Bangalore: The Silicon Valley of India is known for a variety of seasonal flowers that are popular throughout the country where almost each day, flower growers, producers and sellers receive orders from various parts of the country. Best known for its varied shades and stems of roses, they are mostly grown in and around Bangalore like Doddaballapur, Kanakpura, Kolar, and Ooty.
The International Flower Auction Board at Hebbal is the hub of all the local and imported flowers which are auctioned by different growers from the city and the state. It is from here that the flowers are auctioned and purchased by all the wholesalers and retailers. With the start of the marriage and festival season, it is big business for all floriculturists as this is the time, the demand for flowers like roses, tulips, gerberas and orchids is at its peak in the city.
Apart from this, the city being a hub for many national and international events as well as important get-togethers in five star hotels, the demand for flowers goes up. Many flowers like Anthriums and Gerberas that are used for decorations during state functions, cultural events and wedding receptions are grown in Coorg and Ooty. But surprisingly, Brasica, an imported variety beats the list by being the most sold flower. It is well within the budget of the customer and flower size and its numerous colours match the customers’s demand.
Imported flowers: According to Ram Chandra Reddy, Incharge of imported flowers in a private company, they handle all imported flowers within the K R market. Exporting to Asian countries like Dubai, Japan and Singapore, they have been in the floriculture business for 15 years. However, they claim that imported flowers that are expensive are not popular in the city.
“The scope for sale of imported flowers is not good amongst the local crowd. Flowers from Ireland like Hydrangea, Pin Cusion and Lithius cost `600 per piece and so the sales is really low. On the other hand, Orchids are available for just Rs 100 and so people definitely ask for it. Keshav, a local rose seller at K R Market says, “Although some of the roses I procure are from Ethiopia but the flowers of Bangalore stand out any day than the rest.”
“Flowers are as important as the variety of food preparations made in any kind of traditional or modern weddings,” says Deepu, Om Sri Sai Flowers.
Flowers that are imported from Ireland, Thailand and other Asian countries are very popular in high-scale weddings. But even Indian flowers like Carnations, Asiatic Liliums and Oriental Liliums too find a place like the imported ones in every function and season.
On the whole, Reddy, says, “The scope for good sales in Bangalore is just not there. The problem is not only because of high prices but the high import duties and the long delivery time. One has to place an order almost a week before and it takes more than a week for it to fructify. It is better to deal with Indian flowers rather than hanker for imported varieties,” he concludes.
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