Cultivation and Marketing of Important Flower Crops in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu
S. Preethi
Department of Agroforestry, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam - 641 301, India.
P. Hemalatha *
Department of Agroforestry, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam - 641 301, India.
S. Selvanayaki
Department of Basic and Social Sciences, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam - 641 301, India.
R. Ravi
Department of Forest Products and Wildlife, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam - 641 301, India.
Raziya Banoo
Department of Agroforestry, Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam - 641 301, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tamil Nadu is the leading producer of loose flowers in India. Dindigul is one of the major flower cultivation districts in Tamil Nadu. A flower crop survey was carried out in the Nilakottai Flower Market, Dindigul. There, much information was gathered through questionnaire method from thirty farmers about the cultivation of flower crops in that area, including climatic conditions, yield, value-added products, and various pests and diseases to flower crops. Then, other details were collected from ten commission agents and ten export agents in Nilakottai flower market regarding the marketing and exporting of flower crops grown and value-added products in that area to various districts of Tamil Nadu, states of India and various countries. Among various flower crops, jasmine is an attractive, important commercial crop and very popular in the state. It is significant in all religious, social, and cultural ceremonies, as well as all other functions performed by all people. Another notable jasmine cultivar grown in Madurai, Dindigul, Nilakottai, and surrounding areas has a Geographical Indication (GI) label. There are 10 jasmine perfume producing industries in Dindigul district. Various aromatic plants and flowers are used in the perfumery industry for scent production. In this article, various flower crops in Dindigul district and their cultivation and marketing have been presented.
Keywords: Floriculture, jasmine, cultivation, marketing, Dindigul district