With Valentine’s Day round the corner, floriculturists, particularly those growing carnations in some parts of the district, have been busy for the last few days.
Following the demand rising especially in Bangalore, carnation growers have of late been getting about Rs. 2 more a stem, according to the Joint Director of Horticulture, N. Mani.
He told The Hindu here on Tuesday that on an average about 1.5 lakh stems have been moving out of the district daily.
Among the main cultivation areas were Thummanhatty, Kappachi, Kodhumudi and a few places in Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Udhagamandalam.
Of the different kinds of carnations red accounted for 25 per cent to 30 per cent and they were the most in demand now.
Mr. Mani said that till a few years ago about 30 hectares were under carnations.
Now the total area under cut flowers, including lilium, gerbera, and carnation was 30 hectares.
Though the quality of cut flowers cultivated here was high, the competition from other centres was stiff and those flowers were being offered at lower rates.
Despite concerted efforts and the implementation of several subsidy schemes, floriculturists are finding it difficult to market their products round the year.
Some were doing extremely well.
He added that the potential was good as it was not very labour intensive.
