COVID-19 pandemic fades Himachal Pradesh’s floriculture sector

Kangra: The horticulture sector has been struggling since the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in Himachal Pradesh. Despite all the issues, some flower growers are still stuck in this business. In Kangra district, around 115 hectares were used for the flower cultivation till 2019-20, now gone to about 25 hectares owing to losses suffered by farmers during the pandemic.

The number of flower growers has been decreasing in the state. However, things have slightly improved in recent times, with people in the area gradually starting to take interest in the floriculture sector once again. Before the pandemic, there were 105 flower growers in Kangra; later, it dropped to 23 in 2020-21. But it raised to 107 by 2022-23, but once again it dipped to 93 in 2023-24.

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Flower farming was flourishing business in the state before the emergence of the pandemic; after the COVID-19, many farmers left this sector due to the low demand in the market. This happened owing to the low purchasing power of people during the pandemic; the increase in huge unemployment was one of the other reasons for less demand.

Dr. Kamal Sheel Negi, the deputy director of horticulture in Kangra, stated that the floriculture sector has the potential to increase farmers’ income. “In fact, the industry slowed down after the pandemic, but recovery has been taking place. In the coming years, it is expected to flourish again because flowers play a key role in many phases of men’s lives,” he said.

Several flower growers agree that things are getting better but the demand and prices are still lower than before the COVID-19. Several farmers are still growing flowers, but they have to cope with different challenges. Experts believe that government support is required; otherwise, more farmers will leave the floriculture sector.