As local exotic flowers bloom, imports wilt
domestic produce, as opposed to imported blooms. India's increasing cultivation of exotic flowers such as orchids, carnations and tulips is meeting the rising demand.
Regulations are also keeping overseas supplies in check.
Among the much-in-demand blossoms, India's production of chrysanthemums rose 136% from FY16 to 470.15 tonnes in FY22, while that of orchids was up 210% over the same period. On the other hand, India's imports of fresh and dried flowers, flower buds, bulbs and tubers almost halved during FY15 to FY23.
Meanwhile, the fall in flower shipments from India seems to indicate that production is increasingly going towards meeting local demand, especially at weddings. India's flower exports more than halved to $22.92 million in FY23, from $49.43 million in FY15.
«Till some time ago, people had a fetish for foreign flowers, especially tulips,» said Kapoor, who is director of New Delhi-based Yuna Weddings & Events. «But now, they prefer fresh flowers grown locally, which are equally pretty.»
Shorter shelf life for imported flowers
Imports of cut flowers and flower buds of the kind suitable for bouquets or ornamental purposes attract a 60% duty.
