FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/6369/18/18_chapter 9.pdf · The traded value of Anthuriurn is second only to that of spray tropical

CHAPTER - IX

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

A. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:

Following are the findinys that emerge from the Study:

The world consumption of floriculture products is estimated at US $ 50

billion and the trade in them alone amounts to the tune of US $ 5.24.

Cut flower cultivation is taklng place in 145 countries in the world. In fact,

flowers constitute one of the largest trading commodities in the agricultural

sector, commandlny a bigger market share than that of food grains.

. Floriculture produces consl~tute a larger market than that of rice and wheat.

The (;loklal tiadc in flowcrs, including cut--flowers, cut foliages and live

plants. has been uii tile ir~crc~rse and itiese come around $3,000 m~ l l~on

per ;Innurn Cut flowers ac:count for more than half of this sum.

The largest exporters of cut flowers include the Netherlands, Columbia,

Israel. Italy. Sri Lanka. Thailand and Kenya.

The developing countries. which supply flowers, are Taiwan, Singapore,

Peru, Mexico, Costs Rlr:;~. Hrazil. Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius and

Malays~a.

India's share in the global trade in cut flowers is quite negligible when

compared to other countries.

The Commerce M~n~stry has Identified flor~culture as an "extreme focus

segment" and a Cclmrnittee has already been set up in lndia for the

preparat~on of a cornprehenslve plan of action

The National Cornmission on Agriculture has set up a target of 5, 00,000

hectaies for cultlvation by the year 2002 AD.

Four Stales, namely, Kerala for Orchids, Maharashtra for Carnations and

Roses, K.arnataka fc~r Chrysanthemums and Andhra Pradesh for Roses

have L~ee~ i ~dent~ f~ed for organised and co-ordinated flower production.

The main aim of the Government of lndia is to generate foreign exchange

worth Rs. 200 crore annually by exporting flowers.

Some floral varieties having great demand all over the world are Roses,

Chrysanthemums. Carnations, Lil~es, Orchids and Anthuriurns.

Orch~cis ~ccount lot 8 per celit of the total flower market in the world with

Tha~larid con t r~ l x~ l~~ rg 05 }.let (:(?nl Sri Lanka and Malaysia are the other

major contr~butors.

Among the 01ck11tl l lo\~ers, Cy~i~bidiuni has the highest demand, followed by

Dendrobium, Phalaenopsis. Oncidium, Vanda, Mokara and so forth.

Though lr~clia is blessed with all varied climatic conditions of the world, it has

not made any headway in cut flower production for both the international

and the nat~onal mark,?ts.

Cultivatior~ of Orch~ds has become a multi-million dollar industry in countries

like Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Orchlds form 9 per cent of our flora constituting the largest botanical family

of higher plants in lndia. It IS estimated that about 1300 species (140

genera) 01 Orchids are found in our country with the Himalayas as their

habitat.

. Kerala. Stl<klm. A~uiiachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh are the most

suitable reglons for the commercial cultivation of Orchids and Anthuriums.

. Research 1~0 rks on Orchids and Anthuriums are going on at four centres in

lndia VIZ.. Tropical Botanical Gardens, Thiruvananthapuram, Orchid

Research Centre, Topi; Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bangalore

and North [Eastern Hill University. Shillong.

. The Indian Cou~icil uf Agricultural Research (ICAR) has decided to set up a

National Centre for Orchids at Kallmpong.

. Kerala is one of the few places in the world where the Orchids, of which

abo i~ t :!1~)0 vt ir~ct~cs !IOII~ISII i lYt Pdol~~rc

The f~rst Flor~culture Develop~nent Centre in the country is in Kerala. An

Orchid village has been est;rbllshed l r i Vypeen, the first of its kind in India,

which is launched by the State Horticultural Department.

The Government 1mplelnent:i several development programmes, and these

new ventures are expected to gcnerate direct employment for about 3000

people and Indirect employment for about 6000 people in the State.

Ernakulam being declared a b~otechnology district, cultivation of Orchids

and Anthur~ums calls for special consideration.

The Nat~onal Bank has already sanctioned a scheme to Ernakularn District

CO-operat~~re Bank ~nvolving a financial outlay of Rs.10.88 lakhs for

assisting 4.5 farmers for Orchid and Anthurium cultivation. Two other

schemes for Orchid a r~d Anthurlurn cultivation, involving loan assistance to

the tune of Rs.40 lakhs have! already been sanctioned by a commercial

bank.

. The 'Kud~~mbasree' project implemented in the State of Kerala has also

accorded high priority to i~opularise the cultivation of Orchids and

Anthurlurns through the formation of self help women groups.

The Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery in Ernakulam district has

also opened up new vista:; for the export of Orchids, Anthuriurns and other

cut flowers from the State

. A National Orchici Centre w11l he established in Thiruvananthapuram, which

colnlj,isos inodern S~cienirfic Tt,t.:hi~oloyy to p~.odul;c 01.cliid plants, research

OII C J ~ G ~ I I I ~ S , IICIIIIIII~ reyar~1111!, ' ,L~l[ iv; i i i~)~~, library ~ ~ c i l i l i c ~ , eic.

. Folrl. Satcll~te Centres wiil ihe established in four districts namely, Kollam,

Ernakulam, Thr~ssur and K o ~ h ~ k o d e to supply flowers directly to customers.

As d f~rst step in Orchld clevelopment, a programme called 'Spot - 1993-94'

has already been implemented in Thiruvananthapurarn which is the joint

venture of the State Bank of india and the State Horticulture Development

Corporaiion.

The S.B.I. and The Federal Bank Ltd. have been advancing finance to

cult~vators of Orchids and ~nthuriums.in the State. The S.B.I., NABARD and

the New IntJ~a Assurance Company have also come forward to provide loan

facility as well as insurance coverage to the cut flower growers in the state.

The Central Government also has advanced Rs. 21 crore for the

development of floriculture in Kerala.

During the early 1700's sea ca1)tains. mrssion;lries and botanists began to

introduce Orchids into Great Britain and from there its cultivation has spread

to all other parts of the worltl.

It was sometime after 1821 when Conrad ioddiges and his sons started

growing Orchids on a commercial scale at their nursery in Hackney near

London, that the Orcllid industry was acknowledged to have been born.

Conratl Loddiges started producing flowering Orchid plants for sale to the

landed gentry, who could afford to build glass houses needed to grow them.

Almost another century passecl before commercial production of cut flowers

for salt came into vogue. T i l e Suli Kcc Nurscry opened in Singapore in

1913 sldli:d p~udirciny spray-lylpl: Orcllids for s<~Ic as cul flowers.

A revoiut~~sn in Orch~d growing was brought about by Prof. Lewis Knudson of

Cornell University in 1922.Further research calried out by Wimber (1963),

Hamilton (1965) and IVlorel (1964) perfected a method by which an indefinite

number of plantlets could be obtained from a single shoot tip.

- A large number of books were writteri on Orchids as well as Anthuriums.

Among these books, the earllest book was on Orchids, which was in

Japanese, edited by Joan Matsuoka, and thereafter it was re-written in

Chinese and re-publi:shed in 1,772 with block illustrations.

324

i

Among the Asian countrres, Japan, Phrlipplnes, Malays~a. Thailand and

recently India have their own Orchid societies

Many Orchid journals are also being published from many countries.

Mention may be made of "The Orchid Review" published by R.A.Rolfe in

1893 an(J "P,mer~c;i.\ Orchid Sot:~c:ty Bulletin" in 1932.

Anthurium has also attained an equally important position as Orchids in the

international market as a cut flower. Netherlands, Hawaii-and Mauritius are

the leading countries producin(~ Anthurium flowers in the world.

. Anthuriurr, IS a slow-growing perennial that requires shady, humid conditions

such as those found iln tropical rain forests.

. The traded value of Anthuriurn is second only to that of spray tropical

Orchids among the troplcdl flowers and the world import market slze for

Anthuri~rm is estimated to exceed US$20 million annually

Anthur~t~rn. orr!jir?ally fo~irlil 111 the northern Andes Mountains of South

America, has been hybr~drzcd by scientists in the Netheriands and Hawaii.

Hundreds of varieties now grow well in greenhouses, at sea level and up to

1.200 meters in height. Anlhuriums are bred for color, shelf life, and disease

resistance.

High costs of prc~pagation material, land, start-up costs, and capital in some

r~roc!ucer countries, as well as continued declines in production in Hawaii,

have caused world'production to decline 25 percent since 1986.

. Anthurium andreanurn has originated from Columbia, while Anthurium

sctierzerianum has been identified first from Costa Rica in America. In 1876

Anthurturn andreanurn plants liad -;pread to Europe These plants were later

brought to !~idta trorn Europe a cut flower {deal for cultrvatlon in the

country due to the favourable agrcwclimatic conditrons prevail~ny here.

Small - scale cult~vatton of Anthu1.1ums as cut flowers has begun in India

durlny 1'JUo i

Anthurium cultivation has galned momentum in Kerala duringl990's and

during recent years i t has gairletl w ~ r l r pol~ularity in the State irnilar to that

of Orclilds

Geographtc divers~fication is now taktng place, however, ancl the Asian

market esl~ectnlly has showrl ncri?;lslng demilncl for these flowers.

. MHA Rheede wh(> was the Dutch Governor of Malabilr during the latter half

of the 17'' Cetiturv was irnpri:ssec.l by the profusion of epiphytlc Orchids in

Soi~;tr l 1 1 ; I : t t ~ l~l.Ii~.~i:, M;il;rbaricus" (1703) which was

p u ~ . U I I L I . 1 I t I I C,;I IJIIL ,,cu, ien UI

twelvo d~ l l c r c j~ l soils of Ilves, ilu~vers and fruits might be met with" (Stearn,

1960) HI? repor-tr!O s:x spucie:; of Orchltl from Malabar, which later came to

be kliuwr~ d b I I I~y~ic~~styI i : , it:/lisii. Vatlila spatt i~lat~r. Ac,~lnpc oideinorsa,

SarcantP~us peri!nsu!nris, UcridroDlum ovaturn and Cymbldtum alo~folium.

This NCI:. t11e Ills1 11-:/:u11 t11~1: \ l ie o t ~ h ~ d e wurld hdd of I I U ~ I C ~ ~ Iritlial~ Orchids.

lnci~d 1s l c ~ y y ~ ~ i [ j t < i ! bellcnd 111 !tie riumhcr of commerc~al tdrrns in cornparlson

wtth that of New Zealand, Australta. Japan. Singapore, Tha~land and

Malaysia

. Good collect~ons of Orchid and Anthur~uin specres are being maintained at

some ~nstitutrorls such as (3rchrcl Sanctuary. Kalrmpong; Indian Institute of

Horticultural Resi:arcli. Banyalore, National Orchidaria at Shillong and

Yercaud under the Botanical Survey of Indra. Tropical Botanical Garden and

Research I n t ~ t . 1 l i 1 r 1 1 1 i n t h 1 1 1 1 r 1 Orchid Research and

Development Centre, Top1 and Bhalukporly in Arunachal Pradesh

Recognising the prospect:; of Floriculture, the Government of lndia has

accorded top priority lo tl,cir i:xports nnil h ~ s recognised them as a thrust

area tor exports The Gover~irnent has initiated steps to enable tlie country

to grab its due share in the global Floriculture exports since 1990 only; the

country's present share in lhe global tlorlculture trade constitutes a

neglig~ble share only.

The total area ~rricler flowcr t :~~ l t iv~t ion in India is lo the extent of 30,000 to

0 l i i t a ~ . .'\,bvu; l1.1l : ; ~ rca lit,:; ::i111::! tlic confines of f i~ i i r stales

vi i . Tamil Nadu, Kdinat,lk,~. Ai~dhra Pr;~desl~ dnd Maharashtra.

The ann~ial productrori of tlowers in tlie country IS estimated at one lakhs

tones. Indian tlonlest~c l-loriculturc market is worth Hs. 2, 500 million and is

expected to grow ;it an annual rate of 20 to 30 per cent.

The Governmerlt has ~iIIl)rrivt:~l of 26 projei:ts with foreign collaboralion for a

period between 1991 ancl 1994 tor boosling the flower exports from India.

The (;overnment ha!j also oftered some ~ncentrves and subsidies for the

developrr~ent of floriculture in the country

. No duty 1s levied at present by the Government of lnd~a on the ~mports of

seeds, l~ulbs, tubers, ~ u t t ~ n g s t ~ r - :,apllnys !?l llvweriny piants to th~s country.

The import duty on live p l a i ~ l s bulbs, roots. cut flowers and ornamental

foliage has beer] reduced substa~itially from 55 to 10 per cent.

Anothrii ~i?l.)oltant :step take11 l S), the (;ovt?lnlrient 1s t l ~ e introcJuction of plant

quarantine procedure atid settrny up uf post entry quarantine facilities. This

will coris~tlerablv r.educe the2 ~r?r,idence of cllsease, withering of plants etc.

an0 rilillro\ii: th(: yilalily of p~"l11,:t:.

The Government is al!so oflei~r>y ;I inurnher of sul~sldies to floriculture sector

through Agriculture and Processed Food products Export Development

Authority [A P E C) A).

. India has to face fierce cornl~etition in the lnlernational market from the

major exportir-icj countlies sut:i! as 'Tl-iarl~~r-iiJ. Sri Lanka and Malaysia

01(:11til!. - I I . ~ : ~ I I I I ~ io r -1 PI i : t i 0 1 OIII iioi,i r ~ r t i : i l I l ~ t I i ~ ~ ~ I I/I(! Ir(~!~e;':,t l~olal!i(:?\l

t 1 1 l i r I i t s I 1 r 1 1 It is esl~~rl;ltecl 117;it about 140 genera

consisting or 1300 specli::; c ~ i C)rch~lI:; are found in our country with the

Hiin;rlayas as their rnain home Kerala. Srkk~m. Ar~~nachal Pradesh. Assam

and H~;.nacl~;ri iJradesh I l 1 - i ~ inost : U I ~ J reylons for co~nmercial

cultivation of Oichicls and At-ithurlurn:,.

Orchid!; arc: Ix:lng put to an array of uses Most of them are usecl for

decorative purposes. Some are used in the preparation of medicines; some

as tood and yet a few in small - scale industries.

Anthurium flowers are also put to a variety of uses such as bouquet making,

flower arrangement and production of dry flowers. All parts (leaves and

stems) of Anthurium c lar ine~ium are considered toxic causing swelling,

pain and redness of lips, mouth, tongue and throat. Anthurium contains

calcium oxalate and some unidentified compounds.

Orchids can be cultivated in different ways. Among the various methods of

cultivation, cultivation in coconut husks, in clay pots and on grounds, at

open places under shady trees or in greenhouses. Cultivation in coconut

husks is relatively cheaper when compared to other methods of cultivation

since the medium holding the plants are coconut husks which are locally

available at a very low price.

Large - scale commercial cultivators very often prefer to cultivate Orchid

plants in 6" and 8" pots, having sufficient air holes to enable aeration to

the plants. Even though 8" pots are costlier than 6 pots, it has got several

advantages over 8" pot!;.

Orchids can be cultivated in open fields under any crop, terrace, shed and

other structures. Green houses are not common in our State, because the

climatic condition in the State itself is highly suitable for the cultivation of

Orchids

- The cultivators use 'Low, Intermediate and High Technologies' for the

cultivation of Orchid plants.

Anthurlurns can also be cultivated in different ways. Cultivation in trenches,

in clay pots, at open places under shady trees or in greenhouses are the

most common methods found in Kerala. Commercial Anthurium cultivators

use 8" arid 1 0 pots Laryc: scale cultivators usually grow their plants in

trenches under shade houses

. Even if Anthurlurns are c~lt lvdted in pots or, vases and trenches, growing of

plant:, In tri:ni:hi::; IS su~t;~lilt: ; t th,: ,:Axe of large - scale cul t~~at lon. In areas

where there is a problem ot water logging, cult~vation in pots or vases IS

advisabil?

. The analysis of the cosls ii?currrrl b y a typical biotechnoloyy laboratory

involved in the 11-1 vitro pro i~~~gat ion of Orchids and Anthuriums indicates that

out of tlie total f~xed expenses, the cost of equipments and glass wares

constitirte 89 I)I!I ctrnt ol !I IV loL11 l i ~ , e t l c:xpc?nscs, which is incurred at the

laboratory level. whereas ltie cost of shade net. hardening chambers.

permanent structures fot- shade house and other items incurred at the

h;i~[ le~i ir i \ [ l b t i : l ; g , ~ I~~, ' ; I ! I I ! , ! l ', , $ " # o f : ! ) I > I~.II:II !=i?.,?[! c?xl!.!i1ses.

* Thc co;t p:! ur~rl uf ~ , i - j ~ l , i , I , I i:,i:,c ( i f i?~i;l~iil .II~I~! Ai~lliuriui?I works out lo

Hs. 0.053 and t l .U16 res()t!\:iively.

It IS obseivetl that 0 5 i . r and 1).5136 are incurred per Orchid and

Anthurium plant respect~vely as tlie i:ost ot cliemrcals. In the case of Orchid

plants nearly 13 per ceril is incurrecl at the time of sterilisation alone and

the reinairling H7 per c:r~~~l 1s i~ic~rrret l for the preparation of media for

inltiatlon, rne~lla for reyeneration, media for multiplication, media for

elongation and media for rooting. It is more or less the same in the case of

Anthurium plants (also.

