Floriculture Thrives in India

CHAN:
And growing vegetables kept these Indian villagers very poor. So they started growing flowers and began to prosper. Let's see how they go about it.
STORY:
There's an increasing demand for flowers around the world and these villagers are set to cash in.
They have adapted the latest techniques in floriculture that have been made available to them by the government of Himachal Pradesh.

The high altitude of the region, cold winds and moist soil that are most suitable for floriculture have acted as a catalyst with low temperatures preferred for the buds to bloom.

[Pyare Lal Verma, Floriculturist]:
"The revolution in the flower business came in 91-92. Initially we were growing vegetables but we opted for floriculture seeking benefits in it. It's been 10 to 15 years now."

Om Prakash is one of the pioneer floriculturists of Mahog who attributes his success to devotion and hard work.

[Om Prakash, Floriculturist]:
"One who works hard earns more dividends. Our economic condition has improved. We are providing better education to our children, owning vehicles and are accessing the Internet. We are handing over this profession to the future generations."

Floriculture is a totally skill-based farming. From sowing the seeds to packaging, everything is done by the farmers themselves and it has helped them bring down their production costs.

[Narendra Bragta, Horticulture Minister, Himachal Pradesh]:
"The flowers like Geraniums, Carnation, Marigold and Lily are in huge demand in the five star hotels. At the field level, we are technically carrying an awareness campaign in the region through regular interaction."

The farmers also produce exquisite commercial varieties of flowers that are much sought after in domestic as well as in European markets.

Apart from Mahog, over 2500 farmers in other villages of Himachal Pradesh have taken up floriculture and are operating through 48 cooperative societies.

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