Floriculture Flashcard

Floriculture is a branch of horticulture that focuses on cultivating, managing, and marketing flowering and ornamental plants. These plants include flowers, foliage, and other decorative plants used in gardens, landscaping, and the floral industry.

The floriculture industry is growing globally at an estimated rate of 6-10% annually.

Tamil Nadu is the top producer of floriculture products in India, followed by Karnataka. Together, these two states account for 75% of the country's total flower production.

Popular cut flowers include roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, orchids, and lilies. These flowers, harvested with their stems, are commonly used in various floral arrangements, vases, and decorations.

Loose flowers, plucked without stalks, are often used in cultural and religious practices, especially in Asia. Common uses include making garlands, creating decorative patterns (like rangoli), hair accessories, and garden displays.

Cut greens, such as asparagus, ferns, and eucalyptus, are used as fillers in floral arrangements. They add texture and contrast to the flower arrangements, enhancing their visual appeal.

Potted plants offer flexibility in landscaping and are especially useful in places with limited garden space. They are commonly used in homes, offices, hotels, and event venues for both decorative and environmental benefits.

Lawns serve as a pleasing visual element in landscape design, creating a backdrop for flowerbeds and shrubs, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and monetary value of properties.

Natural pigments extracted from flowers have various applications. For example, carotenoids from marigold petals are used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. They are also added to poultry feed to enhance the yolk color of eggs.

Drying flowers preserves them, extending their shelf life and aesthetic appeal. Dried flowers are widely used in decorative arrangements, wreaths, and artistic creations.

Floriculture offers higher returns per unit area compared to traditional agricultural crops and has a shorter gestation period, enabling quicker returns on investment.

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, exemplifies the cultural significance of floral arrangements. This art form focuses on expressing emotions through floral design, highlighting the aesthetic and cultural value of floriculture.

Horticultural therapy uses plants and gardening activities as therapeutic tools to support psychological recovery and improve well-being. It is used in various settings, including psychiatric hospitals and rehabilitation centers.

India is strategically located between two major markets: Europe and East Asia. This allows for efficient export logistics, especially during peak demand seasons, offering a significant advantage for Indian exporters.

India has significantly lower labor costs compared to countries like the Netherlands, Israel, and Japan. Labor in India is estimated to be 10-15 times cheaper, providing a competitive advantage in production costs.

Following the implementation of the GATT agreement, European nations have reduced import duties on floriculture products to 15%. This reduction benefits Indian exporters by making their products more competitive in European markets.

APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) plays a crucial role in the export, promotion, and development of floriculture in India. It provides financial assistance for export-related activities and works towards creating favorable conditions for exporters.

Major production centers in India often lack direct cargo flights, leading to double shipments and increasing transportation costs and the risk of flower spoilage during transit.

The absence of organized marketing cooperatives leads to inefficiencies in managing the floriculture trade. This prevents producers from effectively accessing markets and reduces their bargaining power, hindering their overall success.

Urbanization and changing lifestyles are contributing to the increasing demand for flowers and related products, making floriculture a lucrative industry. The demand for diverse floral products, such as bouquets and garlands, is also on the rise, creating opportunities for product diversification and innovation.