Cost of sterilisation per piece in case of Orchid as well as Anthurium comes

to Re. 0.1Ei at the stage of sterilisation and Re. 0.03 for various sterilisation

treatments in laminar flow and Re. 0.172 as the cumulative cost of sterile

water at different stages per piece of these plants. Thus the cost of

sterilisation per Orchid 1 Anthurium plant at the ex-agar stage comes to Re.

0.362.

The unit incurred an amount of Rs. 90,000 per annum by way of salaries

and wage:; to its employees, of which 34 per cent is spent by way of

salaries to the operators of Laminar Flow, which is the single largest item of

expense coming under the category of salaries. The second major item

constituting the salary component is the amount paid to the employees for

harden~ng. It works out to 27 per cent of the total salaries, while wages paid

to lab assistants accounts for 39 per cent of the salary component.

Cost of labour per Orchid and Anthurium plant comes to Rs 1.16 and Re.

0.59 at the ex-agar stage and Re. 0.44 and Re. 0.22 at the stage of net pot

and Re. Re. 0.44 and Re. 0.22 at the stage of marketing after the process of

harden~ng (i.e., at the stage of Container 1 Vase)

It is observed that total unit of electricity consumed in a day is 143.9 units

and electricity charges for 143.9 units @ Rs. 6.60 comes to Rs. 949.74

It is observed that Re 6.03 is incurred per 100 cultures of Orchids as the

cost of electricity component in respect of equipments used in growth room

and other equipments used in the work area. In the case of Anthurium these

costs corn(? to Rs. 2.99 per l00 cultures. Out of the total cost of electricity

consumed in the growth room and in the work area in respect of various

equipment:;, a major part of the costs (i.e., about 43 per cent) is incurred for

Tube lights used in culture racks alone followed by the costs incurred for

running the Air conditioner, Autoclave, Double distillation unit etc. There is

only an insignificant variation in the cost incurred in respect of running

various equipments i r the growth room and work area for the in vitro

propagatioii of Anthuri~~m plants.

Rent of the building is yet another item incurred in the production of tissue

culture pla~its. The rent component per Orchid plant will come to Re 0.44,

while in case of Anthurium plants, this will work out to Re. 0.22.

It is observed that Re.0.61 is incurred per Orchid/Anthurium plant as the

cost of Net pot and Protray at the time of hardening of plants.

The cost of Nutrients, fungicides and Pesticides per Orchid and Anthurium

plant in net pot works out to Re. 0.0884, while in the case of these plants in

vases the same will come to Re. 0.2012.

It is observed that the cost of media used in net pot for Orchid and

Anthurium comes Re. 0.045 and Re. 0.081 and Re. 0.171 are incurred by

way of the cost ot media used per Orchid and Anthurium plant in Vase /

Container

The total variable cost per Orchid plant at the Ex-agar stage come to Rs.

9.8564, while the same at the stages of Net pot and Vase works out to Rs.

11.0398 ar~d Rs. 11.962 respectively.

The total variable cost per Anthurium plant at the Ex-agar stage works out to

Rs. 5.0716, while the variable cost at the stages of Net pot and Vase come

to Rs. 6.03!5 and Rs. 6.8272 respectively,

It is observed that in the case of in vitro propagated plants the cost of sale

per Orchid plant at the Vase stage come to Rs. 13.83, while in the case of

Anthurium it come to Rs. 7.85 only. This indicates that the cost of in vitro

propagation of Orchid plants are higher than that of Anthurium plants to the

extent of Rs. 5.98 per plant ( i.e.. an increase of 76.18 per cent in the cost of

In vitro propagation, when compared to the Anthurium plants).

The margirl of profit per Orchid and Anthurium plant also differs. The margin

of profit in case of an in vitro propagated Orchid plant comes to Rs. 1.17,

while in the case of Anthurium plant the same works out to Rs. 2.15. It

shows an increased margin of profit to the extent of Re. 0.98 per Orchid

plant when compared to the Anthurium plant (i.e., an increase of 83.76 per

cent when compared to an in vitro propagated Orchid plant).

It is found to be protitable to produce and market Anthurium plants in

VasesiContainers because the profitability per unit in this case will be the

maximum (:i.e., Rs. 2.15) when compared to Orchid plants where the margin

of profit per plant will be Re. l .l7only.

The Field Survey carried out among the Orchid cultivators in the State

reveals that majority (C13 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators are housewives.

Farmers. Retired persons and Businessmen constitute 17 per cent each of

the total number of Orchid cultivators. Professionals and other category of

cultivators represent only a small percentage of the total number of

cultivators.

Majority of the Orchid cultivators (47 per cent) are Graduates. Under

Graduates represent 28 per cent, while Post graduates and Professionals

represent 10 per cent each. Persons having educational qualifications below

matriculation account for a miniscule share (5 per cent) of the total.

55 per cent of the Orchid cultivators are observed to have not undergone

any training programmes regarding the cultivation of Orchids, while those

who have undergone various training programmes before the starting of

Orchid cultivation represent 45 per cent of the total.

58 per cent of the Orchid cultivators, who have not undergone any training

programmes, have got the training regarding the cut-flower production from

Agricultural Universities. Those who have undergone various training

programmes organisetl by the cut-flower societies and private agencies

constitute 16 per cent each and those who have the opportunities to

participate in the training programmes conducted by the Federation of

Indian Floriculturists and the Tropical Botanical Garden and Research

Centre account for 5 per cent each.

Majority (69 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators have not obtained any

Technical Guidance. Those who have obtained the Technical guidance from

Agricultural Universities and Private professionals constitute 19 per cent and

9 per cent respectively. Only 3 per cent of the cultivators have received

Technical aid from the Government departments and agencies.

Majority (52 per cent) of the producers of Orchids have no membership in

any of the c:ut flower societies.

Majority (76 Per cent) of the respondents are of the opinion that friends and

relatives have influenced very much towards the starting of the cultivation

on a commercial basis. Journals and periodicals have influenced 12 per

cent of the cultivators. Agricultural Universities and other sources account

for 5 per cent each, while the cut flower societies have given motivation to

only 2 per cent of the growers.

43 per cenl: of the cultivators surveyed have more than 10 years of practical

experience in the cultivation of Orchids. 34 per cent of the cultivators have 4

to 6 years of experience. Those who have 6 to 8 years of experience

represent 11 per cent of the total. Those who have 8 to 10 years of

experience and 2 to 4 years of experience represent 5 per cent each. Only 2

per cent of the Orchid cultivators have an experience of 2 years in the

concerned field. It IS also revealed that majority of the highly experienced

cultivators are medium and large - scale cultivators.

Those who have Orchid cultivation as a full time occupation and as a part

time occupation represent 50 per cent each. Moreover majority of the large -

scale cultivators have the cultivation as a full time occupation. Among the

small - scale cultivators, a majority has taken it up as a part-time

occupation

Majority (72 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators possessed non-flowering

plants.

Orchid cultivators growing 10,000-20,000 plants and 1,500-2,500 plants

constitute l 7 per cent each of the total. Those who cultivate 5,000-10,000

plants account for 14 per cent, while those who grow 500-1,000 plants

represent 12 per cent of the total. 5 per cent of the Orchid cultivators have a

collection of 40,000 - 80,000 plants of commercial importance. Only 2 per

cent of the Orchid cultivators are having a collection of 20,000-40,000

plants. Moreover, none of the cultivators possess more than 80,000 plants

in their nurseries.

Majority (69 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators resort to Shade house for

their cultivation, while 14 per cent of them adopt poly houses for nurturing

their plants. Those who cultivate the plants on open terrace account for 7

per cent of the total. Those who cultivate their plants under shady trees and

as an inter.crop in cocc~nut groves constitute 5 per cent each.

Out of the total number of Orchid growers who cultivate their plants in Poly

houses. 50 per cent of them are cultivating the same in 5 cents of land.

Cultivators who grow their plants in Poly houses extending to an area of 2

acres and above come to 16 per cent only.

Out of the total number (29) of Orchid cultivators who grow their plants in

Shade house, those who cultivate the same in 5 cents of land comprise 45

per cent of the total. Those who cultivate in Shade house in 10-50 cents of

land account for 42 per cent and those who grow the same in 5-10 cents of

land represent 7 per cent respectively.

All the Orchid cultivators who cultivate their plants on Terrace are found to

be growlng the same in Shade houses extending to an area of 5 cents only.

Out of the total number of Orchid growers who cultivate their plants under

Shady Trees, those who cultivate the same in 5-10 cents and those who

cultivate in 10-1 5 cents constitutes 50 per cent each.

Among the Orchid grovvers who cultivate plants as an intercrop in Coconut

Groves, thclse who cultivate the same in 10-15cents and those who cultivate

in 50 cents--l acre represent 50 per cent each.

36 per cenl: of the respondents are having flowering plants and the rest (64

per cent) ot them are having plants at various stages of growth ranging from

Ex-agar to near flowering sizes.

55 per cenl of the respondents grow Orchid plants in pots, while 31 per cent

of them cultivate the same in trenches. Only 14 per cent of the cultivators

are observed as cultivating Orchid in coconut husks.

Majority (52 per cent) of the cultivators have procured plants from tissue

culture labs, while those who have obtained the same from other cultivators

constitute :24 per cent of the total. Those who have collected the planting

materials from Local nurseries represent 12 per cent, while those who have

procured plants from cut flower societies and foreign countries represent 5

per cent each. Only 2 per cent of the cultivators have depended on

agricultural societies for the procurement of their planting materials.

76 per cer~t of the Orchid cultivators have preferred Imported varieties due

to the alluring colour of flowers and high unit value realisation of flowers.

Those who have preferred vegetatively propagated plants and Indigenous

varieties represent 14 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Majority of the

large - scale cultivators of Orchids has also shown a high preference

towards Imported varieties of plants.

. Orchid cultivators who have been surveyed indicate that they have

cultivated more than 46 varieties of Orchid plants. Among the cultivators,

majority of them are cultivating 5 to 6 varieties of commercial importance

and in certain cases the number of varieties grown by a single cultivator

come to more than 10 varieties. Information elicited from the Orchid

cultivators indicates that 16 cultivators each (38 per cent) out of 42

cultivators surveyed are cultivating Den. Sonia-17 and Den. Sonia-28

respect~vely. 14 cultivators constituting 33 per cent of the total are involved

in the cultivation of Den. Banyat Pink. Those who cultivate Den. Emma

White and Den. Sarifa Fatimah constitute 24 per cent and 21 per cent

respectively. Cultivators growing Den. Kasem White, Den. Thongchai Gold,

Den. Rinabha and Den. Ceaser varieties represent 19 per cent, 16 per cent

14 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. Those who are involved in the

cultivation of Phal. Valentinii, Ren. Red Vanda, Onc. Butterfly and Ara.

Spider works out to 9.5 per cent each of the total.

From the analysis based on the ranking of preferences of Orchid cultivators,

it is observed that Den. Sonia-l7 is the most preferred commercial variety of

Orchid among the culiivators, which represent 10 per cent of the total. Den.

Sonia-28 assumes the second rank (7.45 per cent) among the cultivators,

followed by Den. Banyat Pink (6.93 per cent), Den. Emma White (6.68 per

cent), Den Sarifa Fatimah (6.68 per cent), Den. Kassim White (6.29 per

cent), Den. Thongchai Gold (6.03 per cent), Den. Rinabha (5.78 per cent),

Den. Ceaser (5.65 per cent), Phal. Valentinii (5.65 per cent), Ren. Red

Vanda (5.65 per cent) and Onc. Butterfly (5.65 per cent) is equally preferred

by the respondents. While selecting the plant for cultivation these varieties

assumes 91h rank in order of their preference. It is the case with Ara. Spider

(5.39 per cent), Mok. Dear Heart (5.39 per cent), Ara. Red Ribbon (5.39 per

cent) and Asc. Princess Mikasa (5.39 per cent), which assume the loth rank

in their order of preferences among the cultivators.

Majority (76 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators make use of both the

chemical and bio-fertilisers, while majority of the large - scale cultivators

apply both bio-fertilisers and chemical fertilisers at intermittent intervals.

93 per cent of the respondents use both the chemical and bio-pesticides

and insecticides. None of the cultivators use bio-pesticides and insecticides

alone.

Majority (8:3 per cent) of the growers who are involved in the cultivation of

Orchid dicl not get any technical assistance for disease and pest

management. This often results in delay in the early detection of disease

and pests and adoption of timely and effective control measures by the

cultivator.

55 per cent of the respondents have opined that they utilise both the full

time and part-time employees at various stages of cultivation of the plants.

26 per cenl of the cultivators avail the services of part-time employees only.

Among the cultivators, those who make use of the full time employees

constitute 'l9 per cent only. It is also observed that the maximum numbers

of cultivators who solely depend on full time employees are the large - scale

cultivators.

45 per cent of the Orchid cultivators utilise family labour at various levels of

cultivation. Those who utilise hired labour for these purposes works out to

41 per cent and those who deploy family and hired labour for the same

constitute 14 per cent of the total.

43 per cer~t of the Orchid-cultivating units surveyed have an employment

generation capacity of 1-3 male labourers., while 9 per cent of the units

have been able to generate employment to 4 -7 male labourers. Only 5 per

cent of the units surveyed have an employment generation capacity of more

than 8 male labourers. Besides these, 31 per cent of the units have the

employmerit generation capacity of 1-3 female labourers, while 7 per cent of

the units have been able to provide employment to 4-7 female labourers.

Only 5 per cent of the units surveyed have an employment generation

capacity of more than 8 female labourers.

57 per cent of Orchid cultivators carry on their cultivation with their own

funds. while 29 per cent of them depend on borrowed funds for the

cultivation of plants and for meeting other expenses. Only 14 per cent of the

growers resort to both the borrowed funds and own funds for these

purposes.

33 per cent of the Orchid cultivators utilised an amount ranging from 1,

00,001-5, 00,000, while the 25 per cent of them spend Rs. 10,000-Rs.50,

000 on an average in cultivation of these plants. Those who invest their own

funds to the tune of Rs.50,001-1,00,000 and Rs.5,00,001-Rs.l0,00,000 and

10,00,001-20,00.000 constitute 17 per cent, 13 per cent and 8 per cent

respectively. Only 4 per cent of the cultivators have invested their own funds

exceeding Hs.20, 00,000 in this field of cultivation.

Majority (42 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators utilised an amount ranging

from Rs. 10,000-Rs.50, 000 while those who invest such funds to the tune

of Rs.1, 00001-Rs.5, 00,000 account for 33 per cent of the total. Cultivators

who utilise the borrowed funds ranging from Rs.50, 001-Rs.1, 00,000 come

to 17 per cent. Those who utilise the borrowed funds ranging from Rs.10,

00,001 - Hs. 20. 00,000 for the cultivation of Orchids constitute 8 per cent

only.

Those who utilise the borrowed and own funds Rs. 20,00,000 and above

constitute .32 per cent of the total number of cultivators. Those who invest

such funds to the tune of Rs. 50,001 to Rs. 1,00,000, Rs. 1,00,001 to Rs.

5,00,000, Rs. 5,00,001 to Rs. 10,00,000 and Rs. 10,00,001 to Rs.

20,00,000 represent l:7 per cent each.

75 per cent of the cultivators who avail the borrowed funds for the purpose

of their cultivat~on have obtained the funds from commercial banks while 25

per cent of them have mobilised the funds from Primary Co-operative

Banks

52 per cent of Orch~d cultivators have opined that they did not receive any

sort of financial assstance from the Government, while those who have

received financial assistance from the Government represent 48 per cent.

Majority (85 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators who received the financial

assistance from the Government and other agencies have obtained the

same for the construction of ShadeIGreen house. Those who obtained

financial assistance for the erection of permanent structures and for the

procurement of plants represent 10 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

None of the respondents surveyed obtained any sort of financial assistance

from the Government for the construction of poly house, mist chambers and

accessories or subsidy for the purchase of sprayers, tools and other

accessorie!;.

The Field Survey carried out among the Anthurium cultivator's reveals that

majority o l these cultivators (26 per cent) are farmers. Housewives,

Businessmen and Retired persons represent 20 per cent, 19 per cent and

17 per cent respectively. Non-agricultural labourers and Self-employed

persons in\tolved in the cultivation of Anthurium plants constitute 10 per cent

and 5 per cent of the total number of Anthurium cultivators. Professionals

who are engaged in cclmmercial cultivation of these plants constitute only 3

per cent of the total number of cultivators.

33 per cent of Anthuri~~m cultivators are Under Graduates, while Graduates

constitute 29 per cent of the cultivators. 15 per cent of cultivators surveyed

are having Professional background. Cultivators who are Post graduates

and those who are having an educational background below Matriculation

work out to 9 per cent each. Only 5 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators are

having Technical education. Hence it is discernible that 77 per cent of

Anthurium cultivators surveyed are having high educational background.

62 per cent out of the Anthurium Cultivators surveyed have not undergone

any tra~ning programmes while those who have undergone for different

training programmes constitute only 38 per cent of the total.

Majority (43 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators have obtained training on

Anthurium cultivation from Agricultural Universities. Those who have

undergone training programmes organised by the Federation of Indian

Floriculturists and private agencies constitute 19 per cent each. Those who

have obtained training programmes from Cut flower societies and others

represent 13 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.

Majority (67 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators have not obtained any

Technical Guidance. Those who have obtained the Technical guidance from

Private professionals and Agricultural Universities constitute 21 per cent and

10 per cent respectively. Only 2 per cent of the cultivators have received

Technical aid from the Government Department and Agencies.

