Members of the South India Floriculture Association distributed ‘natural’ flowers to visitors and walkers at Lalbagh on Sunday morning as a form of protest against artificial varieties imported from China. A week ago, the association had submitted a request to Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar demanding that the Centre ban import of artificial flowers from China.
They requested the government to come to the aid of farmers and traders who are in financial distress due to the increasing use of plastic flowers, especially during festive seasons.
Association director B. Srikanth said that Sunday’s protest was well received. Flowers worth ₹10 lakh were presented between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Sunday.
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Mr Srikanth said, “Through this unique protest, we are demanding a ban on artificial flowers. Over the years, the consumption of artificial flowers has gone up. People use them for decoration of marriage halls, malls and other places. This trend is having a negative impact on growers. We held the protest at Lalbagh to sensitise the general public.”
In the letter, the Association noted that farmers in Karnataka have constructed polyhouses in 5,850 acres under various government schemes to grow roses, gerbera, carnations among other varieties. Varieties like jasmine and marigold are grown in over 2.8 lakh acres across the State. More than 60 lakh people are directly or indirectly dependent on floriculture for their livelihood.
Mr. Srikanth said, “The Prime Minister has announcement various measures to increase the revenue of farmers in the country. Imposing a ban on plastic flowers will help us in a big way.”
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