.

We must take regular inputs from them by having them as honorary members of the council.

We all know that when this industry was launched none of our Universities were covering lectures on Greenhouse Management. So we can say these first generation projects were not just flower growing units but they worked as Institutes of Advance Agriculture.

Today we see huge number of Indian technocrats working in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria etc, are mostly products of one these institutes. n

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Profile

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Ornamental

Portulaca

Profuse flowering ornamental plant – Amanpreet Kaur, Atul Batra and B.K.Banerji

Portulaca is a low-growing (up to 30 cm), succulent, evergreen perennial with a trailing, branched habit. It has simple, alternate, cylindrical leaves up to 2.5cm long. Its leaves are light green and smooth with entire margins (without indentation or lobes). Flowers are red, yellow, orange or white colour and open up to 2.5 cm across with various numbers of petals depending on the cultivar bright green. It tolerates drought well and will only flower in full sun. It thrives in dry soil. Flowers are like roses and bloom in colors of red, white, rose-pink, orange and yellow and red. It can be propagated by seed. Generally used as ground cover in the residential landscape, it also looks pretty trailing over the sides of a hanging basket. Moss rose flowers in white, yellow, pink, orange and red (fig.1 a).

Fig. 1: Some important species of Portulaca

P

ortulaca is the type genus of the flowering plant family Portulacaceae, comprising about 40-100 species distributed in the tropics and warm temperate regions. The genus name Portulaca is the old Latin name for Purslane. It derives from the Latin “port” meaning “carry” and “lac” meaning “milk”. Portulaca grandiflora is commonly known as portulaca or moss rose. It is an evergreen perennial plant often used as an annual. Portulaca is native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

It is also reported from South Asia and widely spread in most of the cities with old 18th-19th century architecture in the Balkans. In Bangladesh, it is called “Time Fuul”, meaning “Time Flower”, because the flower has a specific time to bloom. In Vietnam, it is called “Ten o’clock flower”, because the flower is usually in full bloom at 10 o’clock in the morning.

The genus Portulaca contains other plant species, but P. grandiflora is the main species grown commercially.

Portulaca is planted for their colorful flowers in rock gardens or in masses, as ground cover, as a bedding plant, in

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edging, or in hanging baskets. Portulaca tolerates hot, dry sites like rock gardens.

It is commonly grown as a garden annual, but it is a perennial in warm climates. P. grandiflora is an easy-care annual plant.

Portulaca is a low-growing (up to 30 cm), succulent, evergreen perennial with a trailing, branched habit. It has simple, alternate, cylindrical leaves up to 2.5cm long. Its leaves are light green and smooth with entire margins (without indentation or lobes). Flowers are red, yellow, orange or white colour and open up to 2.5 cm across with various numbers of petals depending on the cultivar.

The description of some important species is given below:i) Portulaca grandiflora Portulaca grandiflora is commonly known as moss rose and is the main species sold in gardening centers. This variety of Portulaca is another sun-lover that hails from Brazil. A tender annual, the moss rose will grow to 6 inches in height. This trailing multi-branched variety grows 15 cmtall and 30 cm spread.

Stems are greenish-red and leaves are

ii) Portulaca oleracea The plant is commonly known as purslane. This Portulaca variety grows 7.5 to 25 cm in height, and loves the heat and direct sunlight. This fleshy sprawling variety has reddish-colored stems and a variety of yellow-colored clustered flowers (fig.1 b). This annual has been used as a food plant and medicinal herbal plant. It has a very high amount of iron. Portulaca oleracea grows in open landscapes. Each plant can produce over 200,000 seeds, according to the reports of University of California at Davis. Many gardeners consider purslane a weed while other likes eating it. Yubi Summer Joy Scarlet variety can be grown for its flowers. iii) Portulaca umbraticola Portulaca umbraticola, or wingpod purslane, is a summer annual that grows to 5 cm in height. It is native to the Sonoran desert. Wingpod purslane blooms in tiny yellow flowers with red tips (fig.1 c). This is a low-maintenance plant that will do well in a xeriscape situation. It will also attract bees and butterflies into the summer garden. iv) Portulaca pilosa The Portulaca pilosa is a sprawling specimen with fleshy stalks and pink or purple tiny flowers (fig.1d). It is an annual that grows up to 30 cm tall. This