Majority (52 per cent) of the producers of Anthuriums have membership in

cut flower !societies while 48 per cent of them have no membership in any

cut flower societies.

Majority (717 Per cent) of the respondents are of the opinion that Friends and

Relatives h~ave influenced very much towards the starting of the cultivation

on a commercial basis. Journals and Periodicals have influenced 15 per

cent of the cult~vators. Krishi Bhavan, Flower shows and Visits to other cut

flower farms and other sources account for 2 per cent each.

24 per cent of the cultivators surveyed have 4-6 years of practical

experience in the cultivation of Anthuriums. 21 per cent of the cultivators

have more than 10 years of experience. Those who have 6-8 years and 2-4

years of experience represent 17 per cent each. Those who have 6-8 years

of experience represent 12 per cent of the total. Only 9 per cent of the

Anthurium cultivators have an experience of below 2 years. It is also evident

that majority of the highly experienced cultivators are large - scale

cultivators

Those who have taken Anthurium cultivation as a part time occupation

represent 57 per cent and only 43 per cent of the cultivators have taken this

as a full time occupation.

Majority (64 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators are possessing non-

flowering plants while 36 per cent of them are having flowering plants in

their nurseries.

Anthurium cultivators growing 500-1,000 plants account for 24 per cent

while those who cultivate 1,000 -1,500 plants and 2,500 -5,000 plants

constitute 17 per cent each of the total. Those who cultivate 5,000-10,000

plants account for 12 per cent while those who grow 100-250 plants

represent 10 per cent of the total. 7 per cent each of the Anthurium

cultivators have a collection of 250-500 plants and 1,500-2,500 plants

respectively of commercial importance. 2 per cent each of the cultivators

have a collection of 10,000-20,000 plants and 20,000-40,000 plants

respectively. Only 2 per cent of the total number of cultivators surveyed has

a collection of 40,000-80,000 plants. None of the cultivators are reported to

possess more than 80,000 plants in their nurseries.

Majority (98 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators resort to Shade house for

their cultivation, while only 2 per cent of them adopt poly houses for

nurturing their plants.

There is only one cultivator of Anthurium plants, who use poly house for the

cultivation and he use only 10-50 cents of land for the cultivation.

Out of the total number of Anthurium cultivators who grow their plants in

Shade house, those who cultivate the same in 10-50 cents of land account

for 37 per c:ent of the total. Those who cultivate in Shade house in 5 cents of

land comprise 29 per cent and those who grow the same in 5-10 cents of

land represent 22 per cent respectively. Cultivators who keep their plants in

shade houses with an area extending to 1-2 acres come to 12 per cent of

the total. There is no cultivator who cultivates these plants in 50 cents-l

acres and 1 acre - and above.

36 per cent of the respondents are having flowering plants and the rest (64

per cent) of them are having plants at various stages of growth ranging from

Ex-agar to near flowering sizes. Those who are in possession of near

flowering . 6 months old and one month old plants constitutes 14 per cent, 5

per cent 5 per cent respectively. 5 per cent of the cultivators have 3 weeks

old plants in their nurseries. Those who are having plants at the ex-agar

stage and 2 months old stage account for 5 per cent and 2 per cent

respectively.

Majority (50 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators have procured plants from

tissue culture labs, while those who have obtained the same from other

cultivators constitute 40 per cent of the total. Those who have collected the

planting materials from L.ocal nurseries and Cut flower societies represent 7

per cent and 3 per cent respectively.

47 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators have preferred imported varieties

due to the alluring colour of flowers and high unit value of flowers. Those

who have preferred vegetatively propagated plants and indigenous varieties

represent 36 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. The cultivators who

prefer Pollirlated varieties constitute only 5 per cent of the total. Majority of

the large - scale cultivators of Anthurium have also shown a high preference

towards imported varieties of plants.

Anthurium cultivators who have been surveyed indicate that they have

cultivated 60 varieties of Anthurium plants. Information elicited from the

Anthurium cultivators ~ndicates that 32 cultivators (76 per cent) out of 42

cultivators surveyed are cultivating Tropical Red. Those who cultivate Can

Can Red works out tc 40 per cent of the total. Those who cultivate Tinora

Red and Dragon Tongue Red represent 36 per cent each. Cultivators

growing tioneymoon Red. Duke of Edinberg and Chillie Red varieties

represent 33 per cent. 26 per cent and 24 per cent respectively. Those who

cultivate Kalimpong Orange and Avo Rosetta 19 per cent each, while in the

case of Honduras Red and Nitta Orange constitute 17 per cent each of the

total. The varieties of Kalimpong Red and Winston Delight constitute 14 per

cent of the total. But in the case of Agnihotri and Midori, it represents only

12 per cent of the total. Those who cultivate Lady Jane and Pompan Red

works out to 9.5 per cent each of the total.

From the analysis based on the ranking of preferences of Anthurium

cultivators, it is found that Tropical Red is the variety of Anthurium which is

most preferred by the growers for commercial cultivation and it represent

7.73 per cent of the total. Can Can Red assumes the second rank (5.54 per

cent) among the Anthurium cultivators, followed by Tinora Red (5.25 per

cent), Dragon Red (5 per cent). Honeymoon Red (4.9 per cent), Duke of

Edinberg Red (4.85 per cent), Chillie Red (4.6 per cent), Kalympong Orange

(4.56 per cent), Avo Rosetta (4.46 per cent), etc.

Majority of (83 per cent) the Anthurium cultivators make use of both the

chemical and bio-fertilisers. Those who make use of bio-fertilisers account

for 12 per cent and those who use chemical fertilisers constitute to 5 per

cent of the total. It is observed that majority of the large - scale cultivators

apply both bio-fertilisers and chemical fertilisers at intermittent intervals.

86 per cent of the respondents use both the chemical and bio-pesticides /

insecticides. Only 14 per cent of them apply the chemical pesticides and

insecticide:; for protecting their plants from pests and insects. None of the

cultivators use bio-pesticides and insecticides alone.

Majority (93 per cent) of the growers who are involved in the cultivation of

Anthurium did not get any technical assistance for disease and pest

management Only 7 per cent of the cultivators got technical assistance for

the disease and pest management. This often results in delay in the early

detection of disease and pests and adoption of timely and effective control 7

measures by the cultivator

7 per cent of the respondents have opined that they utilise both the fulltime

and part-time employees at various stages of cultivation of the plants. 31

per cent of the cultivators avail the services of part-time employees only.

Among the cultivators those who make use of the full time employees

constitute 62 per cent. It is also observed that the maximum numbers of

cultivators j ~ h o solely depend on full time employees are the large - scale

cultivators.

48 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators utilise family labour at various levels

of cultivation such as preparation of potting mixture, planting, irrigation,

application of fertilisers, pesticides and weeding, general supervision,

picking of flowers, grading, packing etc. Those who utilised hired labour for

these purposes works out to 38 per cent and those who deploy family and

hired labour for the same constitute 14 per cent of the total.

48 per cent of the Anthurium-cultivating units surveyed have an employment

generation capacity ot 1-3 male labourers, while the units have been able to

generate employment to 4-7 and 8 and above male labourers represent only

2 per cent each. Besides these, 31 per cent of the units have the

employment generation capacity of 1-3 female labourers, while 12 per cent

of the units have been able to provide employment to more than 8 female

labourers. Only 5 per cent of the units s u ~ e y e d have an employment

generation capacity of 4-7 female labourers.

79 per cent of Anthurium cultivators carry on their cultivation with their own

funds, while 14 per cent of them depend on borrowed funds for the

cultivation of plants and for meeting other expenses. Only 7 per cent of the

growers resort to both the borrowed funds and own funds for these

purposes.

46 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators utilise an amount ranging from 1,

00,001-5. 00,000, while the 24 per cent of them spend Rs. 10,000-Rs.50,

000 on an average in cultivation of these plants. Those who invest their own

funds to the tune of Rs.50, 001-1, 00,000 and Rs.5, 00,001-Rs.10, 00,000

constitute 18 per cent and 9 per cent respectively. Only 3 per cent of the

cultivators have invested their own funds exceeding Rs.20, 00,000 in this

field of cultivation.

Anthurium cultivators who have utilised borrowed funds ranging from Rs.10,

000-Rs.50, 000 and Rs. 50,001 -Rs.I, 00,001 constitute 33 each. Those who

have avalled borrowed funds ranging from Rs .1,00,001- Rs. 5,00,000 and

Rs.10,00,001-Rs.20,00.000 account for 17 per cent each.

Out of 3 cultivators who have utilised own funds as well as borrowed funds,

one is in the middle category, while 2 others are in the large (high) category.

Among the Anthurium cultivators who have utilised both the own funds and

borrowed funds those who have utilised these funds ranging from Rs.

1,00,001 to Hs. 5.00,000, Rs. 10,00,001 to Rs. 20,00,000 and Rs.

20,00,000 and above represents the percentages (33.33 per cent).

78 per cent of the cultivators who avail the borrowed funds for the purpose

of their cultivation have obtained the funds from commercial banks while 22

per cent of them has mobilised the funds from Primary Co-operative Banks.

62 per cent of Anthurium cultivators have opined that they did not receive

any sort of financial assistance from the Government, while those who have

received financial assistance from the Government represent 38 per cent.

Anthurium cultivators who received the financial assistance from the

Government and other agencies for the construction of Green house and

Shade Net constitute 38 per cent each. Those who obtained financial

assistance for the erection of permanent structures represent 12 per cent of

the total. Those who obtained financial assistance for Sprayer, Tools,

Accessories and Infrastructure development constitute 6 per cent.

It can be observed that the cost of the small - scale Orchid cultivators is the

lowest (Rs. 95,020) in the case of those who have adopted the first method,

while it works out to be the highest (Rs. 1,40,396) in the case of method -

Ill. Among the Medium - scale units, those who adopt the first method of

cultivation (method - I) has the lowest cost of cultivation (Rs. 4,11,765),

while it works out to be the highest (Rs. 6,10,532) in the case of the third

method of cultivation As far as the large - scale units are concerned, the

analysis indicates a low cost of cultivation of Rs. 17,78,925 in the case of

method -- I as against a high cost of cultivation of Rs. 26,49,570 in the case

of method -- 111.

Analysing all the categories of cultivators resorting to the distinct methods of

cultivation, it is also revealed that method - I emerges to be the best

possible alternative for the purpose of investment when compared to the

other methods of cultivation.

Medium and Large - scale (High) growers of Anthurium plants have opined

that they enjoy the advantages of the economies of scale in the cultivation

of plants and in the sale of produces like the Flowers and Plants.

There will be a 10 per cent reduction in the cost of construction of

greenhouse in the case of Medium - scale cultivators, while in the case of

large - scale cultivators the reduction in the cost of greenhouse will be 20

per cent.

Both the medium and large - scale cultivators enjoy advantages on the bulk

purchase of clay pots required for the cultivation. In the case of 6" pots,

Medium - !scale cultivators enjoy a discount of 15 per cent of the price of

clay pots while large - scale cult~vators enjoy a price reduction to the extent

of 25 per cent when compared to the small - scale cultivators.

There will be savings in the case of labour due to the mechanisation of the

agricultural operations by the Medium - scale and large - scale cultivators.

The savings in Labour cost will be to the extent of 40 per cent in the case of

Medium - scale cultivators wh~le the Large - scale cultivators are able to

save the labour cost to the extent of 70 per cent due to the adoption of the

highly sophisticated and scientific methods of irrigation and fertigation.

Medium and large - scale cultivators are also benefited on the bulk

purchase of fertilisers and pesticides by availing the reduction in the cost of

fertilisers and pesticides to the extent of 10 per cent and 15 per cent

respectively.

Medium and large - scale cultivators also enjoy the benefits of the

economies of large - scale in the marketing of flowers and plants.

Elimination of intermediaries and other innovative marketing strategies like

sales in the form of value-added items like bouquets, flower arrangements

and landscape designing enable the medium and large - scale cultivators in

fetching high price for the flowers and plants.

It is also observed during the field investigation that the Medium - scale

cultivators, on an average, are able to get 10 per cent increase in the price

of flowers and a 5 per cent increase in the price of plants sold. In the case of

large- scale cultivators the increase in the price realisation of flowers and

plants is to the tune of 20 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Analys~s of the financial viability of alternative methods of Orchid cultivation

has been carried out by adopting various criteria. Among these criteria, the

Pay Back criterion in case of Orchid cultivation indicates that among the

small - scale units, recoupment of initial investment is the lowest (2.29 years

in case of Method I (i.e., cultivation in trenches), while it works out to be the

highest (2.80) in the case of Method - 111 (i.e., cultivation in 8" pots). Among

the Medium - scale units, those who adopt the first method of cultivation

(Method - I) has the lowest Pay Back Period (2.07 years), while it works out

to be the highest (2.49 years) in the case of the third method of cultivation.

As far as the large - scale units are concerned, the analysis indicates a low

recoupment period of 1 .a4 years in the case of method - I as against a high

Pay Off period of 2.23 years in the case of method - 111.


Orchid cultivation, it is also revealed that the method - I emerges to be the

best possible alternative for the purpose of investment when compared to

the other methods of cultivation. Besides these, it is also found that the Pay

Back Period, in case of large - scale cultivators, adopting method - I for

cultivation of Orchids come to be the lowest (1.84 years), while it works out

to be the highest (2.80 years) for small - scale cultivators resorting to the

third method of cult~vation.

On analysing the Discounted Pay Back Periods, it is revealed that the small

- scale units adopting the tirst method of Orchid cultivation has the lowest

Discounted Pay Back Period of 2.57 years, while in the case of method - II

and method - Ill, these works out to 2.99 years and 3.21 years respectively.

In the case of medium - scale Orchid units, method - I, method - II and

method - Ill come in the order of preference with respect to the Discounted

Pay Back Periods of 2.28 years, 2.62 years and 2.83 years respectively.

As far as the large - scale Orchid cultivation units are concerned, method - I

is found to be the most ideal one in terms of Discounted Pay Back Period

with 2.03 years, while in the case of method - I1 and method - Ill, the

discounted recoupment periods works out to 2.32 years and 2.5 years

respectively.

. The Post Pay Back Profitability in case of Orchid cultivation carried out on a

small - scale basis indicates that the method - I provides the highest (Rs.

2,73,610) Post Pay Back Earnings, while it works out to be the lowest (Rs.

2,35,039) in the case ot method - Ill. Among the medium - scale units,

those who adopt the first method of cultivation (method - I) has the highest

Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs. 15,62,970), while it works out to be the lowest

(Rs. 13,94,016) in the case of the third method of cultivation. As far as the

large - scale units are concerned the analysis indicates that the first method

gives the highest Post Pay Back Earnings (RS. 87, 58,227), while the

method - Ill provides the lowest Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs. 80, 18,178).

Analysing all the categories of Orchid cultivators resorting to three distinct

methods of cultivation, it is also revealed that method - I emerges to be the

best possible alternative for the purpose of investment when compared to

the other methods of cultivation. Besides these it is also discernible that the

Post Pay Back Profitability, in case of large - scale cultivators, adopting

method - I for cultivation of Orchids come to be the highest (Rs. 87,58,227),

while it works out to be the lowest (Rs. 2,73,610) for small - scale cultivators

resorting to the first method of cultivation.

The Discounted Post Pay Back Profitability worked out in the case of Orchid

cultivation on a small - scale basis indicates that the method - I provides the

highest (Rs.1. 66,923) Discounted Post Pay Back Earnings, while it works

out to be the lowest (Rs.1, 26,705) in the case of method - Ill. Among the

medium - scale units, those who adopt the first method of cultivation

(method - I) has the highest Discounted Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs. 9,

91,565), while it works out to be the lowest (Rs. 8, 15,395) in the case of the

third method of cultivation. As far as the large - scale units are concerned

the analysis indicates that the first method gives the highest Discounted

Post Pay Back Earnings (RS.57, 09,972); while method - Ill provides the

lowest Discounted Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs.49, 38,319).

Analysing all the categories of Orchid cultivators resorting to three distinct

methods of cultivation, t is also revealed that method - I (i.e., cultivation in

coconut husks) emerges to be the best possible alternative for the purpose

of investment when compared to the other methods of cultivation. Besides

these it IS also discernible that the Discounted Post Pay Back Profitability, in

case of large - scale cultivators, adopting method - I for cultivation of

Orchids come to be the highest (Rs.57, 09,972), while it works out to be the

lowest (Rs.1, 66,923) for small - scale cultivators resorting to the first

method of cultivation.

The Net Present Valu~! in case of Orchid cultivation carried out on a small -

scale basis indicates that the method - I provides the highest (Rs.1, 66,923)

Net Present Value, while it works out to be the lowest (Rs.1, 26,705) in the

case of method - Ill (i.e., cultivation in 8 pots). Among the medium - scale

units. those who adopt the first method of cultivation (method - I) has the

highest Net Present Value (Hs.9, 91.565). while it works out to be the lowest

(Rs. 8 , 15.395) ~n the cast, of the third method of cultlvation. As far as the

large - scale un~ts are concerned the analysls indicates that the first method

gives the highest Net Present Value (Rs.57, 09.972). while the method - 1 1 1

prov1de:j the lowest Net Present Value (Rs.49, 38,319).

