Technological insight for floriculture in the North East

PME Publication no. ICARNEH-ML-BK-2024-37

Compendium
on

at

Division of System Research and Engineering

ICAR Research Complex For NEH Region

Published by

Director
ICAR Research Complex For NEH Region
Umiam, Meghalaya 793103, India

1
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
Compendium on

Technological Insight for Floriculture in the North East

ISBN:978-93-340-7066-8 COPYRIGHT © 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED OR

TRANSMITTED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS, ELECTRONIC OR MECHANICAL,
INCLUDING PHOTOCOPY, RECORDING, OR ANY INFORMATION STORAGE AND
RETRIEVAL SYSTEM, WITHOUT PERMISSION IN WRITING FROM THE PUBLISHER.
Publication Year: 2024

Correct Citation

Vanlalruati, Raviteja P, Hazarika S, Rymbai H, Assumi SR, Verma VK, Talang HD, Devi MB,
Sangma R. and Joymati Chanu L. Compendium on Technological Insight for Floriculture in the North
East. ICAR Research Complex For NEH Region, Umiam 793103, Meghalaya. Pp 1-111

Editors:

1. Dr. Vanlalruati, Scientist (Floriculture), ICAR RC NEH Region

2. P. Raviteja, Scientist (Floriculture), ICAR RC NEH Region
3. Dr. S. Hazarika, Principal Scientist and Head, DRSE, ICAR RC NEH Region
4. Dr. H. Rymbai, Senior Scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
5. Dr. S. Ruth Assumi, Scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
6. Dr. V.K.Verma, Senior Scientist (Vegetable Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
7. Dr. H.D. Talang, Scientist (Vegetable Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
8. Dr. M. Bilashini Devi, Scientist (Vegetable Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
9. Dr. Rumki Sangma, Scientist (Agriculture Entomology), ICAR RC NEH Region
10. Dr. L. Joymati Chanu, Scientist (Soil Science), ICAR RC NEH Region
11. Dr Prativa Anand , Scientist (Floriculture), ICAR-IARI, New Delhi

PME Publication no: ICARNEH-ML-BK-2024-37

Publisher:
The Director
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Umroi Road, Umiam 793103, Meghalaya.
www.icar.neh.ernet.in

Printed and bound by:

Megha Impression, Shillong
Ph.No. 9863021241

Funded by All India Coordinated Research Projects on Floriculture

2
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
Floripreneurship: A viable enterprise for women empowerment in
Mizoram

Vanlalruati*, B. Lalramhlimi and Lungmuana ,Lalhruaipuii, PL Lalrinsanga, Blessa Sailo and

S Doley
*ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793103, Meghalaya
ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Kolasib Centre-796 081, Mizoram
Corresponding email: maruathmar@gmail.com
Introduction

Floriculture has grown to be a significant commercial activity in the agriculture

sector. In India, the floral industry has emerged as a viable and lucrative business sector with
the ability to boost self-employment among low- and average-income farmers and generate
necessary foreign exchange. As per National Horticulture Database published by National
Horticulture Board, during 2023-24 the area under floriculture production in India was 285
thousand hectares with a production of more than 2295 thousand tonnes loose flowers and
833 thousand tonnes cut flowers (Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfares, 3rd
Advance estimates, 2021-22). Flower crops are now commercially cultivated in several states
with Karnataka (15.85%), Tamil Nadu (15.16%), Madhya Pradesh (13.66%) and West
Bengal (10.61%), having gone ahead of other producing states like Mizoram, Gujarat,
Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand, Haryana, Assam and Chhattisgarh.

