Economic analysis of commercial flower cultivation in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The agriculture sector, the back bone of Indian economy, is facing challenges on increase in newlineproductivity and value additions. There is a need for renewed focus on identifying high value low voluminous newlinecrops to steeping up growth of allied and non-farm activities. The cultivation of commercial flowers in open newlineand polyhouses fits well into the strategy to boost income and employ farmers gainfully. Flowers, if properly newlinegrown can yield 15-20 times more returns than cereals and other crops. Floriculture has been a major thrust newlinearea for diversification of horticulture industry in the state. In recent years, as a result of which the area newlineunder floriculture has increased from 30 hectares in 1993-94 to 154 hectares in 2000-01 to 913 hectares in newline20012-13. The trade has increased from Rs 137.11 lakh in 1993-94 to Rs 99 crore during 20012-13. Nearly newline2800 farmers are engaged in the cultivation of flowers. newlineThe present study was undertaken in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The district is well known for newlinethe production of commercial flowers as it occupied 62 per cent of total area under flower cultivation of the newlinestate. The study is based upon extensive data drawn from a sample of 150 flower growers selected newlinerandomly from 3 blocks. Two markets namely Chandigarh and Delhi (Gazipur) were studied. Tabular and newlinestatistical methods were used to analyse data. newlineThe study revealed that on average farms total area under flower cultivation was 0.20 ha out of which newlinemarigold occupied maximum share of 34 per cent. It was found that chrysanthemum use maximum human newlinelabour whereas, quantity of FYM, Chemical fertilizers and expenditure on plant protection material was newlinefound maximum in case of carnation. Tractor hours and bullock pair days were found to be maximum in newlinechrysanthemum and marigold respectively. The gross returns and net returns were found to be maximum in newlinecarnation followed by gladiolus, chrysanthemum and marigold. Maximum technological gap for FYM and newlinechemical fertilizer was found in chrysanthemum, whereas, overuse of labour w