Ornamental species prefers sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained or dry soil. It can be multiplied by seed. It grows nicely in a rock garden or as ground cover. v) Portulaca molokiniensis The plant is growing well on volcanic tuff. The Portulaca molokiniensis is a rare Hawaiian succulent. It grows 30 to 45 cm tall with thick round leaves in pale green and small clustered flowers in yellow (fig.1e). Blooms are cup-like. It can be multiplied by seed or tip cuttings. vi) Portulaca villosa This Hawaiian native is reported as threatened plant in 2010 to be endangered in the coming years. It grows up to 30 cm tall with fleshy succulent stems that are pale gray-green. Flowers are white or pink, and are in bunches of three to six (fig.1 f). Fruits contain the seeds. It can be multiplied by seeds or propagated by tip cuttings.

Propagation Portulaca can be propagated by cutting off the Portulaca stems into 5-10 cm length.

Plant sticks them directly into moist soil.

The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil and

prefers sunny area for the healthy growth and better flowering. Portulacas can also be multiplied from seeds.

Cultural Practices Soil and its preparation: Outdoor planting of portulaca is generally done in May. Plant enjoys growth in well drained and light porous soil. It prefers loose, sandy or loam soil. Cultivation on wet soils should be avoided as it may cause root rot. i) Light and Temperature: Sunny situations are necessary for growth and flowering. Portulacas need six to eight hours of full sun to reach their potential. Portulaca thrives well in high temperatures and performs well under intense sunlight conditions. ii) Spacing and pinching: The ideal spacing for portulaca is 25-30 cm.

Pinch off spent blooms is generally recommended to encourage flowering and to keep the plant tidy. iii) Harvesting stage for flowers, seed and its storage: The flowers produce seed pods after successful pollination which is called as capsules. The capsule can be collected to harvest the seeds. To collect the seeds hold the capsule over

a paper plate and gently squeeze. The capsule should break in half neatly, revealing the seeds inside. Shake out all the seeds onto the plate. Harvested seeds are dried on the paper plate for 24 hours and stored into a storage container such as an envelope, plastic paper bags, small jar or desiccators.. iv) Feeding and watering: Portulaca can be fertilized once or twice in midand/or late summer. Watering of the portulaca flower bed can be done only in early mornings or evenings.

Food Value Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is widely considered an edible plant. It is used raw in salads and cooked like spinach as a potherb, is very high in vitamins A, B1 and C. It is available commercially in both ornamental and culinary cultivars. Purslane can be eaten raw or cooked. Some say it has a slight lemon-like taste and mushroom-like texture. It is relatively easy to grow in northern climate.

(Amanpreet Kaur is from Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana, while Atul Batra & BK Banerji belong to CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow)

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Plant Science

THE PLANT AS A MACHINE

S

– Robert de Bos, MD, Bangalore Plants First, Bangalore

ometimes it helps to understand things better, when seen from another angle. This time it was looking at the functioning of plants in relation to agriproduction. In that way, plants in their pursuit to live and grow, can be seen as independent economic units of production, where input and output takes place. With due respect for nature, it is of course a very simplistic point of view.

The input is, importantly CO2, but also uptake of water and nutrients. The main production process is the photosynthesis, in which light is the fuel to keep this process going together with the chlorophyll as a catalyst.

A weak plant with chlorosis (lack of chlorophyll) is not able to perform high level photosynthesis. The production process is then at best able to maintain the plant itself, but growth is weak and production inferior.

This is represented in the lower graphic of figure I.

Figure 1

Further there are a number of side functions like release of waste products such as oxygen and cooling through evaporation of water.