Analysls of all the cateyor~es of cultivators resorting to three distinct

methods of cult~vat~on, revealed that method -- I emerges to be the best

posslble alternattve for the purpose of investment when compared to the

other methods of cultivat~on. Bes~des these, it 1s also d~scernible that the Net

Present Value. In case of large - scale cultivators, adopting method - I for

cult~vatron of Orchids come to be the highest (Rs.57, 09,972), while it works

out to be the lowest (Rs.1. 66,923) for small - scale cultivators resorting to

the frrst method of cultivatron

The Benefit Cost Ratios have been worked out by tak~ng into account not

only the magnitude of returt?s, but also the ttme value of money obtained

from each method of Orch~tJ cult~vatlon and on analyzing the Benefit Cost

Ratios. tt is revealed that the small - scale units adopting the first method of

cultlvation has the h~ghest Benefit Cost Ratio of 1.76 times, while in the

case o i method -- I,I and method - Ill. thrs works out lo 1.16 times and 0.9

tlrnes respectively.

In the case of rnedrum - scale Orchid units, method - I, method - II and

method - Ill come in the order of preference with respect to the Benefit Cost

Ratio of 2.4 1 tlmes. 1.65 trnies and 1.34 tlrnes respectively.

As far as the large - scale Orchid units are concerned, method - I is found

to be the most rdea one in terms of Benefit Cost Ratto w~th 3.21 times, while

in the case of method - I ,~nd method - Ill, the Benefit Cost Ratio works out

to 2.26 tlmes and 1.86 tiines respectively.

The Internal Rate of Reluri) worked out in case of small - scale Orchid

cultivat~ng units incl~cates that method - I provides the highest (48.5 per

cent) Internal Rate of Returii, while it works out to be the lowest (39 per

cent) in the case of method - Ill. Ainong the medium - scale units, those

who adopt the f~rst methotl ot cultivation (method - I ) has the highest

Internal Rate of Return (53 per cent), while it works out to be the lowest

(44.18 per cent) ~n the cast: of the third method of cultivation. As far as the

large - scale Orchid units are concerned, the analysis indicates that the first

method gives the highest lrlternal Rate of Return (56.26 per cent), while

method - Ill provides the lowest lnternal Rate of Return (49.6 per cent).

On the analys~s of all the categories of Orchid cultivators resorting to the

three dtst~nct methods of cultivation, it is also revealed that method - I

emerges to be the best possible alternative to the cultivators for the purpose

of ~nvestment when compared to the other methods of cultivation. Besides

these, it 1s also discernible that the Internal Rate of Return, in case of large -

scale cultivators, acloptlny tnethod - I for cultivation of Orchids come to be

the ti~ghest (56 26 per cent), while it works out to be the lowest (48.5 per

cent) for small - scare cult~v;~loi~s resorting to the first method of cultivation.

From the analysis of the economic viability, assessed in terms of various

criteria such as Pay Back. Net Present Value. Benefit Cost Ratios, Internal

Rate of Return etc.. it can be concluded that the first method of cultivation

(1.e cultivation in C;oconut husks) is found to be the most ideal one among

all the categories of Orcllid cultivation.

S It can be known that the cost of the small - scale Anthurium cultivators is the

lowest (Rs. 1,25,683) in the case of those who have followed the first

methocl of cultivation, while it works out to be the highest (Rs. 1,40,162) in

the case of method - Ill. Among the medium-scale units, those who adopt

the first method of cultivation (method - I) has the lowest cost of cultivation

(Rs 5.48,212), while it works out to be the highest (Rs. 6,13,967) in the

case of the third niethod of cultivation. As far as the large-scale units are

concerned, the analysis shows a lower cost of cultivation of Rs. 23, 93,738

In the case of method - I as against a high cost of cultivation of Rs. 26,

98,318 in the case of m e t h o d Ill.


cultivation it is also revealed that method - I emerges to be the best

possible alternative for the purpose of investment when compared to the

other methods of cultivation

It is observed during the F~eld Survey among the cultivators of Anthuriums

that the medium and large scale (High) growers of these plants enjoy the

advanlages of the economies of scale in the cultivation of plants and in the

sale of produces like the fluwers and plants

There will be a reduct~on to the extent of 10 per cent in the cost of

construction of greenhouse In the case of medlum - scale cultivators, while

in the case of large - scale cultrvators the reduction in the cost of

greenhouse will be 20 per cent.

Both the rnedrum and large scale cultivators enjoy advantages on the bulk

purchase of clay pots requlred for the cultivation. In the case of 8 pots and

10" pot!; medrum-scale i:uIt~vators enjoy a discount of 15 per cent of the

price of clay pots, while large-scale cultivators enjoy a price reduction to the

extent ol 25 per cent when compared to the small-scale cultivators.

There wrll be savings in the case of labour due to the mechanisation of the

agricultural operations by the medium-scale and large-scale cultivators.

There wnll be a savings of labour cost to the extent of 40 per cent in the case

of medium-scale cullivators while the large-scale cultivators are able to save

the labour cost to tht? extenl of 70 per cent due to the adoption of the highly

soph~sticated and scientific methods of irrigation and fertigation

Medium and large-scale cultivators are also benefited on the bulk purchase

of fertilisers and peslic~des by availing the reduction in the cost of fertilisers

and pest~cides to the extent of 10 per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

Medium and Large-scale cultivators also enjoy the benefits of the

economres of large-!scale marketing of flowers and plants. Elimination of

intermediaries and other ~nnovatrve marketing strategies like sales in the

form of value added terns like bouquets. flower arrangements and

landscape designing enable the medium and large - scale cultivators in

fetching high price for the flowers antl plants.

It is also observed during the f~eld investigation that the medium -scale

cultivators, on ari average. are able to get 10 per cent increase in the price

of flowers and a 5 per cent in the price of plants sold. In the case of large-

scale cultivators the increase in the price of flowers and plants is to the tune

of 20 per cent and I 0 per cent respectively.

In the case of small - scale Anthurium cultivators the Pay Back Period

indicatf!s that the rc?coupment of initial investment is the lowest (2.05 years

in case of method -- I, while it works out to be the highest (2.17) in the case

of method -- I l l . Arriong the medium - scale units, those who adopt the first

method of cultivation (method - I) has the lowest Pay Back Period (1.84

years),while it works out to be the highest (1.95 years) in the case of the

thircl method of cultivation. As far as the large - scale units are concerned,

the analysis indicates a low recoupment period of 1.67 years in the case of

method - I as against a h ~ y h Pay Off Period of 1.76 years in the case of

method - Ill.

On the analysis of all the categories of Anthurium cultivators resorting to the

three distinct methods of cultivation, it is also revealed that method - I

emerges to be the best possible alternative for the purpose of investment

when compared to the other methods of cultivation. Besides these, it is also

found that the Pay 3ack Period in case of large - scale cultivators adopting

method - I for cult~\/ation ot Anthurium come to be the lowest (1.67 years),

whlle it works out to be the highest (2.17 years) tor small - scale cultivators

resortrng to the thlrtl method of cultivation.

The Discounted Pay Back Periods in the case of Anthurium cultivation have

been worked by taklng into account not only the magnitude of returns, but

also the time value of money obtained from each method of cultivation and

on analyzlny the Discounted Pay Back Periods, it is observed that the small

- scale units adopting the first method of cultivation has the lowest

Discounted Pay Back Period of 2.29 years, while in the case of method - I1

and method -- Ill, these works out to 2.34 years and 2.5 years respectively.

In the c:ase of medium - scale Anthurium units, method -- I, method - II and

methoo - Ill come in the order of preference with respect to the Discounted

Pay Back Per~ods of 2.03 years. 2.07 years and 2.17 years respectively.

As far as the large - scale Anthurium units are concerned, method - I is

fourid to be the most Ideal one In terms of Discounted Pay Back Period with

1.82 years, while in the case of method - I1 and method - Ill, the Discounted

Pay Back Periods works out to 1.86 years and 1.94 years respectively.

Analysrs of the Post Pay Back Profitability in the case of Anthurium

culttvat~on on a small - scale basis reveals that the method - I provides the

highest (Rs.3.41.167) Post Pay Back Earnings, while it works out to be the

lowest (Rs. 3.28.863) in the case of method - 1 1 1 . Among the medium - scale

unlts. those who adopt the f~rst method of cultivation (method -I) has the

highest Post Pay Back Earnrngs (Rs. 19. 44.798). while rt works out to be the

lowest (Rs. 18. 138.928) In the case of the third neth hod of cultivation. As far

as the large - scale units are concerned the analysis indicates that the first

methocl glves the highest Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs. 1,08,73.322), while

the method - Ill provides the lowest Post Pay Back Earnings (Rs.1,

06.14.432).

Analys~ng all the categories of Anthurium cultivators resorting to various

methods of cultivation, it is also found that method - I emerges to be the

best possible alternative for the purpose of Investment when compared to

the other methods of cultivat~on. Moreover. it is also revealed from the study

that the Post Pay Back Profitability, in case of large - scale cultivators,

adopt~ng method - l for cultivation of Anthurium come to be the highest (Rs.

1.06.14,432). while it works out to be the lowest (Rs. 3.41,167) for small -

scale cultivators re!;orting to the first method of cultivation .

The Discounted Post Pay Back Profitabil~ty in case of small - scale

Anthurium cultivators shows that the method - I provides the highest (Rs.2,

12,207) Discounteti Post Pay Back earnings, while it works out to be the

lowest (Rs. 1.99.376) in the case of method - Ill. Among the medium - scale

units, those who adopt the first method of cultivation (method -I) has the

highest Discounted Post Pay Pack Earn~ngs (Rs.12. 55,890), while it works

out to be the lowest (As. l l, 97,628) rn the case of the third method of

cultivation. As far as the large - scale units are concerned, the analysis

indicates that the first method gives the highest Discounted Post Pay Back

Earn~ngs (RS 72.06,266), wh~le the method - Ill prov~des the lowest

D~scounted Post Pay Back tarnings (Rs 69. 36,319).

Analysing all the categories of cultivators resorting to three distinct methods

of cultivation it is also revealed that method -- I emerges to be the best

posslble alternative for the purpose of investment when compared to the

other rnethods of ~ul t ivat~oi i . Besides these, it is also discernible that the

Discounted Post Pay Back Profitability, in case of large - scale cultivators,

adoptlng method - I for cultivation of Anthurium come to be the highest (Us.

72.06.266), whlle it works out to be the lowest (Us. 2,12,207) for small -

scale cultivators resorting to the first method of cultivation.

On cornparlng the Net Present Values in case of Anthurium cultivation

carried out on a srnall - scale basis it is found that method - I provide the

highest (Rs.2. 12.207) Net Present Value, while it works out to be the lowest

(Us 1.99.376) in the case of method - Ill. Among the medium - scale units.

those who adopt the first method of cultivation (method -I) has the highest

Net Present Value (Rs.12. 55,890). while it works out to be the lowest (Us.

11. 97.628) in the c:ase of the th~rd method of cultivation. As far as the large

- scale units are concerned the analysis indicates that the first method gives

the highest Net F'resent Value (Us. 72. 06,266), while the method Ill

provldes the lowest Net Present Value (Rs. 69, 36,319).

On comparing all the cateyorles of Anthurium cultivators resorting to three

distinct methods of cultivallon. it 1s also revealed that rnethod - I emerges to

be the best posslblc? alternative for the purpose of investment as against the

other methods of cultivatlor~ Besides these, it is also found that the Net

Present Value In the case of large - scale cultivators adopting method - I for

cultivatton of Anthurium come to be the highest (Rs. 72,06,266), while it

works out to be the lowest (Rs. 2,12,207) for small - scale cultivators

resorttng to the flrst method of cultivation.

On analyzlng the Benefit Cost Rat~o, it is revealed that the small - scale

units adoptlng the flrst method of cultivation has the highest Benefit Cost

Ratto of 1.69 times. while in the case of method - II and method - Ill. these

work out to 1.61 tinies and 1.42 times respectively.

In the case of medium - scale Anthurium cultivation units, method - I,

method - II and method I l l come in the order of preference with respect to

the Benefit Cost Ratto of 2.29 times. 2.18 times and 1.95 times respectively.

As tar as the large units of Anthurium production are concerned, method - I

is found to be the most Ideal one in terms of Benefit Cost Ratio with 3.01

times, while in the case of method - II and method - Ill, the Benefit Cost

Rat10 works out to 2.85 tlmes and 2.57 times respectively.

The Internal Rate of Return worked out in the case of Anthurium cultivation

on a slnall -scale basis indicates that the method - I provides the highest

(51.9 per cent) Internal Rate of Return, while it works out to be the lowest

(47 per cent) in the case of method - Ill. Among the medium - scale units,

those who adopt the first method of cultivation (method-l) has the highest

Internal Rate ot Return (54 per cent), while it works out to be the lowest (52

per cent) in the case of the third method of cultivation. As far as the large -

scale units are concerned the analysis indicates that the first method gives

the highest Internal Rate ot Return (57.5 per cent). while the method - 111

provldes the lowest lnternal Hate of Return (55.5 per cent).

On cornparlng the results of the analysis pertaining to all the categories of

Anthurlurn cult~vators resorting to three different methods of cultivation, it is

alsc~ re.vealed that method - I emerges to be the best possible alternative for

the purpose ot investment when compared to the other methods of

cultivat~on. Beside:s these. it is also discernible that the lnternal Rate of

Return in case of large - scale cultivators, adopting method - I for

cultivat~on of Anthi~rlurns come to be the highest (57.5 per cent), while it

WOrKS out to be the lowest (51.9 per cent) for small - scale cultivators

resortir~g to the first methocl of cultivation.

It can be concluded that the f~rst method of cultivation (i.e., cultivation in

trenches) is found to be the most ideal one among all the categories of

Anthur~um cultivation. considering the economic viability assessed in terms

of various criteria such a5 Pay Back. Net Present Value. Benefit Cost

Rat~os, lnternal Hate of Return. etc.

From the analysis of monthly net income of Orchld cultivators adopting

various methods of cult~vatlun (after considerlny the interest @ 15 per cent

on the orig~nal cost of investment), it is observed that the monthly net

Income of a small - scale cultivator adopting the first method of cultivation

conies to Rs. 1,519, wh~le in the case of those who adopt the second and

thlrd method ot cult~vat~oti tlie monthly income work out to Rs. 714 and Rs.

208 respectively

The monthly net income ol the medium - scale Orchid cultivators, after

considering the interest factor, comes to Rs. 15.458, while the monthly net

income in the case of cult~vators who adopt the second and third method of

cultivation works out to Hs. 11,892 and Rs. 9.660 respectively. In the case

of large - scale cultivators the monthly net income, after taking into account

the interest factor, come Hs. l . 02,053, Rs. 86,408 and Rs. 76,658 for those

who adopt the f~rst, second and third methods of cultivation respectively.

From the analysis of monthly net income, after considering the interest @

15 per cent on the original cost of investment, of Anthurium cultivators

adopting various inethods of cultivation, it is observed that the monthly net

income of a small - scale cultivator adopting the first method of cultivation

comes to Rs. 2.407. while in the case of those who adopt the second and

third method of cultivation the monthly income work out to Rs. 2,286 and

Hs. 1.985 respectively.

The rnorithly net income of the Medium - scale Anthurium cultivators, after

considering the interest factor, comes to Rs. 16,427, while the monthly net

income in the case of cultivators who adopt the second and third method of

cultivation works out to Rs. 15.843 and Rs. 14.510 respectively. In the case

of large - scale cultivators the monthly net income, after taking into account

the interest factor, come to Us. 1.12,327, Rs. 1.09,345 and Rs. 1,03,443 for

those who adopt the f~rst, second and third methods of cultivation

respectively.

Frorn the analysis basetl on the monthly net lncorne ~t IS also observed that

the first method of cultivation is found to be the rnost Ideal one among all the

categories of Orch~d and Anthurlum cultivation.

Frorn the results of the Break-Even Analysls it 1s found that a small - scale

Orchid cultivators adopt~ny the first method of cultivation (i.e., cultivation in

coconut husks) need to sell 1,504 plants (plants) @ Rs. 75 per plant and

5.421 flower spikes @ Rs. 15 per flower splke. If he adopts the second

method of cultivation (i.e., cultivation rn 6" pots). he needs to market 1.710

plants (plants) (Q Rs. 75 per plant and 6.848 flower spikes @ Rs. 15 per

flower sp~ke. But if he follows the third method of cultivation (i.e., cultivation

In 8" pots). he needs to d~spose oft 1,840 plants @ Rs. 75 per plant and

7.366 flower sp~kes @ Rs. 15 per flower spike.

In the case ot a IMedium scale Orchld cultivators resorting to the first

method of cult~vation he rneeds to sell 5,040 plants (plants) @ Rs. 78.75 per

plant and 20,167 flower sp~kes @ Rs. 16.5 per flower spike. If the cultivator

adopts the second method of cultivation, he needs to market 5.885 plants

(plants) @ R s 78.75 per plant and 23.544 flower spikes @ Rs. 16.5 per

flower splke. But il he follows the third method of cultivation, he needs to

dispose off 6.414 plants (plants) @ Rs. 78.75 per plant and 25.656 flower

splkes @ Us. 18 per flower spike.

In the case of a Large - scale Orchid cultivators who resorts to the first

method of cultlvatlon, he needs to sell 19.965 plants (plants) @ Rs. 82.5 per

plant and 79.867 flower spikes (C!? Rs 18 per flower spike. If he chooses the

second method of cultivat~ori. he is required to market 23,437 plants (plants)

@ Hs. 82.5 per plant aricl 93,753 flower splkes @ Rs. 18 per flower spike.

