CHAPTER - Vlll

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS

OF CUT FLOWER INDUSTRY IN KERALA

1-his chapter tries to analyse the problems faced by the biotechnology

labs involved in the mass rnultiplhcat~on of Orchid and Anthuriums, cultivators and

the cut flower traders in Kerala besides analysing the prospects of this industry in

the State. Section - I of this chapter analyses the problems faced by the Bio-

technology labs. Section - I I deals with the problems of cut flower growers, Section

- Ill tries to identify the problems laced by cut flower traders, while Section - IV

analyses the future prospects ot this industry in general and Kerala in particular.

Cut flower industry in Kerala faces several problems. These

problems can generally be categorised into three, viz.,

I . F'robleins of bioteclinology labs involved in the in-v~tro propagation

ui Orctltcl:, ,tticI Ar~il iui~utns.

1 1 . Problems faced by tlic cut flower growers; and

Ill. Problems facsd by the cut flower traders.

[V. Future prospects of cut tlower industry in Kerala.

SECTION - I

PROBLEMS FACED BY THE BIOTECHNOLOGY LABS IN KERALA

F:ollowing are the major production problems faced by the bio-

technology labs in Kerala, which are involved in the in-vitro propagation of Orchid

and Anthuriurr plants

A. PRODUCTION PROBLEMS OF BIO -TECHNOLOGY LABS IN KERALA

1. High Cost of Chemicals, Horrnones and Other Nutrients

l!?-vitro propagatio~i requlres a wide range of costly chemicals,

hormones and nutr~ents like lndo Acel~c Acid, Thiamine-HCL, Glycine. Pyridoxine

etc. some of them are imported and as such their costs are also very high, which in

turn makes the 111-vitro propagatiol) d custly affair.

2. High Cost of Electricity

hrlost of the equipments and accessories l i ~ e Autoclave, Water still,

Air-conditlonei-, etc., requ~re hlyh cur~surnption of electr~c~ty. Department of

industries. have not been able to make necessary steps required for providing

electricity at a concessional rate, even though biotechnology has been declared by

the Governmeiit as onc! of the thrust areas for development.

3. Lack of Technical Atlv~ce and Expert~se.

in-v~tro propagation otten requires highly skilled and research

oriented technicians at various stages of micro propagation. Slight carelessness

from the part of technic~ans often results in high degree of contamination in the

culture and growth rooni. The type of problem at each stage may also differ.

Technical advice received from the experts of the Agricultural University is always

unsatisfactory and inappropriate. This often makes the process of experiments a

difficult one.

4. High Rate of Contamiriat~on

1-he process of in-v~tro propagation IS always subjected to various

sorts of fungal and bacterial contamination. The changes in climatic condition,

preparatiori of media in unhygienic conditions, unrestricted entry of employees in

the culture and growth room, use of unsterilised and partially sterilised devices,

frequent failure of power, irnproper fumigation, reuse of old flasks, etc., often

results in high rate of contamination and consequent losses of plantlets at various

stages of growth.

5. Lack of tiiyh Yielding Disease fiesistant Suckers

Mgh yield~ng disease resistant suckers are inevitable for ensuring the

qualiry uf the in-vitro propagateu Orchid and Antnurlum plantlets. Identification oi

high yielclir~y clisease ie,i.,tai~t picri~ls and plants p~ovidiny exotic flowers having

high unit value realiratior in the international market is often very difficult and

crucial for the entrepreneurs lrivolved in the in vitro propagation of Orchid and

Anthurium plants. Ofterl they need the scientific support of the individuals and

institutions involved in research works on various aspects such as production, pest

and disease management and rnarketing of Orchids and Anthuriums. Identification

of imported varieties and lrldigenous varieties are often very difficult. Failure in the

identification of good quality mother plants for the purpose of in-vilro propagation

always lead to huge losses by way of contamination and poor quality plantlets

havlng low narke et potential.

6. Handling Problems Due to Small Size of Plantlets

1-he size of in-vitro propagated plantlets is very small when compared

to the naturally propagated plants. The size of plants will be even smaller at the ex-

agar and net pot stages. Hence careful handling, packing and transportation

become essenttal. Otherwise these tender and tiny plantlets will be damaged in

transit. 5 to 10 per cent of the plantlets are lost in this way leading to the escalation

of the cost.

7. Capital-Intensive Nature

In-vitro propagation 1s generally a capital-intensive project and it also

requires certain degree of skill, competence and research orientation from the part

o l the lnarldyement as well as ilie employees. Some of the equipinents used are

imported ar~d the technology requtred is also not indigenous.

8. Lack of Alternative Indigenous Technology

Lack of alternative ~ndigenous technology with regard to the

equipments and accessories and also the chemicals and hormones is yet another

problem confronting the biotechnology labs in Kerala. Hence the cost of production

often becomes high ancl the entrfipreneurs involved in the mass inultiplication of

these plants will not be cn a posiliori to market their plantlets at competitive prices.

B. MARKETING PROBLEMS OF B10 -TECHNOLOGY LABS IN KERALA

13iotechnolo<gy labs, especially of small and medium sizes are also

facing several marketing problems. Some of the important marketing problems are

as follows.

1. Lack of Awareness

i.ack of awareness from the part of consumers is the most important

marketing problem confronted by the biotechnology labs. Even in Kerala people

think that ~n-vi'tro propagated Orchid and Anthurium plants are inferior in quality

and highly susceptible to diseases when compared to the naturally propagated

plants.

2 Lack of Infrastructure Facilities

lr~frastructure facilities like adequate supply of power, transportation

ana other racilities are highly essential for the timely markering of the plantlets. SS1

units located lar of from the rnarket find it very difficult for the marketing of

plantlets.