Flowers are now increasingly becoming a crop of economic importance in the

Northeast region due to varied agro-climatic zones conducive to the production of sensitive
and delicate flowers. In Mizoram, there has been a dynamic shift from commercial
production of food crops to flower crops due to active participation of women in agriculture,
increase demand for flowers and also their high potential for export. Flowers play an
important role in Mizo society at funeral, festive occasions and important ceremonies. The
inception of Anthurium Festival is also a result of large scale anthurium production by Mizo
women farmers, which is celebrated every year in Mizoram to promote tourism during the
month of September. Floriculture covers an area of 82 ha with a production of 131.4 lakhs
(no. of flowers) and a productivity of 10.18 lakhs (no. of flowers per hectare), comprising of
major flowers like rose, anthurium, orchid and other flowers as per Statistical Handbook,
Mizoram, 2022. Moreover, there has been 33 no. of Co-operative Societies registered under
Floriculture in Mizoram (Mizoram Statistical Handbook, 2022) which offer producers

91
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
opportunities and easy access to markets, natural resources, technologies, information,
training, credit and warehouses.

Women form almost half of the global population, sustainable development is

inevitable without empowering women (Pusa and Giribabu, 2016). Various programmes
have been introduced through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central
Institute for Women in Agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state government
institutions to promote women in agriculture, animal husbandry, etc. In Mizoram, women
farmers form the backbone of the floriculture industry, leading numerous floriculture
enterprises and self-help groups. The wide scope of floriprenuership is believed to be
explored to its full potential in coming years. Many women farmers in Mizoram have
improved their income and livelihood through floriculture business. Floriculture sector offers
many other works like project coordinator, supervisor, plantation expert, or farm manager. In
addition, with the right training, one can work as a landscape architect or consultant.
Furthermore, careers in the service industry, such as those in horticulture therapy, floral
design, landscape architecture, and landscape design, are made possible by floriculture.
Teaching and research are two more career paths in the discipline. This chapter will discuss
about the need of floriprenuership, entrepreneurship options in floriculture, role of women in
floriprenuership, challenges for floriprenuership development and prospects of
floriprenuership in Mizoram.

Need of Floriprenuership

Floripreneurship is the process of creation or adoption of innovative ideas into a

floriculture business venture for the extraction of better economic values of flower crops. In
short, it refers to entrepreneurship in floriculture. Floriculture is a branch of horticulture that
deals with cultivation and marketing of ornamental flowers, foliage and other plants for direct
sale or as raw materials in perfumery and cosmetic industries and also in the pharmaceutical
sector. Floriculture is one of the fastest growing sectors of horticulture and play an important
role for improving socio-economic status of the people.

The floricultural industry has generated a significant deal of business

opportunities because of its growing trade, better job prospects with higher income, and
excellent profits.
Flower crops are considered secondary by many farmers, so there is a huge scope for
production.

92
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
Availability of land for floriculture purposes.
Floripreneurship development has huge potential of creating new employment
opportunities for rural youth and women. It creates year-round job possibilities.
Floripreneurship will help in checking migration of rural youth from villages to urban
centers and helps in improving living condition of farmers by providing alternative source
of income.
These small-scale industries do not require huge infrastructure, complex scientific
technologies and are economically viable and ecologically sustainable.
Government agencies are prepared to offer assistance for floriprenuership development.
Requirement of literate and educated population.
The primary agricultural exports from Mizoram are various value-added goods from the
floriculture industry.
Floriprenuership opportunities in Mizoram

The climate in Mizoram is favourable for growing all types of flower crops. Despite
this, only two flowers, 'roses' and 'anthuriums' are grown commercially. Because of its
significant export, anthurium production in Mizoram is well-known throughout the country.
Roses are also cultivated in Mizoram in world-class quality; over 10 types are grown to cater
to the preferences of both florists and customers. Other flowers like Bird of Paradise, Orchid,
Chrysanthemum, gerbera and other subsidiary seasonal flowers are also grown in the state of
Mizoram. The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre has
introduced four varieties of Lilium (Siberia, Sorbone, Dazzle, and Signature) in Kolasib in
2015 with a high benefit cost ratio of 4.20 compared to anthurium cultivation (2.80) in an
effort to diversify flower crops with farmers (Dutta and Singh, 2016). In light of this, more
exotic flower varieties that are suitable for the state can be introduced to improve the socio-
economic status of the farmers. The Mizos used flowers for various purposes which includes
religious ceremonies, important events and festive occasions.
However, there is a gap between demand and supply of flowers in domestic markets
while UAE, UK and Japan have good demand of NE orchids and flowers. Thus, the
floriculture industry will continue to be a viable enterprise and there are different
entrepreneurship opportunities in floriculture as described below.
Cut flower
Cut flowers are flowers and flower buds that have been cut with a little of the stem
and leaf from the bearing plant. It is used for decorative purposes, ceremonies, flower

