Indian state encourages growers to open greenhouses

From the Odisha Sun Times: 

To give a boost to flower production in the state, the Odisha government is encouraging flower growers in Ganjam district to set up greenhouses, said S K Chadha, director of horticulture. Floriculture in Ganjam district suffered a setback after cyclone Phailin last year, he added.

“We are motivating them to go for greenhouse cultivation to increase production,” said Chadha after holding a discussion with flower growers of the district.

Flower growers have been advised to cultivate new varieties and export-quality flowers and setting up greenhouses would increase exotic flower production in the district, the director said.

On the contrary, general secretary of Ganjam District Flower Growers’ Association, Sridhar Verma, however, claimed that farmers are not willing to invest in floriculture because banks are not coming to finance flower cultivation. “Since the growers are also not getting remunerative prices for their produce due to lack of market linkage,” he rued.

To read the full story, visit the Odisha Sun Times' website.