Huge demand for Anantapur roses in Europe, Middle East

Hindupur (Anantapur): Although roses are in demand throughout the year, they fetch a higher price from Christmas season onwards extending up to New Year and more particularly on Valentine's Day which falls on February 4. Just for that one-day, European countries looks forward for roses from Anantapur district and even from other parts of the world which supply roses to the Valentinites.

It is during the Valentine season, the district farmers make hay when the sun shines brightly on them. Surprisingly just a handful of floriculture farmers are raising rose plantations in 20 acres of land. They are all small farmers owning just one acre of land numbering 20, that are producing roses which the Europeans look forward to, every year.

Normally a rose flower fetches Rs 3 per flower but during the Valentine's day, it fetches them Rs 8-10 per flower. These farmers raise them in poly houses under climate-controlled conditions. The farmers also export roses to Dubai and Saudi Arabia directly to parties who pick them up straight from farms scattered in Chilamattur, Hindupur and other places in Hindupur revenue division.

Horticulture Officer Naveen Kumar told The Hans India that the flowers from the region are sent to Bengaluru city where they are sent to European countries through the International Flower Auction Board which auctions the flowers and the European Countries trader representatives purchase them in auction and supply the same to 'Love Birds' who convey their love through presentation of rose flowers.

One acre of rose plantation accommodates 30,000 rose plants and one tree yields 20-30 flowers and one acre produces a minimum of 6 lakh flowers. December to February is the peak season for roses. During January and February, plants in Europe do not yield roses, which was why they look unto other countries particularly India for import of flowers held so dear by European Youth. During the season each farmer earns an income of Rs.15 lakh and a profit of Rs 10 lakh on their one-acre plantation. They invest Rs 5 lakh or more on the cultivation and maintenance every year.

The rose farmers also get income throughout the year as they cater to people in cities for marriages, festivals and happy occasions. Adi Mullah, a rose farmer of Kurukunta village, told The Hans India that the price they get on roses in unseason was Rs 3 per flower. As one tree yields 20 flowers and the income on a single tree is Rs.60 per tree while in season they earn Rs.600 per tree.

Chukkapalle Prasad, another farmer from Lepakshi speaking revealed that each farmer lost an income of Rs.3 lakh or more per acre due to poor or no sales during lockdown. However, barring corona lockdown period, normally the farmers earn handsomely and more than anything, they feel proud of their flowers as they are in great demand in Europe and Middle East. The offices of Joint Directorate of Horticulture and also in Penukonda are providing all the support needed by the rose culture farmers.