Floriculture industry is an important
component of the economy of many countries worldwide. In
Pakistan floriculture is not very well developed and therefore
has a negligible share in worldwide floriculture trade.
This is despite having fertile lands, suitable temperature,
good sun-shine, best irrigation system, cheap skilled labor
and rich resources to venture into this lucrative business
which cannot only generate rural employment but also fetch
precious foreign exchange.
Pakistan’s
fresh flower market is flooded with roses which are not
only used in different ceremonies but also in perfume industry
and in many Auravedic and Greek medicines preparation. Other
types of flowers found in the domestic market are Tulips,
Orchids, Lily, Jasmine and Gladioli. Flowers which dominate
the world market are Roses, Carnations, Chrysanthemums,
Orchids, Gladioli, Tulips, Freesias, Gerberas, Narcissus,
Iris, Lilies, Amaryllis, etc.
The
demand of flowers is continuously growing in the world.
According to the figures of 2005 total world trade in flowers
was around $45 billion. Out of the total floriculture trade
worldwide, cut-flowers sales account for 50 per cent and
plants 41 per cent; bulb and cut foliage make up rest of
nine per cent. Netherlands, Columbia, Israel, Italy, Belgium,
Denmark, the US and Ecuador exports 74 per cent of the value
of the world’s floriculture crops. Netherlands is
the market leader with about 65 % of the total sales of
flowers and plants. Netherlands is the also market leader
in the supply of young plants material, seed, equipment
and they have very high harvesting & technical standards
& updated with the latest trends and techniques.
In
Pakistan, the floriculture industry has tremendous potential
to stimulate economic growth and lead to poverty alleviation.
The real potential in domestic consumption and export of
cut flowers could be realized if proper guidance is provided
to the local growers. Initiatives are underway for the promotion
of floriculture to enter the global floriculture trade.