But if he follows the thlril rnethod of cultivatlon. he needs to dispose off

25.601 plants (plants) @l Rs. 82.50 per plant and 1. 02,405 flower spikes @

Rs. 18 per flower spike.

The results of the Bredk-Even Analysis reveals that a small - scale

Anthurium cultivators adopting the first method of cultlvation (i.e., cultivation

in trenches) needs to sell 3,200 plants (plants) @ Rs. 40 per plant (plant)

and 11,203 flowers @ Rs. 10 per flower. If he adopts the second method of

cultlvatlon (i.e.. cultivatlon in 8" pots). he needs to market 3,255 plants

(plants;~ @ Rs. 40 per plant (plant) and 11,397 flowers @ Rs. 10 per flower.

But if he follows the third rnethod of cultivation (1.e.. cultivation in 10" pots),

he needs to dispose off 3.393 plants (plants) @ Rs. 40 per plant (plant) and

11,879 flowers (o, Us. 10 llur flower.

In the case of a rnediuni - scale Anthurium cultivators adopting the first

method of cultlvation. he is required to market 14.495 plants (plants) @ Rs.

42 per plant (plant: and 50.138 flowers @ Rs. 11 per flower. If he adopts

the second method of cultlvation. he needs to sell 14,743 plants (plants) @

Rs. 42 per plant (plant) and 51,607 flowers C2 Rs. 11 per flower. But if he

follows the thlrd rnethod of cultivatlon, he needs to dispose off 15.312 plants

(plants) @ Rs. 42 per plant (plant) and 53.596 flowers @ Rs. 11 per flower.

In the case of a large - scale Anthurlurn cultivator who resorts to the flrst

method of cult~vation he needs to sell 59,375 plants (plants) @ Rs. 44 per

plant (plant) and 2.07,817 tlowers iu! Rs 12 per flower. If he adopts the

second method of cultivation he need to market 60.564 plants (plants) @

Rs. 44 per plant (plant) ant) 2.1 1,978 flowers @ Rs. 12 per flower. But if he

follows the th~rd method of ~ultivation. he needs to d~spose off 62,917 plants

(plants) @ Hs 44 per plant) and 2. 20,211 flowers @ Rs 12 per flower

spikes.

S Analysis of the trends rn lnd~a's international trade in floriculture reveals that

the share of India in the international floriculture trade is almost rniniscule.

i.e.. India's share constitutes only 0.4 per cent of the total value of the global

trade in floriculture. However. the cut flower industry has registered a

phenomenal growth from a mere 14.91 crore in 1992-93 to 80 crore by the

end of 1998-99.

The Indian flowers are shopped to the world's largest flower auction centres

at Aalsmeer, wh~ch handle about 18 million cut flowers and 2 million potted

plants per day to yenerale the Netherlands guilders of U.S. Dollar 1,657

millions per annurn.

The USA is the largest importer of lnd~an floricultural produce and dry

flowers followed by Netherlands. Germany. Japan, U K.. Italy, France,

Australra and S~rigapore.

lnd~an floriculture rndustry has gone through two distinct phases. The first

phase startiriy from 1991-1997 was a learning phase where a high rate of

dependency on importetl tec:hnology. med~um. ductlon market~ng and btry

back systems was \ /~s~ble. The second phase starting from 1997 to date is

characterlseti by remoul(l~ncj the adopted technology to suit to the lndlan

needs. dentur~ng Into direct marketing. popularisation of scientific methods

of cultivation and marketlng technlques. good export growth, value

realisations, synchronizat~on of product and marketlng strategies and

aggressive efforts to capture a high market share in the international

market.

The global florrculture trade has been expanding on an average rate of 15

per cent per annum, where as in lndia the annual growth rate is estimated to

fluctuate around I to 8 per cent.

The domestic market. whlcti was predominated by the traditional flowers

like, marigold, chrysanthemum, roses, jasmlne, etc., has started absorbing

cut flowers llke Orchids and Anthurlurns and a considerable share of the

Orchid and Anthurium flowers consumed in the metropolitan cities of lndia

are either brought clirectly froni Kerala, or through the major auction centre

at Banyalore

lndlan floriculture irldustry 1s polsed to adopt innovation in packing of cut

flowers by adoptlng 'aqua packs' and refrigerated containers, for enhancing

the vase life of cut flowers The flowers like Orchids and Anthuriums have

the potential for fetchmy very hlgh rate of returns to the cultivators when

compared to the traditional flowers, except the hlgh cost of planting

materials due to the inadequacy of biotechnology labs capable of mass

rnult~plying these plantlets on a commercial basis through the in vitro

propagation technlques.

Several companies have engaged in lndia by taking advantage of the high

priorlty accorded by the Government uf lndia for the popularisat~on of high-

tech agriculture by prov~d~ncj various l~nancial assistance and Incentives to

the companies involved in the sphere of biotechnology. Companies like 'De

Orchids and Anthurlurns i i i Mumbai. Eden Flora and lndo American Hybrid

Seeds Corporation in Bangalore. Vogels lndia in Mangalore. Natural

Synergies in Chennai. AVT Cochin. Ajinthya Bio-Tech Thalassery, Bio-plant

Palakkad. Bena Nursery Thiruvananthapuram. Kairaly Orchids in Cochin,

Hati Orchids In Coc:hin. Nath Seeds In Aurangabad. etc are involved in the

mass multipl~cation. hardening and marketing of Anthurium plants and

Orch~ds

At present there are 18 wholesalers. 7 cut flower societies. 245 retailers and

56 cominiss~on agetits in Kerala.

The Fleld lnves(~gation reveals that there are 9 bio-technology labs in

Private sector in the State. Besides these, the State provides 2 Agricultural

Universities and 2 Research Centres each catering to the needs of the

cultivators of the cul flowers.

Harvesting periods of Orchld flowers differ from variety to variety. Hence a

spec~fic harvest~ng period generally applicable to Orchid flowers is very

difficult to obta~n. However the Field Survey carried out among the Orchid

cult~vators reveals that in the case of 29 per cent of the cultivators, March -

May is the peak period of harvesting of flowers. 21 per cent of the

cultivators have reportecl that October - December 1s the peak period of

the11 harvest~ng of flowers. wh~le 19 per cent of them have reported it as

May - August The per~ods of January - March and July - October have

beer1 reported as the pedk harvestmy per~ods by 14 per cent and 10 per

cent of the cult~vators respect~vely

36 per cent of the small - scale Orchid cultivators (Low category) have an

average monthly sale ranglny from 300-400 flowers and in the case of 29

per cent of the medium scale cultivators have an average monthly sale

ranging from 1.000 -1,500 and 1.500 -2,000 flowers each. In the case of

large scale cultivators 36 per cent of them have an average monthly sale of

flowers ranglng trorn 4,000-5,000 and 6.000 and above each during peak

per~ods. I t is also found that the cultivators who sell flowers ranging from

300 - 400, 4.000 - 5,000 and 6.000 & above come 12 per cent each. It is

also observed that those who sell flowers ranyiny from 400 - 500, 1,000 -

1.500. 1,500 - 2,000. ancl 5.000 - 6.000 represent 10 per cent each during

the peak per~od Those who sell flowers ranging from 500 - 1.000 and 2,000

- 4.000 stand for 6 per cent each. The cultivators who sell flowers ranging

from 100 - 200 and 200 - 300 represent 5 per cent each and those who

sell less l00 flowers come to 2 per cent of the total.

The nurnber of Orchid cult~vators who sell 100 to 200 and 15,OO - 2,000

flowers per month represent 14 per cent each . while those who effect an

average sale ranging from 4.000 -- 5,000 flowers constitute 12 per cent of

the total. The number of c:ult~vators who sell the flowers between 2.000 --

4,000, 1.000 - 1.500. 200 300 and less than 100 represent 10 per cent

each. 8 per cent of rhe cullivdtors sell between 400 - 500 flowers during the

lean per~od. The Table also reveals that the number ol cultivators who

market their flowers between 500 - 1.000 and 5.000 - 6.000 comes to 4 per

cent each. Only 2 per cent ol the cultivators market more than 6,000 flowers

dur~ng the lean per~od. Majority (43 per cent) of the small - scale (Low

cateyory) cultivators, are observed to have an average monthly sale of 100

to 200 flowers. The med~uin - scale cultivators who sell flowers between

1,000 - 1,500 and 1,500 - 2.000 constitute 29 per cent each. 36 per cent of

large - scale (H~gh category) cultivators have monthly sale ranging from

4.000 to 5.000 flowers dur~ny the lean per~od

36 per c:ent of the small - scdle Orchld cult~vators (Low category) have an

average monthly sale ranglny from 100 -150 plants and in the case of 50

per cent of the mecf~um - scale cultivators and 57 per cent of the large -

scale cult~vators, the average monthly sale during peak periods come to 500

to 1 , O O G plants and 1.500 to 2,000 plants respectively. The study also

shows that l9 per cent of the total number of cultivators has an average

sale of 1,500 to 2.000 plants per month. 16 per cent of the total numbers of

cultivators surveyed are reported to have an average sale of plants ranging

from 500 - 1.000 per month duriny the peak period. while 12 per cent of the

cult~vators are reported to have a monthly sale ranging from 100 - 150

plants. Those who sell less than 100 and between 400 - 500 plants during

peak per~od represent 10 per cent each. Those who sell plants ranging 150

- 200. 300 - 400.1.000 - 1.500, and above 2.000 represent 7 per cent each

and 5 per cent ot the cullivators sell between 200 - 300 plants during peak

~erlOd

During the lean period. 24 per cent of the total number ol Orchid cult~vators

sell 100 - 150 plants per month. on an average while those who effect an

average sale ranging from 400 to 500 plants constitute 20 per cent each of

the total Those who sell less than 100 and between 1,000 and 1,500 plants

constitute 10 per cent each. The cultivators who sell plants ranging from 300

- 400 and 1,500 -- 2,000 represents 7 per cent each. It is also observed that

the cultivators who sell between plants 200 - 300 and above 2,000 come 4

per cent each. Only 2 per cent of the cultivators are reported to have a

sales ranging from 150 - 200 plants per month during the lean period. 71

per cent of the small - scale (Low category) cult~vators are observed to have

an average monthly sale of 100 - 150 plants. 57 per cent of the Medium -

scalt, c~ultivators a r~d 36 p t ) ~ cent of the large - scale (High category)

cult~vators have a nnonthly sale ranging from 400 - 500 plants and 500 -

1,000 plants respectively

Majority (45 per cent) of the Orchld cultivators sell their flowers in the near

by areas. Those who market thelr flowers out of the state account for 24 per

cent of the total. Cultivators who market their produce wlthin the district and

those who sell the same w~thln the State represent 21 per cent and 10 per

cent respectively None of the respondents are lnvolved in exporting thelr

flowers or plants to f~~re ign countries

76 per sent of the total number of Orchid cultivators sell their plants in the

near by areas while 15 per cent of them market their plants within the

D~strict Only 5 per cent ol the cultivators sell their plants outside the d~strlct

but within the state None of the cultivators surveyed are ~nvolved in the sale

of plants outside the? state or export the same to forelgn countries.

Ranking of the iterns marketed by the Orchid growers in the order of their

prefererices reveal that cut flowers assume the first rank (36 per cent),

followed by plants 130 per cent) and in other forms (10 per cent) such as

mother plants, plants, dried flowers. Flower arrangements etc

Ranking of the preferences by the Orch~d cultivators towards varlous

agencies in marketing thelr produces ind~cates that Direct sale to

consumers within the state assume the first rank (25 per cent), followed by

Flower marts, Hott!ls and other institut~ons (24 per cent), sale through

agents (17 per cent), cut flower societies (15 per cent), D~lect sale to Agents

in other States (12 per cent) and Direct sale to consumers in other States (7

per cent)

88 per cent of the C)rchicl cultivators are able to sell the flowers and plants

on a regular basis. while 12 per cent of the cultivators are not in a position to

effecl sales on a regular basis. it is also observed that among the Orchid

cultivators, those who find it d~fficult to sell their produce on a regular basis

1s the small - scale cultivato~s

37 out of the 42 Orchid cultivators surveyed are involved in regular supply ot

flowers This cornes about 88 per cent of the total cultivators covered under

the study. Among the cultivators surveyed, majority (38 per cent) of them

are selling the flowers foi-iii~yhtly anci 36 per cent of the cultivators market

their products 111-I a weeltly basls. II is observed that 14 per cent of the

cultivators are in the practice of selling their flowers on monthly basis. Only

12 per cent ot the g,rowers are selling the flowers on an occasional basis.

. 52 per cent of the Orchid cultivators are able to sell the plants only on an

occasional basis. 36 per cent of thern are making sales on monthly basis.

Only 12 per cent of the cultivators who regularly sell their plants are doing

the same on fortr~~ghtly bas~s

In majority (81 per cent) of the cases, i t is observed that Orchid cultivators

are the ultimate fixers of prices of their plants because in the case of plants,

consumers directly approach them for their needs. In case of plants, the risk

of urisold stock of plants is also insignificant. These enable the cultivators in

directing the prlce of the plants In 14 per cent of the cases consumers

happened to be the fixers of prices of plants while in 5 per cent of the cases

middlemen as brokers deternilne the prices of Orchid plants.

In majority (57 per cent) of the cases traders play a dominant role in the

fixation of prlces of Orchitl flowers. Other price fixers of Orchid flowers are

cultivatclrs themselves, which account for 31 per cent, followed by

middlemen/brokers and cut flower societies, which constitute 7 per cent and

5 per cent respectively. Consumers have an insignificant role only in the

fixation of prlces of Orchic1 flowers.

Ranking of the factors i leterm~n~ng the price of plants marketed by the

Orchld ~:ultivators. in the~r order of preferences, Indicates that the imported

var~eties assuming lthe first rank due to the exotlc nature and high demand

for flowers (42 per cent) when compared to other factors. The Extent of

growth of plants assumes the second rank (22 per cent) due to the short

durat~on for flowering, followed by ~ndigenous varieties (19 per cent) due to

its low susceptibll~ty to diseases and low cost of plants and other factors (17

per cent) such as easy availability of the plants, reputation of the seller,

price of tne plants, demand for flowers from the plant sold, etc.

Major factors lnfluenclng the price of Orchid flowers marketed by the Orchid

cultivators, ranked in their order of preferences, reveal that the Number of

flowers per spike assume the f~rst rank (26 per cent), followed by the Colour

of flowers (23 per cent), Length of spike (20 per cent), Shelf life (15 per

cent). Extent of bloorning of flower buds (1 1 per cent) and other factors (5

per cent) l ~ k e changt?~ in tastes and preferences of consumers, seasonal

nature of the market, frequency of ceremonial occasions and Government

sponsoretl programmes, etc.

Majority (77 per cent) of the Orchid growers are not affected by the

seasonal variations in marketlny their products. While those who are

affected by seasonal variations constitute 33 per cent of the total. Small

scale and the mediun-I scale cultivators are least affected by the seasonal;

variations in market~ny their produce because a majority of these categories

of cultivators are continuing the ~narketlng of their produces to local flower

market, iriterior decorations. beauty parlours, persons and firms involved in

flower arrangements and bouquet marketing within the State only. Hence

they do not face any marketing problems due to the seasonal variations. But

in the case of large - scale cultivators, the market destinations are situated

outside the State where there 1s a wide fluctuation in the demand for flowers

due to the seasonal variations consequent upon the upsurge in demand for

the flowers during the festival and ceremonial occasions.

Majority (57 per cent) of Orch~d cultlvators are market~ng their flowers during

the months of February and March. 29 per cent of the growers sell the

flowers during April and May and 9 per cent of the growers sell flowers

during December and January. Only 5 per cent of the cultivators sell the

flowers during September and December.

It is observed that 68 per cent of the Orchid cultivators surveyed market

the~r plants during the months of June to August and 32 per cent of them

sell the flowers during September and December.

71 per cent of the respondents have opined that they provide technical

ass~starlce to new growers of Orchid plants, while those who do not give

any sort of technical assistance to the new entrants in this field constitute 29

per cent of the total

All the Orchid cultivators surveyed, provide technical assistance to new

cult~vators in several ways such as Guidance of cultivation, selection and

supply of plants having h~gh market potential and assistance for the sale of

thew plants and flowers. They also give guidance as to the source of

availability ot plantlng materials to new cultivators besides the dissemination

of information on the Orchld cultivation.

21 per cent of Orchld cult~vators earn an average monthly net income of

less than Rs.500 while those who yet a monthly net income ranging from

Rs.5000-Rs. 10.000 constitute 20 per cent of the total. The Orchid

cultivators whose monthly net income range from Rs. 15,000- Rs. 30,000

account for 15 per cent and those whose monthly net income ranges from

Rs.2.000 to Rs. 5.000 and Hs. 30,000 to Rs. 60.000 constitute 9 per cent

each Only 2 per cent of Orchid cultivators earn a monthly net income

exceed~ng Rs. 90,000. It is also observed during the investigation that there

is a wide variation with reyard to the monthly net income among various

categories of cultivators depending upon the methods of cultivation they

adopt. The variation in the monthly net income of the large - scale is very

hlgh when compared to medlum and small - scale cultivators.