With the CO2, water and minerals (the input) and processes the plant is able to manufacture carbohydrates (output of raw material). These are the building stones for stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and some excess produce is stored as reserves.

It is interesting that the plant produces raw material and goes a step further by using it to increase its production capacity by creating more leaves and stems and with this the positive balance of raw product (carbohydrates) against consumption, becomes every time larger. This phenomenon allows us, growers, to take produce from the plant, e.g. fruits, flowers, etc. The plant will recover from this loss by investing in a new leaves again.

The economics of this process is represented in the upper graphic of figure I The machine, in this case the plant, has to be in itself in a good condition and also the catalyst chlorophyll has to be available at maximum level.

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Floriculture Today November 2012

Upper graphic. The production line has undulations, which represent periods of harvest. By removing plant material the production of carbohydrates will decrease.

For schematic reasons the lines represent very stable conditions and no set backs.

Lower graphic. The plant is not in a good shape or the conditions are not good. Growth and production is much lower and most of its production is consumed by the plant itself.

If we as growers take care to provide good conditions and keep the plants in good shape, then by and large, during most of the year plants are able to grow and produce.

But if the upper graphic in figure I is not achieved, but results are as in the lower graphic, there will be deficient growth and flower/fruit production will be low and of poor quality.

The most devastating scenario is however, when a serious attack of insects or frost occurs or the plant is damaged otherwise and stops its functions just when the crop is ready to produce and no reserves have been stored yet. This is shown in figure II. The plant loses its initial investment of energy (carbohydrates, minerals) in plant material and there are no returns. This is a net loss for the plant and …….for the grower.

Figure II. The production line collapses in the early stage of plant development, due to pest or disease or other reasons. Thereafter

the plant recovers, but never gets back to the high level it should have been. In the depression the self-consumption comes above the production line, meaning that the plant draws from the few reserves the plant had built up earlier.

Obviously the whole process does not work if there is shortage or lack of fuel and raw materials, that is light, CO2 and water, minerals respectively. Moreover, the process itself performs in a specific range of temperature and air humidity. It works best when these factors are optimal and in balance with each other. When too much out of range the ‘machinery’ shuts down. As a result CO2 cannot be supplied, cooling stops and waste materials get stuck. That happens when the plant, to protect itself, say against hot and dry weather, closes its stomata.

Figure III. The production line indicates normal day and night fluctuation. The depression is caused by the lack of light and photosynthesis does not take place. The plant consumes little of the produce of the former day for its processes during the night, like respiration and trans-evaporation.

Figure IV. The production line represents photosynthetic activity during hot weather conditions. During mid-day the stomata close and photosynthesis reduces or stops.

During hot weather, night temperatures are also higher and hence the plant consumes considerably more, close to the point that no reserves are build up. Intense harvesting in these conditions will weaken the plant further.

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Biodiversity

Convention on Biological Diversity

Resource mobilization is top agenda: Jayanthi Natarajan Executive secretary of the CBD Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias said that in the two years since COP-10, a total of 10 parties had reviewed their National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans in line with the Strategic Plan. This Plan, along with Aichi targets, would be central to “our actions in this decade and I urge you to mobilise financial resources needed to enable developing countries to achieve these targets at national level,” said Dias.

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he difficult task of mobilising financial resources for achieving biodiversity targets expeditiously became the running theme at the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), represented by over 180 countries, which began in Hyderabad on October 8.

Union Environment and Forests Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, who assumed charge as president of COP-11 for the next two years, set the tone for the meeting, saying resource mobilisation was the most important unfinished agenda that was inherited from COP-10.

While adopting the ambitious Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-20, the previous COP at Nagoya, Japan, could not agree on targets for funding as the means to achieve biodiversity targets.

Apart from mobilisation of resources, a report on the identification of ecologically and biologically significant areas in marine ecosystems, ecosystem restoration and relationship between biodiversity and climate change were also discussed by the parties (countries) during the next 11 days. CBD officials said that over 14,400 participants enrolled for the conference, making it one of the largest biodiversity gatherings ever.

