Floriculture venture a blooming success for Mandi farmer

Taking an unconventional path towards self-reliance and financial independence, Ravinder Kumar of Kalta village in the Gohar region of Mandi has transformed his traditional farming practices with flower cultivation.

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His success story is a testament to the effectiveness of government initiatives like the Himachal Flower Revolution Scheme and Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. Initially, engaged in conventional farming Ravinder sought to modernise his approach after consulting the Horticulture Department officials. He was advised to start flower cultivation under the polyhouse conditions. In 2017-18, he set up a 1,250 sq m polyhouse to grow carnations. With a positive outcome and favourable market prices, Ravinder expanded his operation. Currently, he is cultivating flowers over 1,750 sq m.

The Himachal Flower Revolution Scheme supports farmers for year-round cultivation of flowers through the polyhouse technology, offering training in the greenhouse and shade net house techniques.

The initiative helps farmers meet the demand of exotic flowers at national as well as international levels. The scheme provides substantial benefits, including a 25 per cent discount on transportation costs and an 85 per cent subsidy on solar fencing to protect crops from stray cattle. Besides, there is 85% subsidy on polyhouse construction under the scheme and farmers have to contribute only 15 per cent of the costs.

The Integrated Horticulture Development Mission offers a 50 per cent subsidy for flower cultivation. Drip irrigation systems are subsidided by 80 per cent under the Prime Minister’s Agricultural Scheme.

Ravinder Kumar has received a significant support, including a Rs 12.5 lakh grant for polyhouse construction and Rs 4.52 lakh for carnation planting, under the Integrated Horticulture Development Mission.

The Himachal Flower Revolution Scheme provided him with Rs 6.5 lakh for polyhouse construction and Rs 1.5 lakh for plantation.

His flowers are supplied to cities like Chandigarh and Delhi, bringing in an annual income of Rs 11-12 lakh. Besides, making Ravinder self-reliant his floriculture venture has also created employment opportunities for four to five locals who assist him in tasks such as sorting, cutting and packing the flowers. Ravinder encourages other locals to take the advantage of the government schemes for self-employment.