India: Flower cultivation in Pubjab only for brave farmers

Despite growing opportunities and a rise in demand, flower cultivation is something Punjab farmers steer clear of. Few gather the courage to cultivate flowers because they are unconvinced by the prospects of good prices and note that the export demand is low. Only wealthy farmers who can afford it are going for flower cultivation.

What farmers consider even more risky is the cultivation of high-quality flower seeds which are in great demand in Europe and the US. Only 1,500 acres in Punjab is under flower seeds cultivation and the government does not provide any incentives or subsidies on their production and export.

Among the exceptions is Avtar Singh Dhindsa, who since 1986 has been exporting high-quality flower and vegetable seeds to various countries. Currently president of Asian and Pacific Seeds Association with its headquarters in Bangkok, and which has 48 countries as its members, he is the first Sikh to hold the position.

After winning an MSc in landscaping and floriculture from Punjab Agricultural University in 1979, the journey has been a bumpy ride for Dhindsa, who jumped from job to job in landscaping before taking up seeds production.

Click here to read the complete article at indianexpress.com