“The present global economic crisis should not deter us, but encourage us to invest more towards amelioration of the natural capital for ensuring

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uninterrupted ecosystem services, on which all life on earth depends,” Ms. Natarajan said.

It was a time of reckoning for countries when another opportunity had been provided for parties to commit resources to infuse confidence and generate momentum for implementation of the Aichi biodiversity targets on reducing biodiversity loss. “If this chance is missed it will be collective failure, making it impossible to achieve these targets,” said Ms. Natarajan.

She said India was making meaningful contributions to the deliberations of Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources with the experience the country had gained in implementation of these concepts.

The Union government has already approved the ratification of this Protocol and the process of depositing the instrument of ratification would be completed soon.

The former Minister of Environment of Japan, Ryu Matsumoto, who served as COP-10 president, hoped that the parties would agree on further measures to overcome challenges in realising the goals. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy said India had a long cultural tradition of frugality and living in harmony with nature. “The conservation ethos is deeply ingrained in our people,” he said.

Biodiversity Rules In a move that will bring cheer to wildlife lovers but could dismay industry lobbyists already complaining about the difficulty in obtaining green clearances, the government plans to add biodiversity conservation as a new criterion to grant environmental and forest clearances.

“There is no biodiversity clearance till now,” admitted Union Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, speaking ahead of the United Nations summit on the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

“I know industries will panic if I say we are adding one more layer of clearances, but I would like to assert today that conservation of biodiversity should certainly be a part of forest and environment clearances.

I will make every effort to integrate it into environmental or forest or both clearances, at whichever level it operates.”

Focus on species In fact, the Biodiversity Act already says the government must assess the impact of any industrial or developmental activity on biodiversity.

However, this is largely ignored or given lip-service while appraising applications for environmental and forest clearances.

Environmental impact assessment reports usually include a list of flora and fauna in the affected area, but there is little understanding of the interaction between species or the wider impact on biodiversity in the area.

Biodiversity

PM makes Hyderabad Pledge, commits $50 million

Union Environment and Forests Minister Jayanthi Natarajan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity Braulio Ferreira De Souza Dias, and UNEP Director Amina Mohammed arrive to inaugurate the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity-2012 in Hyderabad

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n a bid to kick-start the stalled process of raising global funds for biodiversity conservation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh committed $50 million (over Rs. 264 crore) for what he called the ‘Hyderabad Pledge’ as India takes over the two-year presidency of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

This sum would “strengthen the institutional mechanism for biodiversity conservation in India. We will use these funds to enhance the technical and human capabilities of our national and State mechanisms to attain CBD objectives,” Dr. Singh told delegates at the inauguration of the high-level segment of the U.N. summit on October 17. “We have also earmarked funds to

Forest working plans often allow a focus on timber or plantations in afforestation measures, rather than requiring that the species cut and the species replanted are the same.

Holistic approach “The impact assessment needs to be much more diverse and holistic,” says Kanchi Kohli of the environmental NGO Kalpavriksh. “And it really needs to be done at the planning stage, not at the individual project level.”

She also suggests that bio-cultural aspects should be taken into account, as mentioned in the CBD. India takes over the presidency of the CBD’s Conference of Parties at a time when the need to mobilise scarce financial resources to safeguard the planet’s rich natural resources is taking

promote similar capacity building in developing countries.”

Senior Environment Ministry officials said the funding for other countries would be to the tune of Rs. 50 crore.

“We will put the Hyderabad Pledge on the website, and invite other nations to add their contributions,” said Special Secretary M.F. Farooqui. “It was worked out with the CBD secretariat in the hope that we can use it as leverage for more global funding.”

“One of the most difficult tasks facing this conference is agreement on how to ensure the mobilisation of adequate investment for biodiversity,” said CBD executive secretary Braulio Ferreira de Souza Dias. “The launch of the Hyderabad Pledge . . . sets a strong example.”