3. Paucity ot F~lnds for Expansion

Blotechnology labs are capital Intensive Huge capital is required for

technolog~cal up-gradation. But sniall-scale b~otechnoloyy labs always face a

problem of mobilising futlds for future expansion. Negligence from the part of

banks and other financ~al institutions also makes it difficult to mobilise funds for

future expansloll.

4. Lack of CO-coord~nating Agency to Give Market Support

Lack of technical support and assistance from various Governmental

and other agencles for efficient, marketing and selling of hi-tech horticultural

products like Orch~ds and Anthuriums is yet another problem confronted by small-

scale biotechnology labs in the State.

SECTION - I1

PROBLEMS FACED BY 'THE GROWERS OF CUT FLOWERS IN KERALA

A PRODlJCTlON PROBLEMS OF CUT FLOWER GROWERS IN KERALA

i. Production Problems of Orchid Growers in Kerala

Olass~ficatlon of Orchid cultivators on the basis of production

uroblerns is shown in T a ~ l e No. 8.1

Table No. 8.1 Classification of Orchld cultivators on the hasis of their Production Problems

rsm..-. ~ ~ ~ ~-

Caleyoi y - - . .

P t C u I t i v a t o r s who I -~ production problems ..~ p-p---..

Cultivators who do not fac:c roduc:tion problems

.-.--p ~

Total -p--p- .. - ~ - ~ ~ ~ ~ - - ~ ~ ~ . ~ .

Source: Field Survey

The field inv~?stigatlon reveals that none of the Orchid cultivators is

free from production problems. The Orchid cultivators in the State face an array of

problems. The problems faced by them in the order of their severity are discussed

subsequently.

13rchltl culti\/ators confront several problems. The major problems

faced by the Orchid cultivators, ranked by them in their order of severity have been

analysed in the present study The results of such analysis are presented in Table

No. 8 2 arid ;I d~ayramrnatlcal representation of the same is presented in Fig

Table No 8 2 Preference-wise class~fication of Orchld growers on the basis of Problems faced by them durirlgheir cultivation period.

r - I - -- T i T - X - - - . - l

Percentage l Ranks 1 ..

of high yielding nlantc , .*L on availability of disease r e s i s t q 280

, ..-.---p--

tincj materials . ~ ~-

~ I ~ ~ U " ~ "

of training regard~ng tho - -

L 1 3 -1 of high yieldiny plants dnd

bucls

-- Total . -- 100

Source. Field Survey.

Hankiny of the production problems faced by the Orchid

growers in thtz order of their gravity reveals that High cost of plants is the most

important proDlem faced by them (l.? per cent). Non availability of high yielding

plants assume the second rank (15 per cent) in the order of the severity, followed

by non availability of disease resistant planting materials (13 per cent), High cost of

plant protectors (12 per c:ent), Atlack of pests, fungal and bacterial diseases (1 1

per centj, lack of tralniny regardinci the selection of h~gh yielding plants and

agronomic pract~ces 110 per cent). Permanent shedding of flower buds (9 per

cent), Stunted growth ot sp~kes (7 per cent). H ~ g h cost of medium (3 per cent) and

high cost of maintenance (3 per cent) respectively.

I . High Cost of Plants

The cost of Orchid plants 1s not affordable to the common man. The

Near Flower~ny Size Planls ( N t - S ) are rnore costly than the plants available

in flasks. Even though the flask is not very costly, it is very difficult for a

common man to get these plants hardened. Moreover, the loss of plants

dur~ng acclirnatisalion may vary from 10 to 20 per cent due to the vagaries

of (:lin~ate and improper hancll~ng of plants. 17 per cent of the respondents

have pointe~i out this as a severe problem.

2. N u I I - ~ v ~ ~ I ~ u I I I ~ ~ of lkliyh y~t;lJitlb P Ia i~k

One of the major problems faced by the Orchid cultivators is the non-

av;l~lalnility of lht? high-yi~:i!ling plants. 15 per cent of the respondents are

facing this problern. Plant cuttings and seedlings with a high demand in the

market have to t)e importer1 from Holland, Thailand and Srilanka. It is found

that the inipoit pr'acedure of the plants is beyond the reach of an ordinary

yrowei of these alants.

3. Non-availability of Disease res~stant planting materials:

Non-availability of disease resistant planting materials has been

reported as a prcrblem by 13 per cent of the Orchid cultivators surveyed.

Technologies required Ioi- bringing out new varieties of hybridised disease

resistant Orchid plants have not attained much popularity in India when

compared to other countries This often makes very difficult for the

cultivators in getting the disease resistant planting materials.

4. High cost ot Plant Proteciives

Since the Orchid l~lants are highly susceptible to the attack of pests

and diseases, there arises the need for plant protective. Plant protective

available in the market are costly and more often their purchase adds much

to the cost of cultivation 1 % per cent of the Orchid cultivators surveyed are

facing this problem

5. Attack of Pests. Fungal and Bacterial Diseases

Fungal and bacterial diseases such as Leaf spot, Leaf blight and

att;ick of insects ,dnd l~es is like Snails, Siuys, and other allied problems

c;duse distress io ille C ~ I L I I I ~ ~ul l ivdlois. Tllese diseases often destroy the

plants resulting in low yields. I l per cent of the Orchid cultivators surveyed

helve reported tile attai:C ~f i'usts. Fui~yal and Bacterial diseases as a

serious probleln.

6 Lack of Training regarcling the selection of high yielding plants and

agronomic practices

10 per i.:ent of the respondents complain that they are not getting

proper training with regard to the selection of high yielding plants and

agronomic practices. They buy plants without any proper idea as to the best

yielding varieties. Similarly, most of the cultivators lack knowledge of

agronomic. practice such as tissue culture, hybridisation, setting up of mlst

chambers. etc.: t i i~wever if the tissue cultured plants in flasks and bottles

are bought, they have to bare the loss of plants to the extent of 20 - 25 per

cent due to the lack of tra~nlng in the hardening techniques.