93
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
arrangements, corsages, decorations, bouquets, floral baskets, and as symbols of love,
gratitude, affection, appreciation, respect, etc. Carrying fresh cut flowers to funerals in
Mizoram is becoming more and more popular as a substitute for plastic ones.
Rose, carnation, chrysanthemum, gerbera, gladiolus, gypsophila, Narcissus, heliconia,
bird of paradise, anemone, ranunculus, tulip, liatris, nerine, orchids, archilea,
anthurium, tulip, and lilies are important floricultural crops in the international cut
flower trade. Flowers like gerberas, anthurium, carnation, etc. are grown in
greenhouses while in open field, chrysanthemum, roses, gaillardia, lily marigold,
aster, tuberose, etc. In Mizoram, anthurium is the major cut flower with a production
of (95.82 lakhs stems) followed by rose (34.03 lakhs stems) and orchid (0.18 lakhs
stems) as reported in Mizoram Statistical Handbook (2022). Others include Bird of
Paradise, Chrysanthemum, and seasonal flowers.
For cut flower, anthurium varieties like Tropical, Midori, Acropolis, Pistache, Choco,
Fantasia, Champagne, Casino and Terra are popular, while a number of rose varieties
cultivated by farmers include First Red, Grand Gala, Konfitti, Ravel, Tineke, Sacha,
Prophyta, Pareo, Noblesse, Virsilia, Vivaldi, Queen Elizabeth, Super Star,
Montezuma, Christian Dior, Eiffel Tower, Kiss of Fire, Golden Giant, First Prize, etc.
The other main cut flower item is orchid. Its production is restricted mainly in the
north-eastern hill regions, besides parts of the southern states of Kerala and
Karnataka. The main species grown are Dendrobiums, Vanda, Paphiopedilums,
Oncidiums, Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums (Dadlani, 1998).

Fig. 1 Anthurium green house, flower harvest and post-harvest handling

94
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
Nursery plants and plant rental service
After cut flowers, the sale of pot plants is another essential floriculture product that
contributes significantly to the global bloom industry. The USA accounts for 80% of
the worldwide commerce in poinsettias, the most popular blooming pot plant
(Abinaya and Balaji, 2023). Succulent garden in decorative containers is also in
great demand for home aesthetics.
There is a vast array of visually appealing plants in Mizoram that may be grown in
pots and sold both domestically and abroad. Of these, Mizoram's abundant variety of
orchids might be highly sought after if offered for sale as potted plants rather than just
cut flowers.
Due to urbanization, there is a surge in demand of potted plants, grass turfs, etc. to
beautify homes and personal spaces. So, this growing trend has offered new venture
for women farmers to produce and sale potted flowers and foliages to earn a living.
Moreover, fresh flowers and live plants are heavily used for decorations in significant
events. This offers opportunities for business in the form of floral designers,
decorators, event planners, etc.
Loose flower
The loose flowers are picked just below the calyx and are in high demand since they
are used in garlands, rangoli arrangements, hair Veni (or Hair Gajra, a floral crown
popular in South Indian weddings), puja necessities, and garden displays, among other
things. Flowers like rose, jasmine, chrysanthemum, marigold, gaillardia, kaner,
crossandra, barleria, hibiscus, tuberose, spider lily, eranthemum, etc. can be used as
loose flowers.

