Krishnagiri Farmers Ramp Up Rose Production for Valentine's Day Surge
While the English poet Robert Burns famously wrote, "O my love is like a red, red rose," farmers in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district might update that sentiment to "My love is like a deep, velvety red Taj Mahal rose" this Valentine's season. As the day of love approaches, these agriculturalists are dispatching an astonishing one million Taj Mahal roses daily to meet skyrocketing domestic demand.
From Export Hub to Domestic Powerhouse
Bagalur in the Hosur taluk of Krishnagiri district has long been renowned for its rose cultivation, thanks to the region's cool climate and fertile soil. Farmers here cultivate more than 20 varieties of roses across approximately 4,000 acres of green huts, with Taj Mahal (red), Noblesse, and Gold Strike being among the most popular.
However, the floral landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. "Until five years ago, the roses grown in the Hosur area were exported entirely to foreign countries," explained farmer A Thangavel. "Currently, due to increased competition from flower production in other nations, exports have decreased significantly. Now, we're sending them to various states across India for sale."
Soaring Prices and Production Challenges
The domestic demand surge has created remarkable market dynamics. During normal periods, a pack of 20 Taj Mahal roses sells for around Rs 300. As Valentine's Day nears, that price has doubled to Rs 600 per pack. Production has actually decreased while demand has increased, creating a perfect storm for price escalation.
"During the off-season, we send only two lakh flowers for sale every day," Thangavel noted. "Ahead of Valentine's Day, we're dispatching 10 lakh flowers daily." This fivefold increase in daily shipments demonstrates the intense seasonal demand for these romantic blooms.
Changing Distribution Channels and Regional Demand
The rose trade has evolved beyond traditional markets. "Corporates are purchasing roses online," Thangavel revealed, indicating how digital platforms are transforming floral commerce. Meanwhile, states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have emerged as significant markets for Krishnagiri's roses, compensating for the decline in international exports.
Farmers Call for Government Support
Despite the Valentine's Day boom, rose farmers face ongoing challenges and are seeking greater governmental assistance. "In Karnataka, 75% subsidy is provided to farmers to set up greenhouses and produce roses," Thangavel pointed out. "But in Tamil Nadu, only 25% subsidy is provided. Steps should be taken to protect rose farming by providing adequate subsidies to farmers."
This disparity in support highlights the competitive pressures facing Tamil Nadu's floral industry, even as it adapts successfully to changing market conditions and continues to supply millions of roses to love-struck consumers across India.
