Bangalore has remained on top in floriculture in the country for the past 15 years and will be exporting 45 to 50 lakh long-stemmed roses to various countries this Valentine's Day

Love has no boundaries, goes the popular saying and red roses represent the symbol of love. Long stemmed roses from Bangalore have proved that they can span the oceans to celebrate the festival of love on February 14.



Ahead of Valentine's Day, an estimated 45 to 50 lakh long-stemmed red roses are being exported to the UK, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle-East via chartered flights to aid cupid in his goal.

"There is a great demand for red roses and the most popular varieties are Grand Gala (without thorns), Passion, Taj Mahal and First Red," said Jayaprakash Rao, general secretary of South India Floriculture Association.

City on top
Bangalore has remained on top in floriculture in the country for the past 15 years with a 100 hectare area of poly-houses around Doddaballapur and Hosur where red roses are being cultivated.

According to a report from the floriculture association, Bangalore once known as the garden city of India is today facing stiff competition from countries like Kenya, Columbia and Ethiopia, which are wooing the international market with low cost produce. Besides Bangalore, the climate in Kenya is believed to be the best to grow roses.

Low production
"The quantity exported this year could be slightly less in comparison to last year's export figures as a result of an increase in freight charges (that came into effect from February 1) and also low production owing to various factors. Freight charges have increased from between Rs 80 and Rs 120/Kg to Rs 150 and Rs 180/Kg depending on the airline," Rao said.

The last consignment to UK, Holland, Australia and New Zealand will be on February 10, while to the Middle East and Singapore will be February 12, Rao added. Rao, a rose farm owner and cultivator, proposes to export about 60,000 roses against the 75,000 he managed last year.

VH Prasad, another large-scale grower and exporter said that the demand for roses was high but supply has remained poor. "Due to the sudden climatic change in December, produce has dropped by 40 per cent. Also, roses that are ready for harvesting right away, have to be delayed another five days because of the date miss-match between suppliers and importers," he said.

Apart from Valentines Day, Christmas and New Year are days which see a huge demand for Bangalore roses internationally.

50 lakh Roses being exported for V-day

2 lakh Roses hit Bangalore market each day