India’s floriculture sector sees rapid progress in 2023-24

New Delhi: India has occupied second place in flower production worldwide after China. The floriculture sector has made rapid progress across the country in recent years. Therefore, in 2023–2024, India produced a remarkable 947,000 metric tonnes of cut flowers and 2,284,000 metric tonnes of loose flowers. The most grown flowers in the country are– marigolds, sunflowers, and lotuses. Besides this, cultivation of foreign flowers is also taking place countrywide.

Today, about 285,000 hectares of land in India are dedicated to flower cultivation. Among the top flower-producing states, Tamil Nadu leads the way, contributing 21% of the country’s total flower, aromatic, and medicinal plant production. Karnataka follows with 16%, West Bengal with 14%, and Madhya Pradesh with 12%. Other major flower-producing states include Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Assam.

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India’s floriculture is not just growing domestically—its export market is blooming too. Roses top the list of most exported flowers from India, especially to the United States. Known for their wide variety of colors and styles, roses are a favorite for every occasion. Other widely exported flowers include lilies, which are popular for both simple and elaborate floral arrangements. Carnations, valued for their delicate beauty and wide color range. Chrysanthemums are also in high demand for their variety and versatility.

Such flowers are getting placed on the shelves of overseas nations’ supermarkets, strengthening India’s presence in the international floral market. India’s flower industry has been blooming; farmers are being encouraged to step into this sector because it fetches better income as well.