Warmer than normal winters worry Indian rose exporters

PUNE: Rose exporters are worried that a warmer winter this year may lead to early maturing of flowers including the most sought-after varieties, French Top Secret and German Bordeaux, which are due for shipments to Europe ahead of the Valentine’s Day celebrations.

“This year was warmer than last year, which may result in early flush in some cases, though the period January 20-30 will play a key role,” said Praveen Sharma, coordinator of Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals.

The rose growing regions around Bengaluru and Pune account for maximum exports from India at this time of the year.

The changing climate is giving some anxious moments to the growers. But while there is a possibility of early flush due to warm days, there is cloudy climate to keep that from happening. The morning fog also prevents early flush. “We are keeping our fingers crossed,” said AN Roa, a rose grower and exporter for the past two decades from Talegaon in Maharashtra.

An acre of red rose plantation can produce between 70,000 and one lakh flower stems during the export period of January 25 to February 14. With an export price of Rs 15-35 per stem depending on the stem lengths, an acre generates revenue of Rs 10-16 lakh within two weeks.

India’s floriculture exports amounted to Rs 460.77 crore in 2014-15, compared to Rs 455.90 crore in the previous fiscal.

Growers across the country expect the domestic market to be lucrative too as the wedding season begins on January 20 in most parts of the country. “It will be interesting to see the battle between exports and domestic demand this year,” said Sharma.

Rose prices are expected to increase to Rs 8-9 per stem after the marriage season starts, from Rs 5-6 per stem at the moment.