Prices of Orchld flovvers are generally determined in the market on the basis

of the slze and variety ot flowers. The procurer of flower leaves primarily to

the yrower and In certain cases grading from the local market and this often

varles from state to state and country to country. In general grading is done

marrlly on the basis of the length of the flower sp~kes, number, size and

colour of flowers on the splke. A minimum number of 8 flowers per spike are

requirecl for selling the produce in the national or international market. In

some case the traders also glve the number of lateral branches for the

inflorescence due to weiyhtaye at the tlme of procurement of flowers.

There is no standardized grade for Orchid flowers. However grading in case

of Orchld flowers is done on the basis of the length of the flower spikes.

number, size and colour of flowers on the spike. A minimum number of eight

flowers per spike are requlred for selling the produce in the national and

internat~onal market.

The method of packing of Orchid flowers depends upon the variety of

flowers. Cymbidlum flowers, for instance, are often packed as 100 flowers in

a box, while Cattaleya flowers are packed in standard florist boxes.

Hawailan Dendrobium variety of Orchid flowers are packed as 14 dozen

sprays per box having a standard size of 75 X 25 X 17.5 cms. The sprays

actually have to be compressed in order to put the 11d on the boxes. When

the flower box is opened In the terminal market, the sprays due to the

special type of packing, spring back to their uncompressed state.

Most of the Orch~d flowers are long lives on the plants, up to 3 or 4 weeks,

cultivators often leave them on the plants until they are needed. When the

flowers are cut. they should be stored wet at 7 to 10 " C for two weeks.

Harvesting periods of Anthurlurn flowers differ from variety to variety. Since

most ot the Anthurium cultlvators grow several varieties of commercial

importance and add many new exotic varieties to their plant stock at

perlodic intervals tt3 meet the changing tastes and preferences of the

consumers, a specific harvesting period generally applicable to Anthurium

flowers is very difficult to obtain. However, the Field Survey carried out

among the Anthurium cultlvators reveals that in the case of 40 per cent of

the cultlvators, November lo Aprll IS the peak perlod of harvesting of flowers.

29 per cent of the Anthurlurn cultivators have reported that July to February

is the peak perlod of their harvesting of flowers. while 17 per cent of them

have reported it as June to September. February to April and September to

May IS reported as ihe peak harvesting periods by 9 per cent and 5 per cent

of the cultrvators respectively

Analysls of the lean harvesting period of Anthurium cultivators indicates that

February to July is the lean period of harvesting of flowers in the case of 33

per cent of the cult~vators. 21 per cent of the cultivators have opined that

June to September IS the lean perlod of their harvesting of flowers, while 19

per cent of them have reported it as August to November. May to July is

reported by 1 7 per cent of the cultivators as their lean period of harvesting.

March to August a n ~ j November to January are reported by 5 per cent each

of the cult~vators.

57 per cent ot the small scale Anthurium cultivators (low-category) have an

average monthly sale ranyrng from 400-500 flowers and in the case of 36

per cent of the medium scale cultivators and 29 per cent of the large scale

cultivators, the average monthly sale during peak periods come to 4,000 to

5.000 flowers and more thanl0. 000 flowers respectively. The Table also

indicates that 19 per cent of the total numbers of cultivators have an

average sale of 400 to 500 flowers per month. 11 per cent of the total

number of cultivators surveyed are reported to have an average sale of

flowers rangrng from 4,000 to 5.000 flowers per month during the peak

perlod, whlle 10 per cent each of the cultlvators are reported to have a

monthly sale ranyiny from 500 to l , 000 flowers, 2,000 to 4,000 flowers, and

10.000 tlowers and above respectively

22 per cent of the total number of Anthurlum cultivators sells 400 to 500

flowers per month, on an average during the lean period, while those who

effect an average sale ranglng from 2,000 to 4,000 flowers and 5,000 to

6,000 flowers per month constitute 17 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

Majority (57 per cent) of the small-scale (low-category) cultivators are

observed to have an averaye monthly sale of 400 to 500 flowers. 36 per

cent of the medlum scale cultivators and 43 per cent of large-scale (high-

category) cultivators have monthly sales ranging from 1,500 to 2,000

flowers and 5,000 to 6.000 flowers respectively.

43 per cent of the srnall - scale Anthurium cultlvators (low-category) have an

average monthly sale ranying from 400-500 plants during the peak period

and in the case of 57 per cent of the medium scale cultivators and 29 per

cent of the large-scale cultlvators, the average monthly sale during these

perrods come to 1,000 to 1.500 plants and 4,000 to 5,000 plants

respectively. The Table also lndlcates that 16 per cent of the total numbers

of cultivators have an average sale of 400 to 500 plants per month. 19 per

cent of the total number of cultivators surveyed are reported to have an

average sale of plants ranglny from 1.000 to 1.500 plants per month during

the peak perlod, while 10 per cent each of the cultlvators are reported to

have a monthly sale ranyiny from 300 to 400 plants. 2,000 to 3.000 plants

and 4,000 to 5.000 plants respectively.

During the lean period. 16 per cent of ihe total number of Anthuriuln

cultivators sell 400 1.0 500 plants per month, on an average, while those who

effect an average :sale ranging from 300 to 400 plants and 500 to 1,000

plants per month constitute 14 per cent each of the total. 36 per cent each

of the small-scale (low-category) cultivators are observed to have an

average monthly sale of 50 to 100 plants and 150 to 200 plants during the

lean period. 43 per cent of the medium scale cultivators and 36 per cent of

the large-scale (high-category) cultivators have a monthly sale ranging from

300 to 400 plants arid 500 to 1.000 plants respectively.

Majority (38 per cent) ot the Anthurium cultivators sell their flowers in the

near by areas. Tho:se who market their flowers out of the state account for

26 per cent of the total. Cultivators who market thelr produce within the

State and those who sell the same within the district represent 19 per cent

and 17 per cent respectively.

52 per cent of the lotal nurnber of Anthurium cultivators sell their plants in

the near by areas while 24 per cent of them market their plants within the

Distrrct. Only 15 per cent uf the cultivators sell their plants outside the

district but withrn the State. The cultivators who are involved in the sale of

plants outside State come to 9 per cent only.

Ranking of preferences ol Anthurium cultivators in the case of sale of

produces in different forrns reveals that Anthurium as cut flowers assume

the first rank (38 per cent), followed by plants (30 per cent), bouquets (22

per cent) and in other forms (10 per cent) such as mother plants, plants, in

flower arrangements .etc.

Ranking of the preferences by the Anthurium cultivators towards agencies in

rnarket~ng the~r produces Indicate that Direct sale to consumers within the

state assume the first rank (26 per cent), followed by Flower marts, Hotels

and other institutions (21 per cent), Cut flower societies (18 per cent), Sale

through agents (17' per cent), Direct sale to Agents in other States (1 1 per

cent) and Direct sales to consumers in other States (7 per cent).

90 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators are able to sell their produce on a

regular basis while 10 per cent of the cultivators are not in a position to

effect sales on a regular bas~s. It is also observed that among such

cultivators, those who find it difficult to sell their produce on a regular basis

are the small - scale cultivaturs.

38 out of the 42 .Anthur~um cultivators surveyed are involved in regular

supply of flowers. This comes about 90 per cent of the total cultivators

coverecl under the study. Among these cultivators, majority (40 per cent) of

them are selling the same on a weekly basis while those who are marketing

the same on a monthly and on a fortnightly basis constitute 29 per cent and

21 per cent respec:tively. Only 10 per cent of the growers are selling the

flowers on an occas~onal bas~s.

45 per cent of the Anthuriu~n cultivators are able to sell the plants only on an

occasional bas~s. 31 per cc:r~t of thern are mak~ng sales on monthly basis,

while 14 per cent of the cultivators who regularly sell their plants are doing

the same on fortnightly basis Cultivators who market their plants on weekly

bass come to only 10 per cent of the total.

In the case of price fixation of Anthurium products, it is observed that

cultivatclrs are the ult~mate f~xers of prices of their plants because in the

case of plants, consumers d~rectly approach the cultivators for their needs.

In case of plants. the risk of unsold stock of plants is also insignificant.

These enable the cultivators in d~recting the puce of the plants.

In majority (57 per cent) of the cases traders play a decisive role in the

f~xation of prices of Anthur~um flowers Other price fixers of Anthurium

flowers are cultivators themselves whlch also account for 29 per cent,

followed by cut flower soc~et~es and middlemen / brokers which constitute 7

per cent and 5 per cent respectively. Consumers are found to have an

insignificant role In the f~xation of prices of Anthurium flowers since they

represent only 2 per cent uf the total.

Rank~ng of the factors deter~nining the price of plants marketed by the

Anthurium cultivators in their order of preferences, indicates that the Extent

of growth of plants (32 per cent) assumes the first rank, followed by Size of

plants including the size of pot (25 per cent), Imported varieties (23 per

cent), Indigenous varieties (13 per cent) and other factors (7 per cent) such

as easy availabil~ty of the plants, reputation of the seller, price of the plants,

demand for flowers from ihe plant sold. low susceptibility of plants to

diseases, etc.

Major factors ir~fluenc~ng the prlce of flowers marketed by the Anthurlum

cultivators, ranked in the~r order of preferences, reveal that the Width of

Spathe assume the first rank (24 per cent), followed by the Stalk length (20

per cent), Angular difference between Spathe and Spadix (14 per cent),

Br~ghtness 1 Colour of Spathe (13 per cent), Shelf l~ fe (13 per cent), Wrinkles

of Spathe ( l 2 per cent) and other factors (4 per cent) llke changes in tastes

and preferences of consumers, seasonal nature of the market, frequency of

ceremonial occasions and Government sponsored programmes, etc.

Malor~ty (81 per c:ent) of the Anthurium growers are not affected by the

seasorlal variations in marketing their products, while those who are

affected by seasonal variations constitute 19 per cent of the total. Small

scale and med~urn scale cultlvators are least affected by the seasonal

variat~ons In marketing the~r produces because a majority of these

categor~es of cultivators have been continuing the marketing of their

produces to local flower ~narls, beauty parlours, persons and firms involved

in flower arrangements, bouquet making, interlor decorations, etc. Hence

they do not face any market~ng problems due to the seasonal variations. But

~n the case of large - scale cultlvators, the market destinations are situated

outs~de the State where there is a wlde fluctuation in the demand for flowers

due to the seasonal varlatlons consequent upon the upsurge in demand for

the flowers durlng the festlve and ceremonial occasions.

Majority (52 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators market their flowers

during the months of Februdry and March. 33 per cent of the growers sell

the flowers during April ant1 May. Only 5 per cent of the cultivators sell the

flowers dur~ng September and December.

It 1s observed that out of 35 cultivators. 66 per cent of cultivators market

thew plants durlng the inonths of June to August and 34 per cent of the

growers sell the flowers dus~ng September and December.

67 per cent of the respondents have opined that they provide technical

assistance to new growers of Anthurium plants, while those who do not give

any sort of technical ass~stance to the new entrants in this field constitute 33

per cent ot the total.

All the large (Hlgh) scale Anthurium cultivators surveyed provide technical

assistance in several ways such as Guidance for cultivation, selection and

supply of plants having hiyh market potential and assistance for the sale of

their plants and flowers. Gu~dance regarding the source of availability of

planting mater~als, dissemination of information pertinent to the Anthurium

cultivation, etc. Some of the small (low) scale and medium scale cultivators

have also been observed as rendering services.

Majority (31 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators earn an average monthly

net Income of less than Hs.5000, while those who get a monthly net

revenue ranging from Rs.5000 to Rs.10, 000 and Rs.,15,000 to Rs. 20,000

accourit for 23 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. Those whose monthly

net income ranges between Rs. 10.000 and Rs. 15.000 represent 12 per

cent 01 the total. while 10 per cent of the cultivators earn a monthly net

income of Rs. 40.000 to 80.000. 5 per cent of the total number of cultivators

gets a monthly net income ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 40,000. Only 5

per cent of the A,nthuriurn cultrvators surveyed get a monthly net income

exceeding Hs 80,000. The Field Investigation also reveals that the income

of the large - scale cultlvators rs very high when compared to medium and

small-scale cultlvators.

In the case of Anthurium flowers the grading is done mainly on the basis of

the size of the spathe. The recommended minimum spathe size of a graded

varrety of Anthurium flower should 8 to 9 centimeters with a stem length of

30 centimeters. The colour and wrinkles of the spathe and the shape of

spathe are also the determining factors in the fixation of prices of flowers.

On the bas~s ot the length of spathe Anthurium flowers are graded into 7

categorres, while on the bas~s of the length as well as width of spathe these

flowers are agaln classified into 7 grades.

The Anthurium flowers fetch a unit value ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 15 and in

exceptional cases these flowers fetch a prlce as high as Rs. 40 as in the

case of exotic super large grade

Flowers of Anthuriums are very sensitive to low temperature. Hence these

flowers are stored wet by traders at 13'C for 2 to 4 weeks. The storage of

flowers below 13" C: cause darkening of spathes. The red coloured cultivars

are v b s e ~ e d to be inore suscept~ble to chilling injury

The world consumption of flor~culture products is estimated to be worth $ 50

billion of which cut flowers c.ontributes nearly 60 per cent and the rest being

live and potted plants

The U.S.. Japarl and Western Europe are the inajor markets as far as the

flowers are concerned. Their consumption alone is expected to reach $ 38

billion by A.D. 2002. There has also been an increase in the per capita

consumption of floricultural products in the developed and developing

countries.

U.S. domestlc production and marketing of Orchlds is widespread, and local

Orchids (mostly Cattleyas) can be tound in all the major wholesale flower

markets of the country.

Thailand, the world's largest producer of dendrobium Orchids, is the biggest

suppller to the Urllted States. Singapore IS the second-largest supplier,

followed by Jamalca. New Zealand and Costa Hica

The top five European Unlon (€U) importing countries of fresh-cut Orchids

are Italy. Germany, the Netherlands. France, and the United Kingdom.

ltaly is the largesit importer of Orchids in Europe while Germany is the

second-largest EU importer of Orchids. The Netherlands remains the largest

supplier to the Gerinan market, followed by Thailand and Singapore.

Thailarid is the world's largest exporter of tropical Orchids, mostly of the

dendrobium varlet!/. Dendroblum Orchids have become synonymous with

Thailand on the world market thanks to the country's capability to perform

advanced research, including tissue propagation; good climate, which

per~nit:; year-round production; Inexpensive labour; and efficient post

harvest handling and transport. Thailand exports Orchids to more than 50

countries, Japan being the major market.

Singapore is attempting to make inroads in to the Orchid industry and

seems to be succeediny, at least in Europe. Singapore has increased its

stake in the European Unlon ~mport market for the last several years.

Singapore also exports large volumes of Orchids to Japan, although exact

figures are not available.

Japan produces several varleties of Orchids but not in great volume to meet

large domestic demand. Japan is estimated to be the world's largest

importer of Orchids, and approximately 600 hectares of land in Thailand,

Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are devoted to producing Orchids

solely for export to Japan.

Anthur~um andreanum is a heart-shaped bract with a vase life of 14 to 28

days. A member ot the Aracneae family, which also includes philodendron,

monsters, and calla lily, Anthurlum is a slow-growlng perennial that requires

shady, humid conditions such as those found in tropical rainforests.

Although Anthuriurn is sold both as a potted plant and as a cut flower, this

bulletin focuses on the cul flower trade, which is much larger than the potted

plant trade. The traded value of Anthurlurn is second only to that of spray

troplcal Orchids among the tropical flowers and the world import market size

for Anthurium is estimated to exceed US$20 million annually.

The U S . production of Anthurium is based on the island of Hawaii where

the area devoted to Anthurlurn product~on in 1994 was 10.8 million sqft

most of whlch wa$, under artificial, as opposed to natural shade. In the last

10 years, the Hawaiian Anthurlum industry has undergone a massive

downsirlng as a result of Anthurlurn blight disease and is only now

begrnnlng to recover. Since 1990, the number of Anthurium farms with sales

of rnore than U S . $ 10,000 has shrunk from 78 to 61 and the area under

product~on has declined by 12 per cent.

The U S , market tor Anthurlurn is domrnated by Hawaii

The European market, especially for high-quality product, is dominated by

the Netherlands. However, Mauritius supplies most of Europe with lower-

priced Anthurium, and Martinique ships product to France. Accordiny to

European importers, Anthurium demand is stable, neither increasing nor

decreasing appreciably. For potential Asian suppliers, ltaly and southern

Europe represent more attractive markets than northern Europe because in

ltaly and southern Europe there is more willingness to buy lower-priced

product.

Colour preferences for Anthurium vary throughout Europe. ltaly has a

marked preference for orange. The rest of the European consumers have

an afflruty towards red, scarlet, and a whole array of pastels from coral pink

to creamy wh~te

Japan imported more than 9 5 mlll~on Anthurlurn stems in 1993, up from 7.8

mill~on the prevlous year Since that time, Imports have increased even

more and show no signs ot slowing clown

Mauritius has emerged as the top supplier of Anthurlurn flowers to Japan It

is estlrnated that Maur~tius now supplies about 5 million stems per year. A

small amount of production of good quality Anthurium also enters from

Malaysia.

Accordlng to Japanese lmporters, there is a need for Hawaiian types

including obakis such as 'Mlckey Mouse," and standard varieties such as

"Ozaki." 'Midorl." arid pastels (other than whlte or yellow), which do not do

well In Maurit~us because uf the cllmate. There is also an Increasing market

demano for Dutch-type large Anthurlurn (obakls as well as pastels).

Accordlng to wholesale market statistics, red 1s the most popular colour for

Anthurium imported into Japan, followed by plnk and white.