Women farmers have the opportunity to engage in contract farming of loose flowers,
with a focus on essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
Typically, loose flowers (such as jasmine, marigold, etc.) can be traded based on
weight.
Dry flower
Dry flowers are flowers that have been air-dried or dehydrated in an oven to retain
their shape, hue and scent. The dried flowers can be used as home décor, potpourri,
dry flower handicrafts, lampshades, photo frames, cards, candle holders, etc.

95
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
There different types of method for drying like air drying, sun drying, press drying,
oven drying, microwave drying, embedded drying, glycerine drying, freeze drying,
etc.
There is a lot of opportunity for Indian business owners because the demand for dried
flowers is growing at an astounding pace of 8 10% (Abinaya and Balaji, 2023).
Resin pressed flowers can be turned into exquisite ornaments, gift items, home décor,
etc. which are highly in demand as one of unique art pieces.

Fig. 2 Resin pressed dry flowers, dry flower decorations and

arrangement prepared by Ladeiphi Kharsati.

Essential oil production

Essential oils are concentrated forms of volatiles oils obtained from the plants.
Rose, jasmine, tuberose, other popular flowers are used for the extraction of essential
oils.
Applications of essential oils include fragrances, home care products, aromatherapy,
cosmetics and toiletries, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, etc.
Mizoram has a year-round pleasant climate that is ideal for growing a wide range of
flower crops. There is a huge opportunity to start an enterprise in this area.
Natural pigments/dyes from flowers
Synthetic dyes although are cheaper and used extensively, they are found to pollute
the environment, soil and water. Not only that, some of these dyes are found to be
toxic, carcinogenic and can cause skin and eye irritation. So, natural pigments from
flowers are an excellent alternative that are better for the environment and human
health.
Marigolds are extensively used to extract yellow pigment, which is then used in the
food and textile sectors as well as in the poultry industry to enhance the colour of the

96
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
meat and egg yolk. Flowers like roses, hibiscus, lavender, chamomile, sunflower,
border plant, desert rose, cockscomb, time flower, etc. are popularly used for the
extraction of natural pigments.
Vibrant flowers serve as raw materials for natural pigments and dyes, so presenting
new economic opportunities.

Role of women in floriprenuership in Mizoram

In a patriarchal Mizo society, women are believed to stay at home and do household
chores and men are the sole breadwinner of the family. However, nowadays, women are
equally involved in providing for the family. The floriculture industry is one of the many
sectors that has given women the chance to work that is expanding the fastest and has enabled
women or young, unemployed girls to make a living. Women are preferred to work with
flowers due to their greater care and gentleness at every stage of handling flowers. In the
realm of floriculture, women have significantly impacted many facets of the industry,
including farming, research, and commerce. These women are very driven to contribute to
home expenses and have financial motivations. Furthermore, growing flowers provides an
escape from the dull, monotonous life of a housewife. Additionally, this business generates
jobs with little investment. Other motivating elements for starting a floriculture business
include self-satisfaction, the desire for independence, an interest in entrepreneurship, and
taking over the business from family members.

Challenges for floripreneurship development in Mizoram

The following are some significant challenges that must be overcome in order to
achieve floriprenuership development:

Lack of infrastructural facilities: The state of the infrastructure in rural Mizoram is

appalling, especially when it comes to services like power, marketing networks, cold
storage, warehouses/collection centres, transportation, and communication. Since most
farms are located in remote locations without road access, it is challenging for farmers to
transport their perishable goods to markets, which drives up the cost of logistics. Not only
this, obtaining agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides are difficult
without proper road connections.
Lack of skilled labours and limited trainings: Handling flowers required gentleness,
proper training and some level of skills which are lacking in majority of the labours. In