7. Premature Sheddrny of t o w e r Buds

Premature ishedd~ng ot tlower buds is yet another production problem

faced ~y Orch~d c~~ltivators. Insects, pests and prevalence of some diseases

cause the fall of flower kiilds. This adversely affects the size and number of

flowers on the sp~ke. 9 per cent of the respondents are annoyed by this

problem.

8. Stui1tt.d Growtli ui Spike:,

Only 7 per cent of the Orchid cultivators surveyed have opined the

stunteti growth of spikes as a problem in cultivation. Since various plani

pioiecturs die dva~lable 11 : tile l l l d rk~ t , ollly ;I sllldll percentage of them are

faclny th~s prublem. Tr~i, r;turlted growth of spikes results in the non-

flower~ng of plants, which ii?;itls to a loss of revenue to the grower.

3 . High Cl?st of Medium:

This is not at all a serious problem. Only 3 per cent of the growers

coveretl under the invest~gat~on are of the view that high cost of media is a

problerii faced by them. [Ile cultivators grow Orchids under shady trees, on

wooder1 and concrete p~ilars, on coconut trees, etc. If the plants are

cultivated on concrete pillars and boxes the cost will be very high. Coconut

husk 1s the cheClpest ;m:! rnost w~dely used medium for cultivation of

Orchids on terraces anil 111 green houses. Some cultivators also use brick

ch~ps. charcoal wood, shavings, coir ptth and other imported media for

yrowtny the plants

10. Hlyh Cost of Maintenance

Orch~ds need greater \:,lie when compared to that of other plants.

espec~ally at the early stayes of growth. They have to be maintained in a

healthy way to have more benefit or yield. Various fertilisers and costly

niedia requ~red for maintaming the plants are ava~lable in the market. But

the grower has to obtain them at a high cost. Only 3 per cent of the sample

respondents have opined th~s as another bottleneck.

Fig. - XVIII PRODUCTION PROBLEMS OF ORCHID GROWERS IN KERALA

El High cost of plants

Nonavailability of high-yielding plants

H Non-availability of disease resistant planting materials

High cost of plant protectors

Attack of pests, fungal and bacterial diseases

I El Lack of training regarding the selection of high-yielding plants and agronomic practices

l.M Premature shedding of flower buds

U Stunted growth of spikes

H High cost of medium

High cost of maintenance

Malor d~seases affecting Orshicl Plants, ranked in the order of their

severity, by eliciting information from the respondents and analysing the same by

means of scal~ng technique are exh~bited In Table No. 8 3

Table No. 8.3 Preference-w~se classification of maior diseases affected to the Orch~d plants. -- p---

diseases affect~ng Orchid Plants Weighted Scores Percentage Ranks

. -

-~ -P

54 6 Anthracnose - 50

.--p-.- ~

10 Total

Source: Field Surv~ey

Rank~rig of the diseases in order of their gravity indicates that Leaf

Blight is the disease, which severely affects the Orchid Plants grown by the

cultivators (24 per cent). Collar Blotch iliseclsti assumes the second rank in order

of severity (22 per c:erit), followed b y Lcil l Spot (21 per cent), Flower Blight (1 1 per

cent), Bacterial Rot ( 1 1 per cent) and Anthracnose (10 per cent).

(3tht.1 Iuiryal diseases observed tu be affecting the Orch~d plants are

tiydrothorax Beachfront, Flower Husly Spot, Carpospores Leaf Yellow Blotch,

Phyllotccala Leaf 'iellowing, Fusarlum Wilt. Selerotium Rot. Black Leg, Heart Rot,

Root Rot, etc.. and the bacterial diseases, through unknown, including Bacterial

Bulb Rot. Brown Rot arid Oncidium Yellow.

Details gathered from the Orchid cultivators with regard to the main

insectslpests attacking the Orchid plants have been analysed with the help of

scoring techn~clue and the results of the same are presented in Table No. 8.4

Table No. 8.4 Rank-w~se. Preference-w~se class~flcation of Orchid cultivators

Source: F~eld Surve11,

Iqank~ng of tine main dlseases affecting the Orchid plants in the order

of their gravity reveals that Snalls are the pests, which grievously affects the plants

(22 per cent) followed by other pests and insects like Orchid Weevils (18 per

cent), Soft-scales (15 per cenl). Spider Miles (13 per cent) Mealy Bugs (1 1 per

cent) Aphitls (9 per cent). Tlirips (8 per cc?nt) arid Grass Hopper (4 per cent ).

Other peals . i ~ i L / ~ i ~ ~ t ' ( ; l s r i l l d ~ k i l ~ y the Orchid Plants, as observed

(luring the ~nvostigatior~, include Arrnyworms, Slogs, Tent Caterpillar, Nematodes

and Rose Beetles.

ii. Production Problems of Anthurium Growers in Kerala

(:lassificatiori of Anthurium cult~vators on the basis of production

problems IS shown in Tabl'e No. 8.5

Table No. 8.5 Classifi~ati~on of Anthurium cultivators on the basis of their Product~on Problems

~ ~ ~ p - ~ ~ ~ ...

Category ~~ ~ ~ -

Cultivators who face p[oductionproblerns

14 ~~ ~- ~ - - ~- , Cultivators who dc not

Source; Field Survey

The field investigation reveals that none of the Anthurium

cultivators are free from production problems. The Anthurium cultivators in the

State face an array of problems. The problems faced by them in order of their

severity are di:;cussed sub'sequently.

F\nthuriu~ll cultivators 111 Kerala zonlronl several problems. The major

problems face3 by the Anlhuriurn cultivators, rankerl in their order of severity have

been analysecl in the prcscnt stutly. The results ol such arlalysis are presented in

Table No. 8.6 and a diagr.ammatical representation of the same is shown in Fig. -

XIX.