Opportunities for exports to Hong Kong of all tropical flowers are expected

to rlse by the year 2002 as the many planned hotels in that country are

expected to cornplete their construction works. Moreover, the

comrnission~ng of the now airport in Hong Kong will also provide

opportunities for brisk trade in Anthuriums, Orchids and other cut flowers in

this country. Opportunities exlst mainly for best quality cut flowers.

Consistent, year-round dellvery in small quantities is important as far as this

country 1s concerned. Currently in Hong Kong, Anthurium (small and extra-

large obakis) 1s available from Mauritius, Hawaii, and the Philippines.

Sinyaporean growers produce Anthurium In Malaysia and export it to other

Aslan and Micldle Eastern countries. There are five big flower trading

wholesale houses in Singapore with a turnover of US$1 million to US$;'

million per year They sell tu the 1.000 retailers in Singapore, but also export

both temperate antl troplcal flowers to Japan. Hong Kong, Taiwc~ri. Dubai,

etc They import frorn Malays~a. Colomb~a, the Netherlands, Australia, New

Zealand. Ecuador, and other countries

The global flor~culture industry with an investment of about US$ 40 billion is

growlng at an annual rate of 10 to 12 per cent. The USA, Japan. Western

Europe and the rnajor markets for the flowers. Besides, Eastern Europe,

South Korea, Thailand ant1 lndones~a are also coming up as large

consuming countries. In the produc~ng countries Netherlands alone enjoys

56 per cent followed by Columbia 11 per cent. Among the floriculture

products major share IS ot ,'cut flowers".

Total annual Import or export trade of cut flowers in the world is estimated at

US$ 4,100 milllon. Of the US$ 3.716.8 millions of imports, the share of

Germany was the highest (30.3 per cent) followed by USA (16.8 per cent),

UK (9.:7 per cent). France (9.7 per cent) and Netherlands (8.4 per cent).

These five countries together shared nearly 75 per cent imports.

Netherlands had the maxlmum share of US $ 2.102.2 million (56.5 per cent)

followed by Colu~nbia (14 1 per cent), Israel (4.2 per cent) together

constituting nearly 75 per cent of world markets export. There is also an

increasing shares of exports from developing countries like Columbia,

Kenya Ecuador. Thailand, dnd Zimbabwe, etc.

lnd~a has also appeared in the world cut flower trade with about 0.3 per cent

share of exports

It is seen that cut flowers 1s the largest group sharing nearly 72 per cent of

the value of flor~cdlture exports from India. This is followed by a group of

foliages. mosses arid plant parts (17.16 per cent), group of rooted cuttings,

mushrooms spawn (9.92 per cent), bulbs, tubes, tuberous roots, rhizomes,

chicory, etc. i 1.05 per cent). Thus the cut flowers, fresh and dried, dominate

flor~culture exports trade of lndia.

lnd~a's floriculture exports have recorded an average annual growth of over

50 per cent dur~ng the past several years. Given the overall global growth in

flor~culture industry, these exporters are likely to record further growth.

According to Bangalore based lnd~an Institute of Horticulture Research

(IIHR) (Divis~on of Ornamental Crops), the global flor~culture trade is

expanding at the rate of 15 per cent per annum, whereas in India, the

annual growth is around 8 per cent. The global trade in cut flowers alone

stands at around $8 billion.

The volume of lnd~an floriculture exports, which stood at 6,420 tons valued

at Rs. 48.43 crore in 1999-2000, has increased to 9,375 tons valued at Rs.

56.43 crore. T h ~ s represents at? Increase of 46.03 per cent in 2000-01 in

terms of volume ot export and 16.52 per cent in terms of the value of export

of flor~culture products, when compared to the previous year.

India's floriculture exports are ma~nly to countries like Spain, Canada, Japan

and Egypt, but flor~culture exporters complete with severe competition room

countries like Ecuador. Kenya. Zimbabwe. Columbia and Thailand.

The total area under florrculture c:ultivation 1s placed around 34.000 hectares

of which over 300 hectares are exclusively under export activities carried on

by some 153 export oriented units. More than Rs. 900 crore has already

been invested in IntJia's tloriculture activities.

There are more than 153 floriculture export oriented units in lndia located

mostly in Pune, Bangalore. Nasik. Thiruvananthapuram and Cochin. The

Cocnin International Airport at Nedumbassery has given an impetus to the

floriculture trade in Oochin.

lndia lags behind in cold chaln facilities for the storage of fresh cut flowers.

Cola chains are important to move flowers from the production points to the

wholesaler, to the airpoits. to the air craft and finally to the importing

markets

The metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Calcutta consumes

more than 1.5 lakhs cut flowers per day. "Mumbaikars require around

50.000 cut flowers daily. By 2005. this figure will be more than one lakhs.

The auctlon centre in Bangalore IS claimed to be making a fast progress. It

has registered a sharp increase both in volume and values.

Roses are the main cut flowers sold at this Flower Auction Centres (FAC) in

addition to others like gerberas, carnations, gladioli and Orchids.

lnternet has opened doors of e-trade for floriculture. Karuturi.com Ltd.,

Rosebazar.com, etc.. give vital details of the flora trade. Rosebazar.com is

delivered to the buyer's doorstep anywhere in the world within two hours of

purchasg;..

Iri order to promote floriculture in lndia, the Chennai branch of Indian

Overseas Bank (106) has launched the Agri, business Consultancy

Services (ABC Services).

Consumption of cut flowers in lndia has risen by 11 per cent since 1985.

The Indian flor~culture industry is a more recent development. Floriculture

exports from lndra :started in 1990. The red revolution came with the help of

Dutch consultants who se~zed the opportunity for selling the expertise,

greenhouse technology and especially the planting material. The Israelis

came with ultra modern hl-tech technology in irrigation, and fertigation

system!j and they claimed to run floriculture as an industry and not as

conventional agriculture. Thrs resulted in a spurt in floriculture units in lndia,

so-much-so-that there are more than 153 export-oriented units covering

more than 300 hectares of area.

lndia has achieved the distrnction of being the biggest supplier to Japan.

Investments worth rnore than Rs. 600 crore have already been made in this

sector over the last six years lndian exports have shown an increase of 25

per cent in the last f~ve years

lndia has recently opened new markets for exports in the CIS countries,

Australia (in summer), the Middle East, Russia and the Scandinavian

countries. The country is also making in roads into the US market. Flower

exports from Bangalore alone have reached 1.000 tons. Development of

infrastructure. adoption of rlght technology, diversification in different

product-mix, new cold storage terminals at major airports like Delhi,

Mumbai. Bangalore, Ainr~tsar and Guwahati, coupled with proper

understanding of financial institutions will certainly help India to capture the

fast growing international market of Rs. 70,000 crore.

There is an array of problems. both in production and marketing, faced by

the cut flower growers in Kerala. The Field lnvest~gation reveals that the

tissue culture labs involved in the in vitro propagation of Orchids and

Anthurlurns and the cut flower traders face several problems. The Orchid

and Anthurium cultvators are also not free from production and marketing

problems.

High cost of chemicals, hormones and other nutrients is one of the major

production problems faced by the Biotechnology labs in Kerala. In vitro

propagation requires a wide range of costly chemicals, hormones and

nutrients like lndol Acet~c Acid. Thiamine-HCL, Glycine, Pyridoxine, etc.

Some of these chemicals and nutrients are imported and as such their costs

are also very h~gh which in turn makes the in vitro propagation a costly

affair.

High cost of electric~ty is the second major problem faced by tissue culture

labs in the State Most ot the equipments and accessories like Laminar Air

Flow Hood, Autoclave, Water still. Air conditioner. Tube lights, etc. require

high consumption of electric~ty. The department of industries has not been

able to make nec:essary steps requlred for providing electricity at a

concessional rate, even ihoirgh biotechnology has been declared by the

government as one of the thrust areas for attaining the sustainable local

area development.

Lack of technical advice and expertise is another important problem faced

by the biotechnology labs in the State. In vitro propagation often requires

highly skilled and research - oriented technicians at various stages of micro

propagation. Slight carelessness from the part of technicians often results in

high degree of contaminat~on in the culture and growth room. The type of

problem at each stage may also differ. This often makes the process of

experiments a difficult one.

m High rate of contarnmation 1s the next problem in order of the severity of

problems faced by the tissue culture labs. The process of in vitro

propagation is always subjected to various sorts of Fungal and bacterial

contamiriation. The changes in climatic condition, preparation of media in

unhygienic conditions, unrestricted entry of employees in the culture and

growth room, use of unsterilised and partially sterilised devices, frequent

failure of power, improper fumigation, reuse of old flasks etc. often results in

high rate of contamination and consequent losses of plantlets at various

stages of growth.

Lack of h~gh yielding disease resistant plants is the next problem confronted

by the units ~nvolved in in vitro propagation of Orchid and Anthurium

plantlets. High y~elding disease resistant mother plants are inevitable for

ensuring the quality of the in vitro propagated Orchid and Anthurium

plantlets identification of hiyh-yielding, disease resistant plants and plants

providing exotic flowers havlng high unit value realization in the international

market is often very (Jifficult and crucial for the entrepreneurs involved in the

in vitro propagation of Orchid and Anthurium plants. Often they need the

scientific support of the individuals and institutions involved in research

works on various aspects such as production, pest and disease

management and n~arketiny of Orchids and Anthurlums. Identification of

imported varieties arid indiyenous varieties are often very difficult. Failure in

the identification of good quality mother plants for the purpose of in vitro

propagation always lead to huge losses by way of contamination and poor

quality plantlets having low market potential.

Handl~n(g problems due to small size of plantlets is another problem

constraining the Biolechnology labs. The size of in vitro propagated plantlets

is very small when compared to the naturally propagated plants. The size of

plants will be even :;maller at the ex-agar and net pot stages. Hence careful

handlin~j, packing and transportation become essential. Otherwise these

tender and tiny plar~tlets wlil be damaged in transit. 5 to 10 per cent of the

plantlets are lost in this way leading to the escalation of the cost.

Capital intensity of ihe unit also makes the entrepreneurs reluctant to w e s t

more funds for the technolog~cal up gradations, innovations in their projects

and research and developmental activities for quallty up gradat~ons In vltro

propagation is generally a capital-intensive project and it also requlres

certain degree of sk;ill, competence and research orientation from the part of

the management a:; well as the employees. Some of the equipments used

are imported and the technology required is also not indigenous.

Lack of alternat~ve indigenous technology is yet another production problem,

which hinders the b~otechnology labs in Kerala. Lack of alternative

indigenous technology with regard to the equipments and accessories and

also the chemicals and hormones is yet another problem confronting the

biotechriology labs in the State. Hence the cost of production often becomes

high and the entrepreneurs involvetl in the mass multiplication of these

plants will not be in a position to market their plantlets at competitive prices.

Biotechnology labs, especially of small and medium sizes are also facing

several marketing problems. Lack of awareness from the part of consumers

is the most important marketing problem confronted by the biotechnology

labs in the State. Even in Kerala people think that in vitro propagated Orchid

and Anthuriurn plants are inferior in quality and highly susceptible to

diseases when compared to the naturally propagated plants.

Infrastructure facilities like adequate supply of power, transportation and

other facilities are highly essential for the timely marketing of the plantlets.

SS1 ilnits located in far off places from the market find it very difficult for

marketing the plantlets produced by them.

Paucity of funds for expansion is another problem faced by the

b~otechnology labs iin Kerala. Biotechnology labs are capital intensive. Huge

capital is requirecl for tec:hnological up gradation. But small-scale

biotechnology labs always tace a problem of mobilising funds for future

expansion Negl~gence from the part of banks and other financial instltut~ons

also makes it d~fflcult to mobillse funds for future expansion

Lack of coordinating agency to give market support IS yet another problem

faced by the blotechnology labs in the State Lack of technical support and

ass~stance from various Governmental and other agencies for efficient,

marketing and selling ot hi-tech horticultural products like orchids and

Anthurlurns 1s yet another problem constraining the small scale bio-

technology labs In the State.

Ranking of the production problems faced by the Orchid growers in the

order of their gravity reveals that Hlgh cost of plants is the most important

problem faced by them ( I I per cent). Non-availability of high yielding plants

assume the second rank (15 per cent) in the order of the severity, followed

by non availability of disease resistant planting materials (13 per cent), High

cost of plant protectors ( l 2 per cent). Attack of pests, fungal and bacterial

diseases (1 1 per cent), lack of tralning regarding the selection of high

yielding plants and agronomic practices (10 per cent), Permanent shedding

of flower buds (9 per cent). Stunted growth of spikes (7 per cent), High cost

of medlum (3.5 per cent) and h~gh cost of maintenance (3 per cent)

respectively.

Rankin!> of the d~seases in order of their gravity reveals that Leaf Blight is

the d~sease, which severely aftects the Orchid Plants grown by the

cultivators (24.26 per cent) Collar Blotch disease assumes the second rank

in order of severity (23.27 per cent). followed by Leaf Spot (21 . l 1 per cent),

Flower Bl~ght (10.85 per cent), Bacter~al Rot (10.65 per cent) and

Anthracnose (9.86 per cent)

Other fungal d~seases observed to be affect~ng the Orch~d Plants are

Hydrothorax beachfront, Fiower rusty spot, Carpospores leaf yellow blotch,

Phyllotccata leaf yellowing. Fusarium Wilt, Selerotium rot, Black leg, Heart

rot. Root rot, etc.. and the bacterial diseases, though unknown, including

Bacterial Bulb rot. Brown rot and Oncidium yellow.

Ranking of the main diseases affecting the Orchid plants in the order of their

grav~ty reveals that snails are the pests which grievously affect the plants

(22 per cent), followed by other pests and insects like Orchid weevils (18

per cent). Soft-scales (15 per cent), Spider mltes (13 per cent) Mealy bugs

(1 1 per cent). Aphids (9 per cent), Thrips (8 per cent) and Grass hopper (4

per cent).

Other pests and insects attacking the Orchid Plants, as observed during the

investigation, include Armyworms, Slugs, Caterpillars, Nematodes and Rose

beetles.

The field invest~gation reveals that none of the Anthurium cultivators is free

from productton problems. The Anthurium cultivators in the State face an

array of problems. The problems face by them in order of their severity is

d~scussed subsequently.

Rank~ng of the production problems faced by the Anthurium growers the

order of the~r gravity reveals that High cost of plants is the most important

problem faced by them (16.18 per cent). Non-availability of high yielding

plants assume the second rank (15.44 per cent) in the order of the severity.

followed by hrgh rate of Investments (12.75 per cent), difficulties in

identifying differeni. varietres at the time of purchase (1 1.52 per cent), non

availabrlity of d~sease resistant plants (11.48 per cent), plant diseases

(1 1 4 4 per cent), lack of training (7.43 per cent), lack of knowledge in

planting (5.98 per c:ent), high cost of maintenance (5.1 per cent) and attack

of pests and insect!; (2.68 per cent).

Ranking of the diseases in order of their gravity indicates that Root rot (35.6

per cent) is the disease, whrch severely affects the Anthurium plants grown

by the cultivators. Leaf Blight (28.2 per cent) drsease assumes the second

rank rn order of severity, followed by Leaf Spot (22.4 per cent) and Collar

Blotch (13.8 per cent).

Ranking of the main diseases affecting the Anthurium plants in the order of

therr gravity reveals that Snarls are the pests which grievously affect the

plants (18.35 per cent), followed by other pests and insects like Mealy Bugs

(13.61 per cent). Rodents (11.24 per cent). Thrips (10.92 per cent),

Grasshopper (10.80 per cent), Wasps (10.11 per cent), Caterpillar (8.36 per

cent), Mites (6.37 per cent), Black Colour Insects (5.43 per cent) and Spider

Mite (4.81 per cent).

Majority (93 per cent) of the Orchid cultivators confront several marketing

problems; 7 per cer~t of the cultrvators s u ~ e y e d do not face any marketing

problems. Large - scale cultiv;ltors of Orchid have permanent arrangements

of their own w~thrn and outsrde the State for the marketing of their produce.

Majority of the Med~um - scale cultivators are also observed as capable of

supplying the required quantity ol flowers to the flower marts and

consumers and other agencies on a regular basis. Besides these some of

them are involved in other allied businesses like flower arrangements,

bouquet rnak~ng, beauty (rarlor etc. Hence these two categories of

cult~vators do not face any marketing problem at all. But in the case of small

scale . i t is very difficult to find procuring agencies, make negotiations with

traders, with regard to fixing of prices for their flowers, heterogeneity of the

variety of flowers, inability to supply required quantity as and when the need

arises, and the absence of economies of scale inherent to these categories

of cultivators etc.

Rankin!] of the marketing problems faced by the Orchid cultivators in the

State on the basis of analys~s indicates that Lack of procuring agencies is

one of the grievous probierns faced by them (13.99 per cent). Inadequate

market information is the second important problem (12.55 per cent) faced

by the Orchld cultivators followed by Lack of technology to keep the

freshness of flowers (1 1.51 per cent). Delay in payment of sale proceeds

(10.51 per cent), Erratic fluctuations in price (9.94 per cent), Lack of

propaganda trom the part of the Government (9.75 per cent), High rate of

damages in trans~t 17-12 per cent). Lack of infrastructure facilities (6.194 per

cent). Frequent emergence of new hybrid varieties (5.41 per cent), Frequent

changes in the tastes and preference of consumers (5.07 per cent), High

cost ot packing (4.97 per cent) and Other (~roblems (2.18 per cent) like

iriaccessibility to market, insufficient involvement by the Co-operative sector

in the procurement and rnarket~ng of flowers and plants, Lack of awareness

among the consurners regarding the availability of flowers and plants and

theii proper use.