97
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
Mizo society, labours are more preferred to be strong and energetic instead of skillful and
man dominates the labour workforce. While women face challenges accessing training
and education programs due to lack of awareness, financial constraints, or societal
expectations. This may hinder their capacity to learn new skills, remain updated with
developments in the field, and explore prospects for work progress. Moreover,
development has been steadily slowed down by the large-scale labour migration to urban
sector and rural youth seeking better job possibilities in cities.
Lack of entrepreneurial culture: In Mizoram, there is a poor entrepreneurial culture, an
environment where someone is motivated to innovate, create and take risks.
Lack of financial support: Although the initial investment in flower business may be
comparatively high but it proves economical in the long run. Poor resource farmers have
been prevented from launching a business due to a lack of funding. For example, flower
crops like anthurium require 75% shade net houses for its cultivation which is difficult to
afford by small famers on commercial scale.
Traditional practice of cultivation and poor equipments: With current production
methods, flower crops are not reaching their full potential and yield low. A business can
only thrive through high output in addition to high-quality goods and a steady supply of
raw materials.
Lack of information: Lack of information technology and knowledge on farm equipment
and farm enterprise will have an adverse impact on the development of floriprenuership.
Inadequate implementation of Government policies: Despite the existence of numerous
government policies, issues with bureaucracy and corruption make their implementation
seem inadequate. The rural population lacks access to knowledge about government
programmes because of illiteracy and ignorance and as a result, they are unable to benefit
from many schemes for entrepreneurship development.

Prospects for floriprenuership development in Mizoram

Mizoram has 21.02 lakhs hectares geographical area, of which nearly half the area
(11.56 lakh hectares) was identified as potential horticultural area. However, only 11.96% of
the entire potential area has been used for horticulture development so far, indicating
a significant amount of room for horticultural growth. Majority of the farmers view flower
crops as secondary, which gives women more opportunity to pursue floriculture. Moreover,
women are more skillful at handling flower crops that require care and gentleness at every

98
 Technological insight for floriculture in the North East
stage of handling. The success of floriprenuership in Mizoram can be attributed to women
workforce. However, certain obstacles have forced enterprenuership development stagnant. It
is critical to promote an entrepreneurial spirit among rural women and to establish a dynamic
rural development environment by identifying promising floriculture business option and
related enterprises to encourage entrepreneurial activity. For potential floriculture
entrepreneurs to acquire the necessary technical skills, area-specific technical training is
crucial. Farms engaged in floriculture need well-connected roads to prosper since flowers
have a short shelf life and delicate texture. Collection centres at a specified location are
crucial for filling the marketing gap which will facilitate buyers to pick up their flowers or
materials in bulk. Regular power supply is also required to run cold storages efficiently. The
establishment of organizations and incubator centres concerned with entrepreneurial
development in floriculture needs to be promoted. Most importantly, it is necessary to
develop Government policies that prioritize the empowerment of women in the floriculture
industry. As women make up the majority of workers in floriculture business and floriculture
is a major driver of economic growth, major concerns and it is imperative that their career
development be prioritized in order to bring about change throughout the agriculture sector.

References

Abinaya, C., & Balaji, G. D. (2023). Entrepreneurship opportunities in floriculture and

landscaping. Recent Trends in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Extension, p. 100.

Dutta, S. K. and Singh, S. B. (2016). Introduction of Lilium enhances income of under-

employed farm women in Kolasib District, Mizoram: A success story. Retrieved from
https://kiran.nic.in/Introduction%20of%20Lilium%20enhances%20income%20of%20under-
employed.html

Dadlani, N. K. (1998). Division of Floriculture, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New

Delhi, India. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org/3/AC452E/ac452e04.htm#fnB4

Pusa, K. and Giribabu, M. (2016). Floriculture and the role of women in Nagaland: A case
study. Arthshastra Indian Journal of Economics & Research, 5(6): 42-52.

Mizoram Statistical Handbook (2022). Area and production of flower in Mizoram. pp. 68

99