Floriculture in Himachal Pradesh

A pretty cosmos flowe
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Koshy Koshy

 The Hills Bloom With Flowers

The nature had bestowed Himachal Pradesh with abundant scenic beauty. Surrounded by such natural grandeur, it is obvious that the inhabitants have developed a deep sense of affections for flowers. The abundance of several varieties of flowers especially in the tribal areas has encouraged the people to interweave their aesthetic sense with cultural traditions.

In view of the most suitable climatic conditions prevailing in Himachal Pradesh, a humble beginning was made to promote and popularize floriculture in the state in the early 60’s of the 20th century. In 1966 the floriculture which was a small wing of agriculture department at Mashobra near Shimla was separated and merged with horticulture department. Initially the floriculture wing restricted its activities to providing flower material like the seedlings, bulbs, corns, saplings, seeds and plants etc., to private growers and institutions.

Although the concept of commercializing floriculture in an organized manner was introduced in the mid 80’s, and the first move in the direction was made in 1976. The yeat witnessed as the setting up of the first flower nursery at Parwanoo. The nursery soon emerges as a leading flowr center of Himachal Pradesh. Set up to cater the needs of flower growers in the lower Shivalik hills, the nursery expanded its area of operation to Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by J M Garg
The plants, seeds, sapling etc., produced at the flower nursery found a rich market in the industrial township of Parwanoo and Baddi. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Housing Urban Development Authority (HUDA) at Haryana were attracted to the flowers and the flower materials coming out of the nursery.

Another flower nursery came up at Mahogbag near Chail in the mid 70’s, and hence the gladiolus variety was introduced. The corns and bulbs of the flower were imported from Netherland, Sikkim and Darjeeling.

The numerous varieties of gladiolus soon found acceptance among the private growers. The cultivation of the off season cut flowers was taken up on commercial basis. Scores of private nurseries of gladiolus sprang up in Chail, Junga, Dharampur, Matiana, Rohru and Thane-Dhar. At present there are about 40 growers of gladiolus in Solan district alone. The total annual income from the sale of the off season cut flowers is estimated at about 5 lakh.

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Koshy Koshy

The plantation of the off season cut flowers in Himachal Pradesh is done during February and March and the crop is ready in 60 days. In some areas the flowers are even grown during the rainy season. Thus the off season flowers are available in the metropolitan cities from May to September. On the other hand in the plains the plantation of these flowers is done in September and October.

The per bigha average of gladiolus varies between 5 to 20,000 plants depending on factors like agri-climatic conditions conditions, management and maintenance etc. The per bigha income of this flower ranges between rupees 15000 to 25000.

Since the off season cut flowers are a perishable items so their marketing is as tedious as cultivation. They should therefore be grown on the lands adjacent to or near the highways where adequate irrigation facilities are available. The flower must reach the market within 24 hours of being plucked.

The floriculture in Himachal Pradesh is not restricted to growing of only a handful of varieties of flowers. The floriculture department has therefore embarked upon almost all the activities relating to promotion and commercialization of floriculture on one or the other way.

While seasonal flowers like marigold, pansy antirrhinum, lupin, petunia, larkspur, godetia, salvia, aster etc., are being grown in several government owned nurseries. The trees like alstomia, gulmohar, silver oak, poplars, tilia and chinar etc., too are being raised.

The shrubs like bougainvillea, hydrangea, syringa, snowball, spirea and azellia- jasmine are also quite popular. Other commercial plants include lilies, begonia and iris etc.

The Palampur and Kullu valleys are considered as most suitable for the cultivation of flowers. Efforts are on to set up flower centers in these areas. However a flower nursery has already been set up in Kullu. In all there are over nine flower centers under the control and supervision of the Horticulture department. Carnation a popular variety of flowers was introduced in late 80’s. The flower has a substantial market and is gaining prominence among the private growers. In addition to this, the potential for the aromatic plants like marigold, roses etc. for oil extraction is also being explored.

Holding of flower shows is a regular annual feature. Such shows have been quite successful in generating the awareness and aesthetic sense among the flower lovers.

The Horticulture and Forestry University near Nauni in Solan district  and the CSIR complex near Palampur are engaged in research activities on flowers. A greenhouse built by the CSIR near Palampur is also helping in the further research. This complex has helped to increase the production of flowers in a big way.
The expansion of floriculture activities is likely to go a long way in enriching the scenic grandeur and curbing the environmental degradation in the beautiful hill state.

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