Contribution of FPOs in Floriculture Export: Unlocking India's Potential

India's export economy has great potential in the floriculture sector, and FPOS are leading the way in harnessing this potential. India's floriculture FPOs can have a significant impact on increasing exports and empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women in rural areas, by embracing climate-smart practices, improving infrastructure, and strengthening market connections.

CO-AUTHORED BY AMIT PATJOSHI, CEO, Palladium India and Biswajit Behera, Associate Director, Palladium India

Floriculture is a rapidly emerging sector in India, commonly referred to as a "sunrise sector" due to its immense potential for F income generation and employment creation, especially for small and marginal farmers, many of whom are women. The Indian floriculture market is projected to reach a volume of approximately $5.9 billion by 2030, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7-8 per cent. The sector primarily deals with two types of flowers: cut flowers and loose flowers, with a significant portion of sales occurring through organised retail.

India's export performance in floriculture has been commendable, though there is still much untapped potential. In 2023, India exported around 19,600 metric tonnes of floriculture products, worth approximately $86 million. Major export destinations include the United States, UAE, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Malaysia.

However, despite the promising figures, the volume of floriculture exports remains modest in comparison to the country's production capacity.

Geographically, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu lead the country's floriculture production, accounting for more than 35 per cent of total production. Other key states include Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha. These latter states not only produce significant quantities of flowers but also have the potential to serve international markets if supported by improved infrastructure, value chains, and export-oriented business models.

Odisha: Strengthening FPOS Value Chain

Odisha has been an emerging player in India's floriculture sector, with key districts such as Sambalpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, Puri, Bhadrak, and Angul being major centres for flower cultivation.