Floriculture hit in Maharashtra as demand for flowers slumps within, outside India

As marriages are being postponed and small functions are being cancelled, there is no demand coming from traders

The domestic consumption of flowers and flower exports, especially roses from Talegaon in Pune district have been hit hard by the Covid-19 related shutdown in various parts of the world and cancellation of social events within and outside the country.

Roses at a warehouse in Pune awaiting for export. (HT PHOTO)

The Lonavla, Talegaon belt, Maval taluka in Pune district is India’s most flourishing floriculture belt. Satara and Nashik districts also account for floriculture in a big way with the cultivation of roses, carnations and gerberas, along with other flowers. As per Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda), floriculture exports during 2018-19 amounted to Rs 571.38 crore and the total exported quantity was 19,726 metric tonnes. While Maharashtra is a leading exporter, the major export destinations were USA, Netherlands, UK, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).