Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 04 October 2025
Recognising the commercial potential of tropical cut flowers, the Department of Agriculture is placing special emphasis on their promotion across the Islands. Officials highlighted that the region’s agro-climatic conditions are highly favourable for cultivating flowers such as Heliconia, Ginger Lily and Alpinea.
According to the Department, promoting floriculture will not only provide steady income to farmers but also generate employment, boost eco-agro tourism and encourage women empowerment through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) scheme of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), farmers are eligible for subsidies up to 50%—capped at ₹62,500 per hectare—in two instalments of 60:40, for a maximum of 2 hectares on a pro-rata basis.
Efforts are also underway to establish market linkages, connecting Island-grown flowers with both mainland markets and the tourism sector within the Islands. The Department has urged farmers to adopt floriculture and tap into the growing demand for tropical flowers while showcasing the Islands’ unique biodiversity at the national level.
To further promote this initiative, an orientation programme will be held on 07 October 2025 at the Gram Panchayat, Beodnabad, aimed at identifying potential floriculture clusters. Farmers seeking more details can approach the nearest Agriculture Sub-Depot office or contact the Kisan Call Centre at 03192-243434 / 1800-345-1145.