Table No 8.6 Preference-vme deta~ls of Anthurlurn growers on the basis of problems faced by them d u r ~ ~ e e i r culti,vation period - .-p- .- P-

SI. IProblems faced by the No. Anthur~um c:ultivator. --pp-

1 High cost of plants Non availab~lity of high * yielding plants

Non availability of clisea.

6 Plant d~seases .. .. .-p -- 7 Lack of training

9 High cost of ma~nte p---

10 Attack of Pests and

Source: ~ = l Survey

Flanking of the production problems faced by the Anthurium growers

the order of their yrav~ty reveals that high cost of plants is the most important

problem facec by thern (16 pei i:ent). Non availability of high yielding plants

assume the second rn:?!~ ('15 per ccr?t) ~r! the order of the severity, fol!owec! by high

rate of investrr~ents (13 per cent), ciifficult~es in identifying different varieties at the

time of purchase (12 per c:ent), non availability of disease resistant plants (12 per

cent), plant dlseascs (1 1 per cent), lack of tralnlng (7 per cent), lack of knowledge

in planting (6 per cent), high cost ol maintenance (5 per cent) and attack of pests

and insects (3 per cent).

1. Hlgh Cost of Pldnts

The cost of a near flower~ng hybrid variety of Anthurium costs about

Rs 35 - 40. This ol:ten leads to hiyh cost of Investment in plants. But the ;n-

vitro propagation technique developed by tissue culture labs has been able

to r e d ~ ~ c e the cos,t of piants to a cons~derable extent. A high quality

Anthurium plantlet produced in the tissue culture laboratory is available at a

price of Rs. 10 only. But these plantlets at the hardening stage will take

nearly one year to provide flowers. Moreover 10 to 20 per cent of such

plantlets may be lost i f they are not scientifically nurtured. This often

compel:; the cultival.ors to buy the costly near flowering plants instead of the

low cost in-v~tro propagated plants. 16 per cent of the Anthurium cultivators

surveyed have opined that hiyh cost of plants is one of the major problems

confronled by thein.

2. Non availability ol bigli \ i i t? iJ i~l !~ Plants

Non-ava~labil~ty of tityh y~cldiny planls 1s another problem faced by

tile Antl~uriuii? ~.ultivaturs III l ie idid. Mai~y of the l~ i y l i yielding varieties of

Anthuri~im plants are impor-tecl 11.otn other countries and its availability is

also limited to a cjre,at exlent. Cultivat~~rs olten have to purchase such plants

in bulk cluantltles, which ult~mately lead to high cost of investment. Moreover

there is no guarantee i l l the quality of plants purchased from the local

nurseries, as it can,be determined only after the flowering of plants. 15 per

cent of the Anthur~um cultivators are of the view that it is the second

problem faced by them

3. Hlgh Rate of Investment

1The high rate of investment, by way of construction of modern shade

houses cost of plants, pests and d~sease mdnagement, etc., is the main

obstacle for any cultivators of this plant. The investment is rather high when

compared to the re'turns ot thc lnittal years. 13 per cent of the respondents

reportetl it as a serious production problem

4. Difficult~es in Identifying Different Varieties

C)rfficulty in identlfytny different variety at the time of purchase of

plants I:; yet another problem faced by the Anthurium cultivators in Kerala.

12 per cent of the Anthurlum cultivators surveyed have reported it as a

major problem. The discuss~ons with the cultivators reveal that cultivators

were not been able to idctnlify the different variety at the time of purchase of

plan~s. The cultivators have Lo put Llieir faill3 solely upon the suppliers of

S iliere wcirt? sevelal i~~i;tances of tlir? s~!l)l)Iy of inferior quality plants

rr!po:tei.l by the cultivator:; tlullng ttic l~c l t l irivcst~gatior?.

5 Nut l - d ~ ~ ~ l l a b i ~ l l y of Disease ni;sistdllt Plalltilly Materials:

Non-availability of dlsease resistant planting materials is another

probcm faced by the Anthurium cultivators. It assumes the 5Ih rank (12 per

cent) among the production problems in the order of their severity. High

qualliy d~sease resistant pI;~nting materials are required to be planted by the

cultivators for gettln!J high yleld and fair price to their produces. Quite often

the planting materials available from the local nurseries and cultivators are

not free from diseases. The iiacter~al and furiya! infected plants purchased

from oc~tslde sources not only results in the loss of plants but also leads to

the transmission of such d~seases to the other healthy plants of the

cultivators in their nurseries

6. Plarit Diseases.

Plant dlseases are ,.inother product~on problem reported by 11 per

cent of the Anthurium cultivators. Bacterial root rot, Bacterial leaf blight, Leaf

spot. Collar blotch, Anthracnose, etc.. which attack seedling and mature

plants vvith equal severity Anthracnose disease is of universal occurrence

on Anthuriums, which is favoured by wet warm weather, and it spreads at a

rap~d pace when plants are cultivated without providing proper space. Plants

kept in shade houses are also reported to be lost due to the attack of fungal

like phytophpthora, pithium, etc.. due to the water logging and also due to

the exctissive dosages 01 bio-feriilisers.

