Forward and Backward Linkage of Hi-tech Floriculture Entrepreneurs — An Analysis

The present case study was conducted in the Belagavi district of Karnataka on hi-tech floriculture entrepreneurs during 2011. The data were collected personally using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The study has revealed that half of the respondents (50.0%) consulted Siroz Consultants Pvt. Ltd, Pune, for getting information related to layout and land preparation, and all the respondents consulted Kumar Florist Pvt. Ltd, Pune, for getting information about nutrient, irrigation and plant protection management. Cent per cent of the respondents consulted private agencies for market information and price fixation. The majority (90.0%) of the respondents procured planting material from Kumar Florist Pvt. Ltd., Pune. More than half (60.0%) of the respondents purchased nutrients, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals from Deepa Agro Agencies, Belagavi. The majority (80.0%) of respondents got financial assistance from the State Bank of India, Belagavi, for green house establishment. Most of the respondents (90.0%) sold their produce to local dealers and through commission agents. The nearness of market was the major (90.0%) reason for selling the produce to local retailers, while a good price for the produce was the major (90.0%) reason for selling through commission agents. The major constraint reported by most floriculture entrepreneurs (80.0%) was limited and irregular supply of electricity.