The HS code for floriculture is 0601 or 0603.
The Growing Floriculture Industry in India
Introduction
The government of India has recognized floriculture as a sunrise industry, granting it 100% export-oriented status. With a consistent rise in global demand for flowers, this sector has become a significant commercial trade within agriculture. Commercial floriculture is evolving into a high-tech industry, primarily conducted in controlled environments like greenhouses. This shift signifies that floriculture is not just a local endeavor but a promising avenue for exports.
A High-Growth Industry
Floriculture in India is regarded as a high-growth industry with significant export potential. The liberalization of industrial and trade policies has fostered the development of export-oriented production, particularly in cut flowers. The new seed policy has further facilitated the import of planting materials from international varieties, enhancing the quality and diversity of Indian floriculture products. It has been established that commercial floriculture has a higher yield potential per unit area compared to most traditional field crops, making it a lucrative business opportunity for entrepreneurs.
Export Orientation and Opportunities
The Indian floriculture industry is increasingly transitioning from traditional flower cultivation to the production of cut flowers specifically for export. The liberalized economy has provided a strong impetus for entrepreneurs to establish export-oriented floriculture units, leveraging controlled climatic conditions to enhance production quality and efficiency.
Role of APEDA
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) plays a vital role in promoting and developing floriculture exports in India. APEDA is responsible for facilitating trade, providing support to growers, and ensuring quality standards for exported floriculture products.
Varieties of Floriculture Products
The floriculture industry in India encompasses a wide range of products, including:
- Cut Flowers: Popular varieties for international trade include roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, gerberas, gladiolus, gypsophila, and lilies.
- Pot Plants: This category includes ornamental plants grown for indoor and outdoor decoration.
- Cut Foliage: Foliage is used in floral arrangements and decoration.
- Seeds, Bulbs, and Tubers: This includes a variety of planting materials for horticultural use.
- Dried Flowers and Leaves: These are increasingly popular in craft and decoration sectors.
Key Floricultural Crops
The international cut flower trade primarily features the following crops:
- Roses
- Carnations
- Chrysanthemums
- Gerberas
- Tulips
- Orchids
Greenhouses are commonly used for growing these floriculture crops, while open-field cultivation is practiced for other varieties like marigold, aster, and tuberose.
Major Cultivation Areas
Floriculture is flourishing in several states across India, with major centers of cultivation located in:
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Madhya Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Chhattisgarh
- Andhra Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Uttar Pradesh
- Assam
- Maharashtra
According to the 2023-24 second advance estimate, approximately 297,000 hectares are dedicated to floriculture, yielding an estimated 2,284,000 tonnes of loose flowers and 947,000 tonnes of cut flowers.
India’s Export Statistics
In the 2023-24 period, India exported 19,677.89 MT of floriculture products worth Rs. 717.83 Crores (approximately 86.63 million USD). Major importing countries for Indian floriculture products during this period included:
- USA
- Netherlands
- United Arab Emirates
- UK
- Canada
- Malaysia
These figures underscore the growing demand for Indian floriculture in the global market.
Individual Sub-Products of Floriculture
The floriculture industry comprises various individual sub-products that cater to different market needs:
- Bulbs, Tubers, and Tuberous Roots
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Horticultural Bulbs
- Flowering Plants
- Live Plants and Mushrooms
- Unrooted Cuttings
- Cut Flowers for Bouquets
- Cacti and Other Exotic Plants
- Fresh Rhododendrons and Roses
- Fresh and Non-Fresh Foliages/Buds for Bouquets
Conclusion
India’s floriculture industry is rapidly evolving, with a clear focus on export opportunities. The government’s support, coupled with the growing global demand for diverse floral products, positions this sector as a promising area for investment and growth. As commercial floriculture continues to develop under controlled conditions, it holds the potential to significantly contribute to India's agricultural exports.