7 Lack 01 irair~iny

L.rrck of training is a~?ottier probiern constraining Anthurium cultivators

(7 per cent) In Kerala. Lack of t ra~n~ny with legard to the low cost cultivation

techniques, scientif~c pest and disease management, low cost in-vitro

propayailon Lechnique, trairi~ny ior the ~dentiiicat~on of disease free planting

material!;, training for early detection of diseases and pests, adoption of

timely control measures, production of innovative value added items, etc.,

make the cultivation of Anthurium not only a costly affairs but also beyond

the reach of the com~mon man

8. Lack ot Knowledge in Planting

Lack ot knowledge I? planting is another problem as repeated by the

Anthurium cultivators (6 pet cent). Majority of the small-scale and medium-

scale cilltivators do not have adequate knowledge with regard to the

scient~fif; planting and ni~rtur~ng of the plants in their nurseries. Sc~ent~fic

selectior~ of plants, scientific preparation of adequate quantities of the

Ingredients to be used for the preparation of potting mixtures, spacing to be

prov~ded between plants. extent of shade to be provided to each variety of

plants and also su~ted to each locality where the plants are grown, etc., are

importarit factors determ~n~nq the growth and yield of plants to a great

extent. But majority of the small-scale and medium-scale cultivators

surveyed do not have piuper ideas in these important aspects to be

considered at the time of p1,iiiiiny.

9. H~g i i Cust of M,i~~iteiarict.

t-Iigh cost oi maintenance of plants is yet anolher production problem

constrainmy the Anthuriui~r i.uIt~vators (5 per cent) in Kerala. Commercial

cultivatc~rs often need to ~nstall mist 1 drip irrigation system for the scientific

irrlyation and fertigation ot plants. The initial cost of installation of such items

is very costly when compared to the cost of traditional methods of fertigation

and ~rr~~jat ion. Expenses incurred for weeding, pest and disease control,

maintenance of adequate temperature and humidity in shade houses, etc.,

are all c:ostly when compared to the traditional methods of cultivation.

10 Attack of Pests and Insect!;

Attack of pests and ltlsects IS yet another problem (3 per cent) faced

by the Anthuriunt c ~ ~ l t ~ v a t o i ~ 111 the State. Sna~ls and slugs, mealy bugs.

rodents, thrips, grass hoppers, wasps. caterpillars, mites, nematodes, scale

~nsecls. etc., are the m;tln p,:sts and insects causlny severe damages to the

plants at the varlous stages 01 growth resulting in low yields and low returns

to cultivators.

Fig.? XIX PRODUCTION PROBLEMS OF ANTHURIUM CULTIVATORS IN KERALA

O High cost of plants

High rate of investment l

1 RNon availability of disease resistant planting material

Lack of training

High cost of maintenance P

- P P - - -

- - -

a Non avaitability of high-yielding plmts

BDifficulties in identifying different varieties at the the of purchase l

QPlant diseases

0 Lack of knowledge in planting

OAttack of pests and insects -

Nlajor diseases attecting Anthurium plants, ranked in the order of

their severity. by eliciting lntormat~on from the respondents and analysing the same

by means of scaling technitque 1s exhibited in Table Nu 8 7

Table No 8.7 Rank-wise details of Anthuriurn Cultivators in the case of

Flanking of the diseases in order of their gravity indicates that Root

rot (36 per cent) is the dlsease, which severely affects the Anthurium plants grown

by the cultivators. Leaf Bl~ghl (213 per cent) disease assumes the second rank in

order of severity, followecl by lLe;~f Spot (22 per cent) and Collar Blotch (14 per

~-~

cent).

[letails gathered from the Anthurium cultivators with regard to the

main insects 1 pests attacking t l i ~ Anttiuriu~n plants lhave been analysed with the

help of scorin(4 technique and !ltr it,sults of the same are presented in Table No.

8.8

Ranks

1 2 3 4

.--.p...-- ~ - i 1 1 1

. - -- , 88 54

Total ~ 393 Source: Field Survey.

Percentage

36 28 22 14

100

Table No 8.8 Rank-w~se details of Anthurium Cutttvators rn the case of

----..W .--M. --

Total .

Source: Field Survey

Ranking 01 the main cl~seases aflectiny the Anthurium plants in the

order of their gravity reveals that Snails are the pests which grievously affect the

plants (18.35 per cent), followed by other pests and insects like Mealy Bugs (13.61

por ccnt). Rodents ( l l 24 per cent). Thrips (10.92 per cent), Grasshopper (10.80

i,>21' ..,?1:1), ' p l , ; r I C r ,:j :,., 11er cent). Mites (6.27 per

ccnt), Black Colour Insects (5.43 ;?cr cent) and Spldcr Mite (4.81 per cent).

B. MARKETING PROBLEMS OF CUT FLOWER GROWERS IN KERALA

i. Marketing Problems of Orchid Cultivators

Class~ficat~on of Orchid cult~vatc)rs on the bass of thetr Marketing

problems are depicted in Table No B 9

Table No. 8.9 Classification of Anthurium c:uItlvators on the basis of their Production ~~~ Problems ~ ~ ~p

Category

~ u l t i v a t o r ~ ~ w h o faced ~-

MarketixProblems - ~- -~ -. -- . Cultivators who do not 1 face Marketing Problems ~ --

Total 1 14 L- . . 1. - 42 Source: Fi'eld Survey.

Majority (93 per cent) ot the Orchid cultivators confronts Several

marketing problems, wh~le 7 per cent of the cultivaturs surveyed do not face any

marketing problems. Large-scale cultivators of Orchid have permanent

arrangements of the~r own within ant! outs~tle the State for the marketing of their

produce. Majority of the i t l ~ ; l C l i ~ i l ~ - s ~ ~ / e ~ u l t i v a t ~ i s ale also observed as capable of

supplying tile required quantity ol flowers to the flower marts and consumers and

other agencies on a rcgul,ar bas~s Beside:; these some of them are involved in

other allied b~isinesse:; like flower arrangements, bouquet making, beauty parlor

etc. Hence these two categories of cultivators do not face any marketing

at all . But in the case of small scale cultivators, it is very difficult to find procuring

agencies, malte negoliations with traders, with regard to fixing of prices for their

flowers, heterogeneity of the variety of flowers, inability to supply required quantity

as and when tlie need arises, and the absence of economies of scale inherent to

these categories of culttvators etc

Clrchrd cultivators also face severdl nldrkettny problems. The major

problems consi.ratniny the Orch~d cult~vators in marketing thew produces have been

analysed b y a~lopt~ny the scoring technique ancl the results of the analysls are

exhibited 111 Table No 8.10 and a graphical representation of the same is

representecl in Fig. - XX

Table No. 8.10 Details regarding the ranking of the Market~ny Problems faced by the Orchid cultiva.tors

