R-day to miss flower power

R-day to miss flower power
Deccan Herald

Flower shows may take a short break from the Garden City. With rains hitting floriculture crops in a big way, it could take a couple of months before the regular Lalbagh venue gets ready for another flower show.


Flower shows may take a short break from the Garden City. With rains hitting floriculture crops in a big way, it could take a couple of months before the regular Lalbagh venue gets ready for another flower show.

Horticulture Director G K Vasanth Kumar said more than 90 per cent of the nurseries have declined to participate in the shows owing to crop loss. The Rose Society of India, which had scheduled the prestigious Rose Show for December 13-14 in Lalbagh, has cancelled its programme. Mr Shriram, Secretary of the Society, in a letter addressed to the Director, has said that it would hold the show in April, by which time a new crop would be ready.

Show doubtful

Mr Vasanth Kumar said, “Another show scheduled to be held on Republic Day 2006, is also doubtful and a decision will be taken regarding it only after checking the quality of the crops.”

The Director said that excessive rains have severely affected the cultivation of roses, anthuria, gladiolas, lilies, zerberas, and marigolds. The rains during Deepavali hit the business most. Excessive rains in eight districts, including Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya, Chamrajanagar, Tumkur and Kolar, during October and early November have significantly hit the crop output.

“Usually farmers import seeds for cultivation of exotic flowers. Even if they commence sowing operations now, they will get the yield only after two months,” he points out.

While the horticulture business in the State has suffered a loss of about Rs 70 crore so far, it is difficult to quantify the losses to floriculture business.

Floriculture being a labour-intensive business, farmers, labourers and the packaging industry have also been significantly hit. Rose exports from Karnataka stand at around Rs 35-40 crore annually , while exports of ornamental flowers bring in a business of Rs 60-70 crore. The entire local market is estimated to be worth more than Rs 400 crore.

NO TREAT FOR THE EYES

* The Rose Society of India has been holding the show for the last three years.

* 300 nurseries had intended to participate this year.

* Cancellation due to non-availability of roses.

* Mysore Horticulture Society first flower show in 1902.

* In last 58 years, there has been no break in the event.

* The Glass House has been the venue.