Floriculture as an agri-business option - a case for open cultivation of rose in the peri-urban regions of Bangalore rural district, Karnataka

An attempt has been made in this study to analyse the economic viability and profitability of open cultivation of rose as an agri business option, in the peri urban regions of Bangalore rural district, Karnataka State. Economic analysis based on the primary data collected from rose growers indicated that, besides the regular Hybrid Tea (HT), cultivation of short stemmed button type is on the increase. The growing popularity of Button types could be attributed to lower plant population; pruning once in two years against every year for Hybrid Tea types; shorter stature, higher yield and available in different colours. The economic analysis revealed that the cost of establishment of rose garden ranged from Rs.3, 31, 178/ha for buttons to Rs.3, 60, 251/ha for Hybrid Tea type. Average annual maintenance cost worked out to Rs. 2, 90444/ha for buttons and Rs.3, 75, 126/ha for HT types, which is inclusive of the amortized fixed costs of around Rs. 73, 153 for buttons and Rs. 1, 01796 for HT types. With a yield of over 40.38 lakh stems per annum, the buttons fetched a net return of around Rs.2, 25, 336/ha and a BCR of 1.78. The yield and profitability were marginally lower for the HT types (21.82 lakh stems and Rs. 2, 17, 674/ha) Contract sale of 70 percent of flowers to distant markets like Chennai, Vijayawada and Mysore was observed to be the most important factor that has enhanced the profitability and popularity of open cultivation of rose in this region. The increasing and regular market arrivals seem to be yet another reason for steady demand, which is reflected in the higher prices and lower coefficient of variation in arrivals and prices of roses compared to other traditional flowers in Bangalore market. Assured and higher returns from open grown rose seems to be the most important factor contributing to the increasing area under rose in the district and farmers shifting away from vegetables like potato and peas. Technology up gradation; awareness about new varieties and production practices among growers, alternate marketing methods that provide assured prices have been identified as critical factors that contributed to the growing significance of open cultivation of rose as a profitable venture