As the negotiations entered the final stretch, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan urged delegates to reach an agreement on interim investment commitments in order to “infuse confidence” and “generate momentum” for the implementation of the 2020 Aichi Targets on conservation.

She later released an expert panel’s report, which estimated that an annual investment of somewhere between $150 billion and $ 440 billion would be needed to meet the Aichi targets.

At the inaugural, the Prime Minister acknowledged the need for a “happy compromise that will secure a future that provides ecological and economic space for each one of us,” a potentially significant statement at a time when environmental concerns are seen as hurdles to economic growth by a vocal industry lobby.

He emphasized the need for “inclusive conservation” policies that would take into account the “GDP of the poor.”

He highlighted the Forest Rights Act, which gives legal sanctity to the rights of forest dwellers — “often the best friends of the biodiversity in the forests” — and said a similar approach would be adopted to protect the livelihoods of fishermen and marine biodiversity.

the centre stage. At the last such summit held in Nagoya, Japan, in 2010, nations agreed to ambitious conservation targets.

For instance, by 2020, they agreed to halve the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests, and ensure that at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas — in comparison to the present 1.6 per cent — are conserved.

Other targets were set to sustainably manage areas used for agriculture, aquaculture and forestry.

However, the last summit could not agree on funding targets to meet these goals. A report for presentation in Hyderabad shows that an annual flow of $150 billion to $430 billion is needed to actually implement the conservation targets, of which somewhere between $74 billion and $191 billion are needed for developing countries alone

between 2014 and 2018. Currently, the international funds for biodiversity are stuck at a measly $6 billion per year.

Major themes “The first agenda item is the implementation of the strategic plan,” said Ms. Natarajan, adding that other major themes include biodiversity for livelihood and poverty reduction, coastal and marine biodiversity and the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol.

This historic agreement provides for equitable access and benefit sharing of genetic resources, ensuring that local communities will gain when multinational firms commercially exploit their natural resources.

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Biodiversity now have to give a fair share to the Indian communities which nurtured the plant in the first place.

However, the protocol will only come into effect when at least 50 nations ratify it. So far, 92 nations have signed the deal, but only six have ratified it. While India is a signatory to it, Parliament is yet to ratify the protocol.

“This is our priority. We expect ratification within a couple of months,” said M. F. Farooqui, special secretary to the Ministry.

India ready to help developing countries India, which recently took over as President of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, is ready to help other developing countries in building capacity and raising awareness of biodiversity conservation.

This was stated by M.F. Farooqui, Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, at a press conference on October 11, on the sidelines of the 11 CoP. Replying to a question, he said that on the one hand India was facing biotic pressure and surge for growth and, on the other, was maintaining the status of a

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mega bio-diverse country.

Referring to the Science ExpressBiodiversity Special Train launched to raise awareness, he said as many as 1.4 million people had so far visited it, while the target was five million. “We want to share this experience with other developing countries,” he said, pointing out that lack awareness was one of the biggest issues. India’s other priority area would be to establish a close linkage between issues of biodiversity and livelihood as also mainstreaming it with development To a query on establishment of a contact group due to a lack of consensus among nations on resource mobilisation to achieve the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets, Farooqui admitted that it was a “difficult and challenging issue.” He, however, expressed confidence that consensus would be arrived at and India would play

a constructive role in ensuring that there was a satisfactory outcome at CoP 11.

Farooqui said India was spending about Rs. 11, 000-crore annually on biodiversity related activities.

“We have about 4.7 per cent of land area of the world, 18 per cent of the world’s population and 8.5 per cent of biodiversity. The government would like to ensure that awareness levels are increased further and capacity building [is] broad-based. “The country has a tradition of protecting biodiversity.

Besides initiatives of government at various levels, the local people themselves protect forests.”

