Demand for roses rises in Pune

PUNE - Rose growers in Pune are experiencing an increase in the demand of the flower in domestic as well as in international markets.

Due to the adverse climate in major rose-producing countries including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ecuador, the exporters in Maharashtra, especially from Pune, have seen 50 to 70 percent of significant increase in export.

National Institute of Post Harvest Technology Horticulture Training Center principal Bhaskar Patil said that along with the favourable climate, even the soil quality is also very good for the cultivation of roses.

“In some countries temperature is very low; but in India, there is no such problem. There are some places where temperature goes very high but that also only in summers. But in Pune and the adjacent areas, the climatic conditions for rose farming and good quality production are very favourable,” said Patil.

“Here (Pune) good quality of water is available, good quality of soil is available and technology is available. So, Indian conditions, I think they are most favourable conditions available,” he added.

Flower merchants believe that this industry has a large scope of expansion, as there is an increase in demand, which they are not being able to meet the demand at present.

“At present the situation is such that we are not able to fulfill their requirement. I will sum up in one word only because the amount of flowers they need, are very huge and we cannot give them that quantity and we are not even giving that much. That is why this industry has a huge scope of expansion,” said Shivajirao Bhegade, a flower merchant from Pune.

“If you talk about the average percentage, so in my view the percentage has doubled itself. The quantity, which was exported last year, the demand is doubled this year. They need continuous supply of flowers but if we see on average then 50-60-70 percent of our export has increased,” he added. By Shivaji Salunke (ANI)