Majority (73 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators confront several

marketing problems, while 27 per cent of the cultivators surveyed do not

face ariy marketing problems. Large - scale cultivators of Anthurium have

permanent arrangements of their own within and outside the State for the

marketing of the~r produce. Majority of the Medium - scale cultivators are

also observed as capable of supplying the required quantity of flowers to the

flower marts and consumers and other agencies on a regular basis. Besides

these, some of them are ~nvoived in other allied businesses like flower

arrangements, bouquet making. beauty parlor etc. Hence these two

categories of cultivators do not face any marketing problem at all. But in the

case of the small scale . it is very difficult to find procuring agencies, make

negotiations w~th 'traders. with regard to fixing of prices for their flowers,

heterogeneity of the var~ety of flowers, inab~lity to supply required quantity

as and when the need arises. and the absence of economies of scale

inherent to these categorces of cultivators, etc.

Ranking of the marketing problems faced by the Anthurium cultivators in the

State on the basis of analysis indicates that Lack of procuring agencies is

one ot the gr ievo~~s problem faced by them (13.64 per cent). Inadequate

market ~nforrnatiori is the second ~nlporlant problem (1 1.69 per cent) faced

by the Anthurlurn cultivators followed by Erratic fluctuations in price (9.35

per cent), High cost of packlng (9.16 per cent), Frequent emergence of new

hybrid varieties (8.66 per cent), High rate of damages in transit (8.22 per

cent), Lack of techrlology to keep the freshness of flowers (8.07 per cent),

Frequent changes in the tastes and preferences of consumers (7.98 per

cent), Delay in payment of sale proceeds (7.63 per cent), Lack of

propaganda from the part of the Government (7.13 per cent),Lack of

infrastructure facilities (5.64 per cent), Other problems (2.18 per cent) like

inaccessibility to market, insufficient involvement by the Co-operative sector

11- the procurement and marketing of flowers and plants, Lack of awareness

among the consurners regarding the availability of flowers and plants and

their proper use.

B. SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:

Following are the suggestions and recommendations based on the

findings of the study;

Good quality Orchid and Anthurium plants must be imported through the

Kerala Horticultural Development Corporation and necessary arrangements

must also be made by the Government to supply these planting materials to

the cut flower growers in Kerala at a reasonable rates.

An Intensive awareness campaign should be launched all over the State

with the assistance and co-operation of Krishi Bhavans to make the people

aware of the ecol~omic benefits, therapeutic values and the scope for

marketing of various value-added products out of orchid and Anthurium

plants.

Efforts should be taken by the Kerala Horticultural Development Corporation

for imparting tra~ning programmes regarding the method of selection of

exotic variet~es of orchids and Anthuriums having good commercial

prospects in the international market.

Audio - visual programmes should be arranged by the Government with the

help of local bodies at the Grama Panchayat. Municipal and Corporation

levels to attract more people towards the cultivation of orchids and

Anthuriums through the adoption of scientific cultivation practices, packing

procedures, innovative marketing strategies, etc.

Efforts should be taken by the Government to establish District Level

Information Centres of the Kerala Horticultural Development Corporation to

cater to the procurement and marketing needs of the cut flower growers in

the State.

Cost of electricity c~snstitutes one of the major components of the variable

costs incurred for the in vitro propagation of Orchid and Anthurium plants in

tissue culture laboratories. Even i f biotechnology and hi-tech agriculture is

declarecl by the Government of Kerala as one of the thrust areas for

development during the Tenth F~ve Year Plan, no positive steps have so far

been taken by the Government in this regard. Hence. immediate steps

should be taken by the Government to provide electricity at subsidised rates

to the bio-technology labs ~nvolved in the in vitro propagation, especially of

Orch~ds and Anthuriums wh~ch have high export demand in the international

market

Low cost production methods such as the use of plated coconut leaves for

shading and for the construction of sheds for the purpose of acclimatisation

of Orchid and Anthurium plants should be popularised for reducing the fixed

cost to a great extent.

Coconut husks and trenches act as an effective and low cost substitute of

clay pots for growing Orch~d and Anthurium plants. Use of coconut husks

not only enable the cultivators to reduce the cost of pot by Us. 15 to Us. 20

per plant but also will help to reduce the cost of medium to a great extent.

Besides these, hanging of coconut husks with plants will yield better results

rather than placing them on Iron stands, frames and concrete boxes. Hence

these types of low cost cultivation practices should be popularised,

especially among the cultivators of Orchids.

Steps should be taken by the Govt. to popularise the adoption of low cost

cultrvation of Orchids and Anthur~ums in coconut husks, coir pith, wood

shav~ngs, chips and allied products which are ~ndigenous and cheaply

available because these w~l i be highly suited to Kerala, where the available

area of cultivation of trees and plants have been shrinking day by day.

These methods and technrques can successfully be adopted especially in

the case of Dendrob~um. Phalaenopsis. Cattleya, variet~es of Orchids and

selected Andreanurn var~et~es of Anthuriums.

Planting of Orchlds and Anthuriums in clay pots and keeping the same on

terraces and grounlj will Increase the possibility of the attack of snails, scale

insects thrips, slugs, etc. Method of hanging of plants in coconut husks, in

clay and plastlc pots will considerably reduce the attack of the above said

pests and insects. Hence this method of growing Orchid and Anthurium

plants should be popular~sed among the cultivators.

Application of low cost natural fertilisers such as cow-dung, neem powder,

coconut water, tender coconut water, cattle urine, etc. instead of the

chemical fertilisers should be adopted for high yields and less costly

recurring expenses.

Cottage unlts capable of producing various low cost bio-fertilisers,

chemicals, nutrients and hormones should be established with the help of

the Dept. of Industries in the State for ensuring the supply of these materials

at low rates to the needy cultivators who always resort to costly chemical

fertilisers, imported micro arid macro nutrients, etc.

Tissue culture labs should be established at the Block level or in selected

academlc institution, utilislny the technical expertise of teachers, to act as

the maln centres of mass multiplication and distribution of exotic varieties of

Orchlds and Anthurlums at reasonable rates to the needy farmers.

New schemes should be adopted by the Government through the Kerala

Horticultural Development Corporation to supply high quality imported

Orchld and Anthurium plants :it a subsidised rate to the cultivators.

More Orchid and Anthurium clubs should be established in the co-operative

sector to supply plants at a reasonable cost.

Field assistants and demonstrators should be appointed in Krishi Bhavans

to glve necessary informat~on to the cultivators regarding the methods of

cultivation, pests and d~sease management, packing, grading, etc. with

regard to pests and diseases.

Short term courses covering specialised practices such as hybridisation, low

cost In vitro propagation of Orchid and Anthurium plants, techniques for

development of hybr~d plants, method of selection of high yielding plants,

measures to be adopted for the control pests and diseases, etc. should be

conducted in the .Agricultural Universities in Kerala for popularising the

cultivation of Orchid and Anthurium plants.

People should be rnade aware of the multiple uses of flowers such as the

use of Orchlds and Anthur~ums in the form of cut flowers, bouquets, dried

flowers, inter~or decoration, etc.. by conducting competitions and exhibitions

at various Grama Fanchayat levels during festive occasions like Onam and

Christmas w~ th the 120-operat~on of the Dept. of Tourism.

Mini stalls tor the rnarkel~ng of Orchids and Anthurium flowers and plants

should be opened at the two international airports and in the main railway

stations in Kerala w~th the co-operat~on and assistance of the Government

and the cut flower growers i cut flower societies in the concerned localities.

Orchid and Anthurium flower marts should be opened near hospitals,

temples and churches w~th the assistance of the local bodies with a view to

piov~de self-employment to the educated unemployed, physically

handicapped persons and indiv~duals froin economically weaker sections of

the community

Schemes should be launched by the Government for the door delivery of

exotic and high quality Orchid and Anthurium flowers as well as plants

with~n 24 hours anywhere in lndia and subsequently to out side lndia by

opening E-flower inarts al selected centres in Kerala on an experimental

basis.

Orchids have high medicinal values. Hence steps should be taken by the

Government to carry out researches in the leading Ayuwedic institutions

and Research institutes in Kerala to explore the therapeutic values of

differerit varieties of Orch~ds including the wild Orchids available in plenty in

the Western Ghats of the State.

Books and brochures dealing w~th the low cost mass multiplication

techniques, cultivation techn~ques, pest management, identification of plants

and flowers having high export potential, methods of development of

various value-added items. etc.. on Orch~ds and Anthuriums should be

brought out in Malayalam language by the Government in co-operation with

the Agricultural Uri~vers~ties, Research centres, Colleges and Cut flower

growers having several years of field experience. It will no doubt help to

adopt the cultlvat~on of these cut flowers even by the traditional cultivators

as a source of addit~onal Income.

01ch1d and Anthurlum clubs should be started in all the schools and

colleges in the State as part of the~r curr~culum. It will not only help to

popuiar~se the cultivat~on of these plants but also will create an awareness

among the youngsters w~th respect to thls rnnovative and non traditional

method of cult~vat~on.

Vanrlla has tremendous scope to be developed as a new plantation crop.

Since the developed countries are sh~ftlng towards natural Vanilla, the

global demand for the same has been ever increasing. New technologies

such as ~n wtro propagatron of hrgh yreldlng clones of Van~lla should be

popularised rn the State and a few dynam~c growers would hopefully set the

trend through the establ~shment of Vanllla plantat~ons as a v~able alternative

source of employment.

Co-operative cut flower procurement societies should be established at the

Grarna Panchayat levels for ensuring fair prices to the growers of Orchids

and Anthuriums a r~d to glve sufficient information with regard to the

marketing of these flowers. The Government should take necessary steps

for the procurement and marketing of Orchid and Anthurium flowers from

such CO-operat~ve societies

The societies orgarilsed at the Grama Panchayat levels must fix some

grades for the flowers. so that prlclng policies can be fixed on the basis of

grading. The Government should f ~ x a reasonable price for each grade.

Thus a uniform prlce can be maintained, which w~l l prevent price fluctuation.

E:,tablishment of C:o-operative procuring agencies at the Grama Panchayat

levels will also avold the exploitation of intermediaries to a great extent.

The current i-narket prlce of Orchid and Anthurium flowers must be

published in leading periodicals and other audio-visual media along with the

market price of agricultural produces

Inter-state market should be exploited by introducing value-added products

like bouquets, garlands, varluus methods of flower arrangements, etc.

An Aromatic industr~al unit in the public sector should be established in the

State to utilise certain exotlc species of Orchids and Anthuriums.

Efforts should be taken by the Government to popularise those varieties of

Orchids and Anthurlums, which do not require land for its cultivation such as

Dendrobium, Phalaenops~s and Vanda variety of Orchids and selected

Andreanum var~eties of Anthuriums, which are ideally suited to a state like

Kerala

Aggressive export measures should be adopted for the large - scale export

of Orchid and Anthurium flowers and plants to foreign countries by utilising

the fac~lities available al the International Airports at Cochin and

Thiruvananthapuranl

Immediate steps should be taken by the Government to provide subsidised

a~rfrelght to the exporters of Orchids and Anthuriums.

Flower arrangements in private as well as Government institutions should

be popularised by the Government in association with other agencies for

creating an increased aesthetic sense among the people of Kerala.

Assistance should be extended by the Government for organising periodic

Orchid and Anthurium flower shows by cut flower societies in selected

centres all over Kerala.

The educated unemployed youth should be given training programmes in

production and marketing of Orchids and Anthurium flowers besides

imparting trainlng for making bouquets, dried flowers, etc.

Efforts should be taken by the local bodies for the setting up of sales outlets

at petrol bunks, rnedical shops, hospitals, book stalls, vegetable and

provisional shops, etc. for the marketing of Orchids and Anthurium flowers.

Research should be carried out to develop new indigenous hybrid varieties

instead of importing and popularising the patented foreign varieties.

Auction centres should be opened in selected centres in Kerala. Karnataka

Agro Industrial Corporation is interested in opening their sub auction centres

in Kerala. Hence the Government should take initiative in this regard.

Genuine cultivator:; of Orchid and Anthurium plants should be given

membership in cut flower societies to ensure healthy trading practices and

in ensuring the popularisat~on of high quality export varieties of Orchid and

Anthurium plants among the cultivators.

Adequate infrastructure facilities like refrigerated transport vehicles and

containers, fac~litates for quick customs clearance. easy availability of

imported packing ~laterials, etc. must be provided by the Government for

enhancing the volunie of expurt of Orchid and Anthurium flowers.

Art-angements should be rnade through Krishi Bhavans for the easy

ava~lability of insecticides. funglcides and bactericides to the cultivators of

Orchids and Anthuriums foi- the effective and timely control of insects, fugal

and bacterial diseases affecting these plants.

Cut flowers marketed to the North Indian states during the months of April

and May cannot withstand the scorching heat and as such their vase lives

will also be reduced to a considerable extent. This often results in a sluggish

demand for cut flo'wers 111 North Indian states during this period. Hence

alternative marketing strategies should be evolved to tide over this situation

and in maintaining a steady market for the cut flowers like Orchids and

Anthuriums marketed from Kerala during this period.

Government should take initiative to develop a co-operative marketing

channel for ensurlng fair prlces to Orchid and Anthurium flowers produced in

Kera~a.

A Directory containing the details of tissue culture laboratories involved in

the mass multiplication of Orchids and Anthuriums, cultivators and traders

and auction centres in India should be brought out by the Government as

part of popularising the cultivat~on of Orchids and Anthuriums.

Self Help Groups should be organised all over the State at the Grama

Panchayat levels to equip various women groups in taking up different

activities startlng from in v ~ l r o propagation of Orchid and Anthurium plants to

the marketing of the flowers. Proper arrangements should also be made at

the block levels for i~nterlinklng and monitoring these units for the successful

implementation of such a scheme in the State.

Compliance of strict quarantine procedures should be followed in the case

of imported varieties Orchids and Anthuriurns plants for the effective control

of diseases and pesls.

A gene bank should be established in any one of the Agricultural

Universities In Kerala for the protection and preservation of the wild and

indigenous variet~es of Orchids and Anthuriums having high commercial

prospects and those variet~es. whlch are on lhe verge of extinction.

The Government should evolve a mechanism for labeling and certification of

the planting materials whereby each and every biotechnology lab and

cultivator involved In the mass multiplication or cultivation and sale of Orchid

and Anthurlurn plants should adhere to certain minimum quality parameters

to ensure competittveness at the tnternational level.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

The Government of Kerala is more concerned about the crisis

prevailing In the agr~cultural sector on account of the sharp decline in the prices of

major agricultural commodiiies over the past few years. The decline in prices has

been aggravated further due to the trade liberalization consequent upon the

W.T.O. agreements. The conditions prevailing in the State are also such that there

is only a limited scope for expansion of the agricultural crops, especially the cash

crops due to the non-ava~labil~ty ol land holdings. Popularisation of the cultivation

of cut flowers which have bright trade prospects In the international market will be

an ideal strategy to t~de over this catastrophic situation prevailing in the State and

to create more avenues of employment. The state of Kerala is bestowed with the

agro-climatlc conditions most congenial to the cultivation of cut flowers like Orchids

and Anthuriums when compared to any other state in the country.

The revolutionary changes that have been taking place all over the world in

the sphere of bio-technology and information technology can easily be introduced

to a state like Kerala whore there is large number of unemployed people with high

level of literacy, availability of the modern infrastructure facilities, positive attitude

of the people for the qulck adaptation of innovative ideas and technologies..

Through the establishment of hlgh-tech bio-technology labs capable of

evolving and mass multiplying exotic hybrid varieties of Orchids and Anthuriums

ideally su~ted to the state of Kerala and having high unit value realization in the

export market out of the indigenous and imported varieties, the Government can

popularize the cultivat~on and export of these money spinning plants and flowers

from the small and fragmented holdings of land in the State where the cultivation of

traditional commercial crops have proved to be uneconomic.

The efforts taken by the Government of Kerala in evolving strategies for the

linking of the activities of Self Help Groups, formed throughout the State as part of

the People's Planning Programme, with the floriculture development schemes will

also facilitate to bring about a revolutionary change in the popularisation of cut

flowers, especially Orchids and Anthuriums. The exotic and new hybrid varieties

evolved and mass multipiled in tht: tissue culture laboratories with the efforts of

these S(:lf Help Groups will not only cater to the ever increasing domestic demand

but also will contribute significantly to the national exchequer by way of foreign

exchange earnings due to its Increased competitiveness in the international

market.

Setting up of agrl-export zone in Kerala in collaboration with APEDA along

with the marketing infrastructure such as cold chains and auction centres in

association with the Kerala State Horticulture Development Corporation, as part of

the Tenth Five Year Plan, will also help to flourish the cut flower industry in the

State. The high prior~ty accorded by the Government of Kerala to Biotechnology

and informat~on technology w~ l l also accelerate the floriculture development

programmes in the State.

In future the focus of the Government of Kerala will be on

disseminating ~nformat~on and technology rather than providing material inputs. In

this context the development of Orchids and Anthuriums as an important source of

foreign exchange earnings assumes wide policy implications.

FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, SUGGESTIONS AND …shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/6369/18/18_chapter 9.pdf · The traded value of Anthuriurn is second only to that of spray tropical

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