Asked if India raised any objection on any issue during the current negotiations, he said its stand in many ways was close to that of the developing countries. “We will not compromise on our national interests.” n

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Landscaping

Rock garden:

Value addition to landscaping – M. Kannan, P. Ranchana, M. Jawaharlal and S. Vinodh

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, HC& RI, TNAU, Coimabtore

Rocks play an important role in the growth and health of plants both in their natural habitats and in the garden.

Rocks modify the environment in a number of ways allowing plants to flourish. Rocks shelter seeds, allowing them to lodge and germinate; Runoff from rocks provides supplemental water and nutrients that help the plant become established.

Rocks shade the soil, keeping plants from drying out and keeping the roots cool. Rocks limit crowding and allow plants to achieve their true form in a competition-free environment

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rock garden is an integrated combination of rocks and plants selected to enhance both the cultural and aesthetic quality of the garden. Natural rocks of varying sizes and shapes can be placed in different locations near river beds and dry regions.

These rocks are valued in garden design for their interesting shapes. The range and variability of shapes and size give them a sculptural quality. Those with natural curves and smooth outlines are more valuable than others.

Their surface texture is another attractive feature. Pebbles which have smooth surfaces can also be placed. A variety of plants from many different habitats can be used in rock gardens.

Some plants have origins in the high mountains, while others originated at lower elevations. There are rock garden plants that need to be grown in close proximity to rocks in order to thrive and those that are simply attractive when grown with rock accents. Many rock garden plants are compact in size,

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making it an ideal style of gardening for those who have limited space.

Types of rock garden Containers, including Troughs Containers are an ideal way to enjoy many rock garden plants. A major advantage is that the planting medium can be easily adapted for rock garden plants.

Raised Beds - Raised beds are an easy place to create a rock garden in just about any available space, large or small. A variety of edging materials can be used including rocks, concrete block, brick, or wood. There are a number of advantages to raised beds including that the soil can be easily adapted to meet the needs of the plants; they are easier to tend than ground level gardens; and plants are easy to view and study.

Berms – A berm is a type of raised garden with informal edges. This style of rock garden is often used on a relatively levelled site. Rocks of different sizes are then placed and partially buried along

the berm at varying heights.

Hillsides sloped or terraced Sloped sites are naturally more freely draining than levelled sites. If additional drainage is required, the native soil can be amended. Large scale rock accents can create a sense of drama. Slopes can be terraced, if desired, to create relatively level planting areas, like terraces.

Water Features - Water features provide focal points in a rock garden.

They enhance the naturalistic feel and the sound of running water adds another element of interest. Rock garden plants can be tucked along water’s edge as well as along the slopes and niches created.

Role of Rocks in the Rock Garden Rocks play an important role in the growth and health of plants both in their natural habitats and in the garden. Rocks modify the environment in a number of ways allowing plants to flourish. Rocks shelter seeds, allowing them to lodge and germinate; Runoff from rocks provides supplemental water and nutrients that

Landscaping help the plant become established. Rocks shade the soil, keeping plants from drying out and keeping the roots cool. Rocks limit crowding and allow plants to achieve their true form in a competition-free environment.

Rock Selection - Many different types of rocks are suitable for wall construction. Choose a type of stone on the basis of availability rather than aesthetic qualities. One type of stone, not a mixture of different types, should be used throughout. The size and shape of the rocks are more important than the type of rock. Flat rocks with at least one square surface make the best dry walls Site Selection - Site selection should be a primary consideration before designing and building a rock garden. Important criteria for evaluating potential sites are exposure, drainage, background, natural features, and existing architecture.

Soil types - Any type of existing unamended soil with good drainage can be made suitable for rock garden and it should be enriched with organic content.

For this requirement, spread 3 inches of compost, peat moss on the area and mix into the top 8 to 12 inches. Leaf mould or clean compost can be added to improve the structure, retain moisture, and provide additional nutrients as they break down.

A rock chip mulch is often used in rock gardens. This inorganic mulch allows water to drain quickly away from the crown of the plant, allowing the crown to dry quickly and reducing the risk of disease.

