An economic analysis of traditional and hi-tech rose (Rosa spp.) cultivation

Rose (Rosa spp.) is grown under traditional and hi-tech cultivation in India. There exists wide difference in the capital investment, variable costs incurred and returns realized in the both production systems. Therefore, the study was undertaken to examine the investments, costs, yields, returns and employment under traditional versus hi-tech cultivation. It was observed that although, the hi-tech farms were capital intensive, require huge initial investment and applied very high doses of inputs such as plant protection chemicals and fertilizers, they performed much better in terms of realization of returns and employment generation in comparison to traditional farms. Regarding gender equity, there was a discrimination against female casual labour working at both the types of farm. To enhance the profitability of rose cultivation, research should be prioritized for developing long-stalked, better shaded and pests and diseases resistant varieties, cost reduction in greenhouse structures and proper market intelligence.