Marketing problems faced by the Orchid cultivators

freshness of flower:;

Lack of propaganda froni tlie part of (Govet-ntlient

Source: Field Survey

Rankiny of the marketing problems faced by the Orchid cultivators in

the State on the basis of a~nalysis indicates that Lack of procuring agencies is one

of the grievous problem faced by them (14 per cent), Inadequate market

information is ithe second trnportant problem (13 per cent) faced by the Orchid

cultivators followed by Lack of technology to keep the freshness of flowers (12 per

cent), Delay in payment of sale proceeds (10 per cent), Erratic fluctuations in price

(10 per cent). Lack of propaganda from the part of the Government (10 per cent).

High rate of damages in transit ( 7 per cent). Lack of infrastructure facilities (7 per

cent), Frequent emeryence of new IiybrtcJ varieties (5 pet- cent), Frequent changes

in the tastes and pretererice of consumers (5 per cent). High cost of packing (5 per

cent) and Other problems (2 per cent) like inaccessibility to market, insufficient

involvement by the Co-operative sector in the procurement and marketing of

flowers and plants, Lack of awztl-eness among the consumers regarding the

availability of floivers and plants and their proper use.

Fig. - XX MARKETING PROBLEMS OF ORCHID GROWERS IN KERALA

-

B Lack of procuring agency B Inadequate market information Cl Lack of technology tokeep freshness of flowers

Delay in pa ment of sale proceeds ¤ Erratic fluc Y uation in rice B Lack of pro aganda rom the part of Govt.

? P

D High rate o dama es in transit U Lack of infrastruc ure facilities

Frequent emergence of new hybrid varieties Frequent change in taste and preferences of consumers Hi h cost of Pack~ng 0t1 e rs

ii. Marketing Problems of Anthurium Growers

Classification of Anthurium cultlvators on the bass of the~r Marketcng

problems is depcted in Table No 8 l 1

Table No. 8.1 1 Class~fication of Anthul-~um cultivators o i l the? basis of Marketing ~- ~ Problems ~~ -~ .- Faced by t l le~n

Category

Cultivators who faced Marketing_ Problems

l 14

Cultivators who do not face Marketing Problems -- ~ -~ - - ~~~ -

Total 14 -. -~ ~ . 14 Source: Field Survey.

Nlajority (73 per cent) of the Anthurium cultivators confronts several

Marketing problems, while 27 per cent of the cultivators surveyed do not face any

Marketing problems. Large-scale cultivators of Anthurium have permanent

arrangements of th i :~~ owr~ witt1111 CII,~J uuts~~.~ie [lie State for the marketing of their

produce. Majority of the mr?diu~.rli,i:;~le !;ult~!!,ltors are also observed as capable of

supplying the required quantity of flowers to the flower marts and consumers and

other agencies on a regular bas~s Bes~des these some of them are involved in

other alliecl businesses like flower arrangements, bouquet making, beauty parlor

etc. Hence: these two categories ot cult~valucs do not face any market~ng problem

at all . But in the case of small sc;lle , it is very difficult to find procuring agencies,

make negotiations w~th traders, wlth regard to fixlng of prlces for thew flowers,

heterogeneity of the variety of flowers, ~nabclity to supply required quantity as and

when the need arises, a ~ i d the dbsence of economies of scale inherent to these

categories of cult~vators, etc.

Anthuriuin culllvators also face several rnarket~ng problems The

major problems constraining the Anthur~um cultivators in market~ng thew produces

have been analysed by adopting the scoring techn~que and the results of the

analys~s are exli~b~tetl in Tdble No 8 12 The detalls of the same are also

presented 111 Fig. XXi

Table No. 8.12 Rank-wise details of Anthurium cultivators on the basis of the

Anthurium cultivate

Source: Field Survey.

F3ank1ny of \ l i t i,idrket~ng problems faced by the Anthurlum

cultivators in the State on the basis of analysis indicates that Lack of procuring

agenclcs IS one of the yricvou:; tjroblern faced by them (14 per cent). Inadequate

market information 1s the. second important problem (12 per cent) faced by the

Anthur~um cult~vators followed by Erratic fluctuations in price (9 per cent), High cost

of packing (9 per cent). Frequent emergence of new hybrid varieties (9 per cent),

High rate of damages in translt i 8 per cent). Lack of technology to keep the

freshness of tlonrers (8 per cent). Frequent changes in the tastes and preferences

of consumers (8 per cent). Delay in payment of sale proceeds (7 per cent), Lack of

propaganda frorn the part of the Government (7 per cent),Lack of infrastructure

facilities (6 per cent). Other ~ r o l ~ i e r r ~ s (3 !)er cent) like inaccessrbility to market.

insufficient involvement by the Co-operative sector in the procurement and

marketing of flowers and plants, Lack of awareness arnong the consumers

regarding the availability of flowers and plants and their proper use.

Fig. - XXI MARKETING PROBLEMS OF ANTHURIUM GROWERS IN KERALA

850 A n l

B Lack of procuring agency H Inadequate market information

Erratic fluctuation in price High cost of packing

B Frequent emergence of new hybrid varieties B High rate of damages in transit B Lack of technology to keep freshness of flowers

Frequent changes in taste and preferences of consumers m Delay in payment of sale proceeds

Lackof propaganda from the part of Govt. Lack of infrastructure facilties , Others

SECTION - Ill

PROBLEMS FACED BY CUT FLOWER TRADERS IN KERALA

1-he probler~s faced by the cut flower traders in Kerala have been

identified by nieans ot interviews dr~d disciissions with thern, which are as follows.

