Rose Farming: Know how to earn 8 lakh rupees every year from rose cultivation
Rose Farming: India is an agricultural country, where millions of farmers depend on traditional crops. However, as times change, most farmers are shifting from traditional farming to cash crops, such as rose farming. Apart from their beauty and fragrance, roses also give an income of thousands of rupees to the growers. Rose farming can significantly improve the economic status of small farmers if they employ appropriate methods and approaches.
Major Rose Varieties of India
- Jawahar: The Jawahar variety is known for its giant flowers and long stems. It is best suited for export and ornamental purposes.
- Rani Sahiba: This variety is very popular in the ornamental industry and is deep pink in color.
- Pusa Bahaar: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, developed this fast-growing, high-yielding variety.
- Arunima: During wedding rituals, this deep red variety is very much preferred.
- Nehru Rose: This variety is famous for increasing its shelf life by maintaining freshness for a long time.
- Bhushan: This variety is an attractive option for small growers as it is disease resistant and gives excellent yield with low maintenance.
How to Start Growing Roses
Selecting the Right Variety
Selecting the right variety is important for commercial cultivation. Each variety has its own specialty, and varieties such as Desi Gulab, Dutch Rose, Rosadamascena (for fragrance), Damini, Gran Dor, Joint, and First Red are often in great demand. While some are long-lasting and perfect for ornamental purposes, others are famous for their fragrance.
Soil and Climate
Roses are considered to grow best in a temperate environment. Roses thrive in climates ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Loamy soil is considered suitable as it has a high content of organic components and adequate drainage.
Planting and Field Preparation
The land is ploughed thoroughly before adding vermicompost, neem cake, cow dung manure and other materials. Rows of rose plants are planted at a distance of 60 x 60 cm or 75 x 75 cm. The ideal time of the year for planting is considered to be from July to September, which is the post-monsoon season.
Care and Irrigation
Roses need frequent watering, especially during summer. Using drip irrigation, also known as micro irrigation, saves water and ensures that the plants get the proper amount of moisture. Pest control, pruning and weeding are necessary from time to time.
Importance of Pruning
When plants are pruned, new branches emerge, which increases the number and quality of flowers. Roses are pruned once or twice a year. To improve production in winter, this work is completed between October and November.
Profit and Income
15,000 to 20,000 rose plants can be grown on one acre of land. One acre can yield ₹5 to ₹8 lakh per annum if the plants are managed carefully and the produce is marketed effectively. By setting up processing facilities, some prosperous farmers can double or triple their income and produce gulkand, rose water, dried flowers, perfume, rose oil, etc.
Marketing and Market
The market for roses is very wide. Local flower markets, shops that provide puja materials, hotels, event coordinators, wedding venues, and supermarkets are all potential buyers of farmers’ produce. These days, many farmers use social media and e-commerce sites to communicate directly with customers. Processing and selling branded goods like rose water or gulkand can also provide a lot of money.
Government Support and Education
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and other state governments also provide subsidies and training to farmers for growing roses. Institutions like NABARD can also provide loans and financial assistance. Such assistance makes it possible for this farming to be adopted on a large scale by small and medium-sized farmers. Apart from increasing the income of farmers, it encourages them to start their own business and become independent.