Drainage - Proper drainage is the key to successfully growing rock garden plants. This is because many of the plants grown in rock gardens require excellent drainage for healthy growth.

They are often grown on a slope or in a raised or mounded bed where irrigation or rainwater flows quickly away from plant crowns and roots. Drainage can be enhanced by adding a combination of rock chips or poultry grit (available from feed stores) and coarse sand, such as river sand, to the soil.

Watering - The water requirements of rock plants vary depending on factors such as how deeply their roots system extend.

Well established, deeply rooted plants often require very little water. Plants grown in containers will always require regular watering. There are no hard and fast guidelines for watering intervals.

Background - Background is important in capturing the beauty of a rock garden.

A naturalistic rock garden should not be built near architectural backgrounds

View of model rock gardens

Purple Saxifrage- Saxifraga oppositifolia

Adenium obesum

Sempervivum- Sempervivum tectorum

Common wooly sunflowerEriophyllum lanatum

Echinocactus grusonii

such as buildings. The most desirable background is composed of a combination of conifers, broadleaved evergreens, and deciduous trees and shrubs. The contrasting foliage textures of these plants will provide depth and interest year round. If a suitable background does not exist, allow adequate space in the basic design for planting one. The depth of the background is variable, but it should be at least two plants deep. Planting should follow an informal arrangement, not a formal hedge planted in straight rows.

The skyline created by the background should be irregular to enhance the natural effect of the garden.

Planting - The first step in developing a pleasing planting S.NO 1.

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Common name Edelweiss Purple Saxifrage Common wooly sunflower Evening Primrose) Shrubby Penstemon Arborvitae ‘Tiny Tim’ Juniper Hardy geranium Rocky Mountain Zinnia Ice plant Nemesia Stock Namaqualand Daisy Japanese suckle Watch flower Sky flower Sedum Adenium Furcraea Yucca Sempervivum Agave Golden barrel cactus Old man’s cactus

arrangement is to become familiar with the following plant characteristics: time of bloom, flower color, size, and growth habit. In a naturalistic garden, planting in formal rows or geometrical patterns should be avoided. Planting in irregular groups will strengthen the desired naturalistic effect. Rock garden plants can be grouped according to function in the design. They may be used for a mass effect or planted individually as specimens.

Plants suitable for rock garden Many types of plants are suitable for rock gardens. Generally, plants that are low growing and have a clumping habit are preferred. Perennial plants are most common in rock gardens, although some annuals can be used.

Botanical name Leontopodium alpinum Saxifraga oppositifolia Eriophyllum lanatum Oenothera caespitosa Penstemon fruticosus Thuja occidentalis ‘Tiny Tim’ Juniperis (dwarf species) Geranium spp.

Zinnia grandiflora Mesembryanthemum criniflorum Nemesia strumosa Mathiola incana Venidium fastuosum Lonicera japonica Passiflora caerulea Thunbergia grandifora Sedum spp.

Adenium obesum Furcraea foetida Yucca flacida Sempervivum tectorum Agave Americana Echinocactus grusonii Espostoa lanata

Family Asteraceae Saxifragaceae Asteraceae Onagraceae Scrophulariaceae Cupressaceae Cupressaceae Geraniaceae Ateraceae Aizoaceae Scrophulariaceae Brassicaceae Asteraceae Caprifoliaceae Passifloraceae Acanthaceae Crassulaceae Apocynaceae Agavaceae Agavaceae Crassulaceae Cactaceae Cactaceae Cactaceae

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News

Cut flower prices fall sharply due to inauspicious season

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ut flowers prices have crashed by 50 per cent in Bangalore due to pithru paksha (inauspicious period) and entry of new small growers. “Flower prices have dipped sharply for the last two-three weeks on account of pithru paksha inauspicious period - to conduct any Hindu ceremonies,” said Jayaprakash Rao, General Secretary, South India Floriculture Association.