1. Short Supply of Flowers to Fulfill Bulk Orders:

1-raders and agents often get bulk orders for selected varieties of cut

flowers from outsrde the Stale. But when they approach the cultivators to

fulfil1 their needs. rt is often very difficult to find sufficient number of selected

varlet~e:; of flowers required by them. It is mainly due to the fact that majority

of the Orchid and Anthuriurr~ cullivdlurs used Lo grow several varieties in

small number instead of cuit~vatlny larye number of plants of a few varieties.

2 , Improper Grading and Packing Procedures adopted by the Growers:

Sue 10, the lack ui proper training, rnany of the cultivators are

ignoran: with regarcl to thc ;iariuaidt:;ccl grading and pacltiny procedures to

be adopted at the time of despatch of flowers to traders or agents.

Unhyg~enrc methods of harvesting, careless handling and improper

transportation of flowers cause severe damages and degradation of the

qual~ty of flowers. This ofterl rnakes the flowers unsuitable for marketing by

the traclers located at distant places. Sometimes it also requires further

gradlng and repacking by the traders resulting in additional expenses,

delavs and inconveniences to the traders.

3. Inadequate Fac~i~ties for Qulck and Timely Transportation of Flowers:

Orch~d and 14nthurium flowers should be transported as quickly as

possibic? to the tradlng auction centres in order to get high unit value.

realisation. in Kerala there is a lack of refrigerated vehicles specially

desiyned foi carrying fIowei\ from the procilrement centres to the lradiny

centres

4. Lack ot Storage Facllilies

I Keraia there is no air conditioned storage facilities to keep the

flowers afresh like the one in Bangalore or in other foreign countries like

Netherlands. Maur~tlus, Singapore, Thailand. etc. Lack of such a facility

either in the private or [~ctl~l ic sector in Kerala often compel the flower

traders to sell their protlilce at a abyslnally low prices compared to their

competitors.

51. Erldllc Chaiiyes 111 iI;u~lrariii

3rch1d ;III\I I ~ I I flo~veis 11;ls~c i~ i y l i demand in Nortli lrldia

during iestive and ceremonial occasions like Holly, Deepavaly, Navarathri.

etc., and during marrlagc: soclsons and the demand become sluggish during

rainy seasons. This often ri.sults in wide gap between demand and supply

of flowers producetJ in the State. The traders who enter into contract with

the cui!tivators and agents for the supply uf flowers throughout the year

always find it very d~fficuit iu tide over the situation.

6. Delay In Getting Sales proceeds from the Terminal Market:

[Cut flower traders of Kerala are often forced to sell the flowers on

credit to the terni~nai markets situated in other States. Many of the traders of

Kerala are not getting prompt and t~mely payment of their sale proceeds

from1 tht: tr,.~di:~s in the lerminal rnarkel There were several instances of

non-payment of dues to the traders in Kerala leading to the collapse of their

businesses. Severai cut flower traders were observed as thrown out of the

~ndustry The h ~ g h r~sk attached to thls trade makes new entrants hesitant to

enter inlo this f~eld.

7. Absence of marketing Network:

Proper marketing network as in the case of olher plantation crops

have not beer1 developed so far in Kr?rala for the marketing of Orchids and

Anthuriurns both within and outside the State. Hence the traders themselves

havc to cslaliiisli l i iec l co~itacts will1 the cul!iv~:ur:, who arc xnt tcrcd all

ovei tlle State. rier11;e there IS no uniformity in the prices offered by each

trader to the cultivator. A few traders and their agents both within and

outsitle :;7e Stntc oltcn eli~ninate marg~nal traders due to the unhealthy trade

pract~ces resulteil

8. Lack of Government Support.

The Governrn(2nt ol Kerala has not yet provided any support to the

traders by prov~drny infrastructure fac~iities such as quick transportation

facilities for despatching flowers to the nearest destinations, centralised air-

conditloned storage facilit~es for keeping the flowers in prime locations

~deally su~ted for the miirketrng of flowers. auctton centres with all modern

facllitie:~, fixation of support prices for each varieties of flowers, facilities for

the export ot these flowers through public~ty, tracle fairs, exhibitions, etc.

9. Lack of Market Intelligence Services:

The Govern~iient i1,1s not taken any inrtii~tive for the develvpment of

market ~ntell~gence setvlces as in the case of other commercial crops. This

often creates many problems among the traders at the time of fixation of

prices fsor the flowers procort?d by them.

10. Low Internal Demand:

llnlike the tradit~onal flowers, Orchids and Anthuriums have low

internal demand due to the iraditionalistic outlook of the people, majority of

the people in Kerala have an indifferent attitude towards Orchids and

Anihuriums as alter floweri navlng high price and no fragrance. Inadequate

i i i i~1 iv i i iu i3s I~UIII il ic I.J,I,; ol Gdvcrnnictii, ~oilintal-y 01-yanidiions, cut

flobver socrettes, antJ ~ i inud~t t~vc cntreprencurs are the basic reasons for the

conservative outlook ot peo1)le and the low level of internal demand. The

tradcrs of Kerala have not yet gained any progress in exploiting the huge

potentialities of the exposit narke et for these flowers due to the low internal

market base.

11. lnabtlrty for Exp(>rt.

Almost ail the cut iiower traders in Keraia are unable to procure

export orders due to several reasons. Even though there are two

international airports. in Kerda, the facilities required for keeping the flowers

as farrn fresh are quite inadequate in these airports. The cumbersome

procedures associated with quarantine facilities often lead to unnecessary

delay and consequent damages and deterioration in the quality of flowers

brought for export. Moreover the freight charges levied on cut flowers are

based on the volume of spacr: orcupiecl rather than the weight of the

cartons This irnpo:;es heavy burden on traders by way of freight charges.

