Promotion Of Export Oriented Flower Farming Can Fetch Huge Returns

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Nov, 2018 ) ::Promotion of export-oriented flowers farming, especially rose, not only can help increase the earning of farmers but also earn foreign exchange.

The rose flower is used for manufacturing of various daily used articles including medicines, cosmetics, shampoo, soaps, lotion, creams, cuisines, rose oil, and many other commodities.

Over 1000 acres rose flower crop was cultivated at Tibba Sultanpur area of district Vehari and the cultivation of flowers was on rise continuously in the region, said assistant research officer Floriculture Department Muhammad Iftikhar while talking to APP here.

He informed that farmers were taking interest in cultivation of the rose flower crop. The flower crop was highly paid as compared to different other crops. The farmers could generate income Rs 150,000 to 300,000, from an acre, depending upon management and modern agriculture practices. The per acre cost of flower crop was nearly 40,000 only and once the crop was cultivated, then it starts offering flowers production for 15 years, the official informed.

President Rose Flower Association Rafique Khan Manais told APP that rose flower crop was very much beneficial for farmers.

He suggested that farmers should pay focus toward flower farming.

The flower crop provide economic opportunity to labourer women also. The women labourers were paid Rs 10 per kg for plucking of the flowers.

Similarly, the government should offer necessary facilities including installation of dehydration plant for drying of flower petals, and provision of cold storage as these facilities would enable farmers to fetch much more income. The dried rose petals could be exported to many countries. At international markets, there was huge demand of the flowers because it was used in making many articles. Rose petals, could be preserved in dried form for long time after drying it in dehydration plant. Similarly, the cold storage facility enhances shelves life of flowers for nearly two months.

There were some particular seasons when flowers pay high returns. He, however, added that the government had promised of making of cold storage and installation of dehydration plants in Tibba Sultanpur.

He hoped that the government would honour its pledge and install plant in the flower market.