SECTOR PROFILE Floriculture, or flower farming, is a discipline of horticulture concerned with the cultivation of flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and for floristry, comprising the floral industry. The development, via plant breeding, of new varieties is a major occupation of floriculturists. Flowers are symbol of beauty, love, affection, etc. Besides their aesthetic value, they are important for their economic uses, such as for cut blooms and for extracting perfumes and other products. In our country, flowers are sanctified and are commonly used in worshipping the deities in our homes and temples. Rose is queen of flowers, it come from the latin word Rosa hybrid (family: Rosaceae). There are several thousand, varieties of roses and several hundred new ones are being added every year. The choice of Varieties depends mainly on the climate and the soil of the growing region for cut flowers, exhibition, garden display etc. and on personal or family preferences. There are following few varieties of Roses are commonly available in the market. The production of cut flowers is specifically known as the cut flower industry. Farming flowers and foliage employs special aspects of floriculture, such as spacing, training and pruning plants for optimal flower harvest; and post harvest treatment such as chemical treatments, storage, preservation and packaging. In Australia and the United States some species are harvested from the wild for the cut flower market. Applications • The rose is used for purposes of decoration during festivals, and for personal adornment. • The flowers are strong into garlands and offered in temples. • During roughly to 60-70 per cent total production in the country is used for the production of rose water. • Smaller quantities are consumed in preparing altars, gulkand and hair oils. • A part of the crop of Edward roses is used for the production of rose water • Used for the production of method altars and hair oils. Global demand World trade in cut flowers: about 14.1 billion per annum Commercial floriculture however is of recent origin. A constituent increase in demand for cut and potted flowers has made floriculture as one of the important commercial trades in Indian agriculture. Emphasis has been shifting from traditional flowers to cut flowers for export purposes. India is a leading grower of roses. Karnataka continues to be the leader, accounting forever 50 % of the natural rose production. Bangalore has around 35 floriculture units producing roses. Floriculture has an annual growth potential of 25 to 30 %. Of late, large scale commercial companies have started joint ventures with foreign companies to invest in the floriculture sector. The government has invited foreign investment in floriculture, particularly in the areas of refrigerated storage and transportation facilities essential to ensure that flowers do not perish to transit. Of course, the flower exporters want an increase in airfreight subsidy and lower rates for electricity. Floriculture is capable of attracting/retaining a large number of progressive rural populations on in farming. India's share of the global floriculture market is around $60 million, which is only 0.3 percent. The Rs.3000 million floriculture industry of India has 60 units across the country. India's floriculture industry is of recent origin. Currently around 210 hectares are under floriculture cultivation, with a capacity to produce around 300 million stems of flowers. Indian flowers can match the best in the world. Of course the performance of the floriculture sector has been better in recent years. Exports rose from Rs 810 million in 1997-98 to Rs 1326 million in 2000-01. India's exports of floriculture products is valued at Rs.1140 lakhs mostly directed to Middle East, USA & U.K. Presently, the cultivation of modern cut flowers is limited. A whole new crop of entrepreneurs and a host of big business houses are determined to find a fortune in flowers and are swarming like bees to the honey pot called the global market in floriculture. As the demands of cut rose floriculture is splendid in future, it is one of the imperative fields to endeavour.