Close-up of a sprinkler in a colorful flower field, enhancing growth in a greenhouse.

Floriculture in J&K Set to Bloom with a New Commercial Expansion Project

ByDr Anjum Andrabi

Jammu & Kashmir has long been home to a diverse range of flowering plants, thanks to its unique agro-climatic conditions. Despite this natural advantage, floriculture has remained an underdeveloped sector, with limited market presence and post-harvest infrastructure. Recognizing this untapped potential, the Jammu & Kashmir government has launched a dedicated project to boost commercial floriculture, creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and exporters.

This project, with an investment of Rs 39.03 crore, aims to increase floriculture output from Rs 28 crore to Rs 85 crore annually within four years. It will focus on expanding production clusters, improving processing and storage facilities, and enhancing branding and market access for J&K’s floral products. The initiative is expected to generate 2,000 direct jobs and establish 330 new floriculture enterprises, strengthening the region’s position in India’s growing flower industry.

The Need for a Commercial Floriculture Boost

India’s floriculture sector is rapidly evolving, shifting from traditional flowers to high-value cut flowers, ornamental plants, and aromatic flowers that cater to both domestic and export markets. The Indian floriculture market is valued at Rs 15,000 crore, with exports reaching Rs 771.41 crore in 2021-22.

Jammu & Kashmir has the ideal conditions to contribute significantly to this sector. However, the floriculture industry in the region has been held back by several challenges, including limited number of growers and enterprises, lack of aggregation platforms, and weak post-harvest processing and branding.

This project will address these issues through targeted investments in cluster-based production, high-tech infrastructure, and improved market linkages.

Key Interventions and Growth Strategy

The project focuses on expanding floriculture through organized production clusters and modern cultivation techniques. Key interventions include:

  • Expansion of cut flower production on 2.25 hectares to increase the availability of premium flowers.
  • Development of 24 hectares of nursery area to support year-round cultivation of ornamental plants.
  • Creation of four lavender cultivation clusters covering 85 hectares, tapping into the growing demand for aromatic crops.
  • Expansion of loose flower production and seed or bulb cultivation to diversify floriculture outputs.
  • Support for post-harvest processing through on-farm distillation units, seed processing centers, cold storage, and improved transport networks.
  • Business development through contract farming agreements with breeders and seed companies to secure long-term market access.

By creating a structured production and supply chain, the project will help floriculture businesses move beyond small-scale operations and tap into high-value domestic and international markets.

Enhancing Infrastructure and Market Access

A major focus of the project is upgrading existing nurseries, processing units, and marketing channels. The key infrastructure investments include:

  • Upgrading 54 nursery units to high-tech operations, ensuring year-round production.
  • Re-operationalizing 150 existing units to improve production efficiency.
  • Expanding total floriculture cultivation to 587 hectares, adding 400 hectares under commercial flower farming.
  • Creating branding and marketing platforms to promote J&K flowers in national and global markets.

To support these efforts, the project will also invest in training and exposure visits for growers, skilling 4,000 floriculturists in modern cultivation techniques.

Economic and Employment Impact

The commercial floriculture project is designed to bring long-term economic benefits to farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers in the floral industry. The expected outcomes include:

  • Production of 27 crore ornamental nursery plants annually, supplying the growing landscaping and home gardening markets.
  • Production of 4,000 liters of aromatic oil, valued at Rs 4.8 crore per year.
  • Establishment of 330 new floriculture enterprises, providing business opportunities in cultivation, processing, and retail.
  • Creation of 2,000 direct jobs, with additional employment in allied industries such as transport, packaging, and export logistics.

These interventions will not only strengthen Jammu & Kashmir’s domestic floriculture industry but also create new opportunities for export-oriented production, ensuring better incomes for flower growers.

A Sustainable Future for Floriculture in J&K

With a structured approach that combines cluster-based farming, high-tech cultivation, and strong market linkages, this project marks a turning point for floriculture in Jammu & Kashmir. By focusing on quality enhancement, value addition, and branding, the region has the potential to become a key player in India’s floriculture sector.

For farmers and entrepreneurs looking to diversify into floriculture, this initiative provides an excellent opportunity to engage in a profitable and sustainable business. The development of organized flower clusters, processing units, and branding platforms will ensure that Jammu & Kashmir’s flowers reach premium markets, bringing long-term prosperity to the region.

Looking Ahead

Floriculture is set to become an important economic driver in Jammu & Kashmir. The government’s investment in infrastructure, training, and market development will help transform flower cultivation into a high-income activity. With better facilities and structured support, J&K’s floriculture sector is on the path to becoming a leading supplier of high-quality flowers in India and beyond.