ATM News Network: Valentine's Day getting nearer and the demand for flowers in market is also rising, especially roses. Valentine's Day is celebrated by exchanging roses and greeting cards with your loved ones. Roses are in high demand during this period. Indian roses have had 'good days' abroad, and the demand for roses is increasing.
The Russia-Ukraine war has made Indian roses a potential beneficiary in the flower market. According to officials of the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals (ISFP) in Talegaon, Indian rose growers are expecting to double their rose exports this Valentine season. Due to the Russo-Ukraine war, Europe could not produce flowers. According to ISFP President Praveen Sharma, India's total rose exports in November 2022 reached Rs. 18.34 crores, while it was only Rs.9.68 crore.
Sharma said the war and energy crisis in Europe have discouraged growers in Europe from producing flowers in winter. These include high energy consumption tools like heating, artificial lighting, conservation of carbon dioxide required for flower cultivation and most importantly high labour costs.
Many leading Dutch manufacturers have decided to stop production during the winter season for these reasons. Considering all these factors, according to the sales figures till November, there is demand for our flowers, he said.
According to ISFP, India's flower exports are back on track after the shock of Covid-19. The last two years were very bad for exports. Many flower growers stopped production. However, domestic markets provided relief during the pandemic. Now with a fast-growing economy and a growing domestic market, there is renewed enthusiasm among flower growers.
This year there are also great opportunities in the international market. The increase in freight costs has made negotiations with foreign buyers difficult. Although rising freight remains the biggest challenge for exporters, international markets are now approaching India's 2019 export levels. This export has increased by almost 30% compared to last year.
Indian roses have a different image in the international market. Mainly exported to UK (35% of total exports), Australia (19%) and Japan (18%). Special orders are then placed for the Valentine season in Malaysia, Singapore and Gulf countries.
Maval taluka of Pune district is a major floriculture centre for cultivation of export quality flowers. ISFP expects flower exports to cross Rs 50 crore (pre-Covid levels) during the Valentine season.
Apart from Maharashtra, the major rose producing states in the country include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal. Flowers are mainly exported from Mumbai and Bangalore airports. More than 60% of shipping for the Valentine season is from Mumbai.