Normally, flower prices at the International Flower Auction Bangalore (IFAB) trade around Rs 2.50-3 a stem. But due to inauspicious period, prices have come down and are trading at Rs 1.30-1.50. Flower prices were impacted similarly during the inauspicious June-July period, but then they ruled between Rs 2 and Rs 2.50 a stem. Cut flower demand

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from others cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai and Coimbatore is also low due to same reason of inauspicious month.

Growers are waiting for postNovember period for regular sales to pick up. After November, growers get clear five months of continuous sales including lucrative Valentine Day sales. “This year with rain at regular interval backed with adequate sun light has led to good production. Arrivals at the auction platform stood around 8-10 lakh stems against the normal output of around 6-8 lakh,” said Rao. The State Horticulture Department said flowergrowing regions of Doddaballapur and Hosur area near Bangalore have

got adequate rain since AugustSeptember.

In addition to low prices/sales due to inauspicious period, the market has also been impacted by entry of new small farms/growers. Lured by subsidy to growers under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) and the National Horticulture Board (NHB), many growers have mushroomed in and around Bangalore. Without quantifying the number of new growers, Rao said: “The market is witnessing about 10-15 per cent additional flowers entering the market.”

News

TN govt to establish nurseries to promote floriculture

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he Tamil Nadu Government has launched projects to upgrade horticulture and floriculture output in the State as part of an India-Israel joint venture.

According to an official press release, the Government has launched two projects to set up special nurseries for vegetables and cut flowers. A nursery for vegetables and fruits is to come up at a cost of Rs 10.18 crore in Dindigul District and the facility for cut flowers in Krishnagiri at cost of Rs 8.80 crore.

The projects were launched by the Chief Minister, J. Jayalalithaa, the release said. The State Government also announced Rs 14.23 crore projects to upgrade infrastructure facilities in the 56 State-owned horticulture farms to enable them to produce more, quality seedlings using modern technology.

Jayalalithaa also released a monthly magazine `Enhance’ to be brought out at a cost of Rs 2 lakh to disseminate information about the developments in horticulture. A coffee table book presenting the developments in the

State Horticulture Department was also released.

The head office of the Horticulture Department has been modernised at a cost of Rs 3.04 crore, the release said.

Canadian govt provides stimulus to floriculture

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h e f e d e r a l government has dug up $382,000 for Canada’s flowerindustry to help it expand marketing efforts and pest-control measures.

At a media event held Dean Shoemaker, executive director of on October 11 at the Flowers Canada Growers at Vineland Vineland Research and Research and Innovation Centre Innovation Centre, it was federal funding announcement revealed the money be directed to Flowers Canada Growers.

A first investment of more than $137,000 through the Agri Marketing Program will allow Flowers to develop new and existing markets, especially in the U.S. Another $100,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program focuses on researching potential new pest control practices.

A third investment of $145,000 through the Agricultural Innovation Program will research biological pest control in the Canadian flower sector and look at new product development. “Obviously the plants need to look very good when they go into the stores,” said Dean Shoemaker, executive director of Flowers Canada Growers Inc. Shoemaker spoke in an interview at the media event.

Money for pest-control research in areas like leaf miner and biological pest control “will help Niagara growers have a nice-looking product to put on the shelves,” he said. New investment in marketing will also let the industry “better penetrate into the U.S. market,” Shoemaker added. “We’ll understand the U.S. market even better.”

Flowers Canada represents greenhouse growers in Canada. Its interests also include importers and

exporters dealing with cut flowers, potted and bedding plants, cut greens and speciality supplies and services.

Ultimately, it’s hoped funding for marketing and pest-control work will help growers boost sales.

Gina Marchionda, a comptroller with Jeffery’s Greenhouses, said her Niagara operations are already about 90% under “biocontrol”.

In Jeffery’s case, instead of pesticides it uses insects to control pests in the greenhouse like white fly.

“This money will help us to learn, as it’s always evolving,” Marchionda said. “And one of the projects now is on proper release methods — knowing when to release the pests before you get huge populations of certain insects.”

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