Floriculture: Assam Stands Out Among N-E States, with a 250% Increase in 9 Years

With the exception of Assam, the declining value of floriculture in the northeastern states could compensate farmers, as the Centre has decided to promote oil palm in that region. Between 2011-12 and 2019-20, the gross value of output (GVO) from floriculture in this region fell by 5-100%. However, Assam is the only state with a 251% increase.

According to the GVO report on agriculture and allied sector, the country's floriculture value has increased by 55% to Rs 26,987.41 crore in 2019-20 from Rs 17,365.38 crore in 2011-12.

Though exports increased by a similar proportion over the nine-year period under consideration, their share of total value remains around 2%.

"Floriculture is much more than a subsidy, and many of the projects could not be sustained because the goal was different. Subsidies must be re-oriented so that farmers/entrepreneurs who enter this sector have access to the right information," said Praveen Sharma, president of the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals.

The total value of floriculture in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland, and Manipur fell 31% from Rs 277.19 crore in 2011-12 to Rs 191.13 crore in 2019-20, according to National Statistical Office data. In the last nine years, Sikkim's economy has shrunk by 34% to Rs 157.25 crore.

Data for Meghalaya and Tripura are not available, but Assam's GVO has increased from Rs 128.89 crore to Rs 452.43 crore.

"The state government has taken numerous measures, including promoting floriculture through the Centre's Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme. This, combined with increased demand from urbanisation and economic and social activities in Assam, has aided the sector's growth," said Pradip Mahanta of Assam Agricultural University.

From 365.32 crore in 2011-12, India's floriculture exports increased 48 percent to Rs 541.61 crore in 2019-20. However, the increase in 2021-22 was 34% to Rs 771.41 crore from Rs 575.98 crore the previous year, indicating a brighter future for the flower trade.