This allways results in high cost of transport and low competitiveness of cut

flowers 111 the ~iiterrlatior~al niarket. lriadequate number of direct flights from

Kerala to the prime international trading centres like Holland, Bangtok, etc.,

further aggravates the present situation. All these factors make the cut

flower traders ut Kerala reluctant in entering into export business of Orchids

and Anl:huriums.

SECTION - IV

FUTURE PROSPECTS OF CUT FLOWER INDUSTRY IF1 KERAL.4

[Cut fluwt:~ industry in Kerala has briglit future prospects, considering

its several advantages in terms of locat~on, soil, pattern of rainfall and other agro

climatic condilions congei~ial for the development of the floricultural crops like

Orchids and i\nthuriuins. The State of Kerala is an ideal location for attracting

foreign investment for iloriculture when compared to any other State in India. The

special attractiori attributed to a State like Kerala is the existence of a large

domestic market with its roots t?xtending to various countries, man power with the

international level of technical, managerial and educational skills at a much lower

cost than elsewhere in the world The ever increasing pressure of population in the

State and shrinkage In the available area under cultivat~on of food crops demand

substantial increase in the production of high u n ~ t value export oriented floricultural

items like Orchids and Anthurlurns wh~ch require lesser area when compared to

the traditional crops not or~ly for the self sustenance of the people but also to meet

the export tecjulren\ei~t

The State has also the significant advantage in terms of marketing of

various value added flor~culturai products and the~r derivatives thereof, both

domestically and internationally. Varlous protocols of micro propagation are

available in floriculture crops like Orchids, Anthuriums, etc., for their rapid and

mass production. These modern techniques can effectively be utilised for the mass

multiplication ol the exotlc and Ihybrld var~etles of Orchids and Anthuriums, which

are developed and found 1.0 be lhighly suitable to the agro climatic conditions of

Kerala. Aggressive researchers oi participatory nature will no doubt enable the

rcscnrchcrs no:! cr;,cr~encod c~~ l l ~v ,~ to rs to cvolve new varleties of Orchids and

Antliuriuins, wlilch c m be patented d i d exported to vthei cuuntries within a short

span of tlme Most ot the Orchid anrl Anthurirlm plants have been introduced from

abroad to our State. The improved propagation methods and evolving new

indigenous varieties of these piants will no doubt increase the availability of

planting materials at a low rate when compared to the imported varieties which in

its turn w~l l yive a boost to the llower cultivation in the State. Kerala has a vast

reservoir of genetlc biod~verslty In the Western Ghats. With the globalisation the

characterisat~on of genetic material of Kerala origin, especially, in the case of

various varieties of wild Orchids and plants coming under Aracea family including

wild varieties of Anthuriums, which have high potential for developing hybrid

varieties of such plants, ha:, become quite urgent now. There is also a need to

create a section of these plant genetr~, resource in the major Agricultural Research

Institutes anu Un~versities in Kerala covering the maintenance of field gene bank,

Ion cost technologies for their lcli!.~ :.ern\ it?-v~tro storage. D N.A. finger printing,

quarantine procedure and data entry in respect of these plants. This will not only

enable the State in consenflng its rich hio-diversity but also enable the dynamic

unemployed persons to capital~si. on such innovative ventures. Biotechnology for

floricultural improvements requires special attention and concerted efforts in

research and planning. It is high tlme to intensity research and development

activities in Kerala for the U(,-grachtion of micro propagation technology to make in

vitro propayated Orchid and Anlliuiiui~l plants available at an affordable price to

the commorl growers of such plants in the State. Genetically engineered plants

wit11 enhai~i:eu resistance lu SI:V~;I,,I 1idi:ieriaI cllid l diseases have been

developed iii varlous countries. W1111 [hi: ;yjgressive efforts and also with the high

level of literacy and standard of etlucation, the academic centres and research

lnstltutes of Kerala can also develop various transgenlc Orchids and Anthuriums

with several quality parameters. ',.>~Ilich can also be patented at a later stage for

exploring their commerc~al prospects.

With proper planning, the Government of Kerala can explore the

immense pote:nt~alities of intormation Technology by attracting more and more

dynamic entrepreneurs in the field of export of cut flowers like Orchids and

Anthuriums through the establishment of E-flower marts in metropolitan cities in

Kerala. Th~s will not only provide ample direct and indirect employment

opportunities to the educated unemployed youth in Kerala but also will enable the

State to earn considerable fsoreign exchange earnings besides exposing the State

as a whole to the outside world as a leading exporter of cut flowers in India. In-vifro

propagative c:ultivation and maintertance of Orchids and Anthiir~ums requires costly

imported equiprnents and other accessories, which often result in high cost of

establishment, l3ut the inte!nsivt? researchers bringing forth innovative low cost

substitutes instead of the costly iinported items by making use of indigenous

innovative techriolog~es will no doubt help to bring down the cost of establishment

to a considerable extent. Commercialisation of the indigenous low cost proven

technolog~es developed by the research Institute to cater to the innumerable

requirements of tissue cullure labs cultivators and traders will also necessitate

establishment of several tiiiy anti cclttalje interdependent industrial units through

out the State Such type of uiiil:; !l1 I ~ ~ r i i ivill also yeiiei~rie ilirect and indirect

ernploymeii: iri the rural areas ui liic Siaie. Dry floweis dlso 11ave a very good

market ~~i : .~ i i t ic i i ill ailvanceci c.$)ri~iLi.~.., U! i l ~ e worl~l. Cuininunication of the

technology for the product~on of dry and dehydrated flowers has not so far been

explored in Kerala. It 1s another arccl where there are ample trade prospects in the

State