Panaji : Imports of flowers into Goa from neighbouring states increased by more than 200 per cent in the last three years due to the rising local demand, which emphasises that the government must give a strong push to floriculture in the state.
Flower imports increased from Rs 3.2 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 8.4 crore in 2023-24, before touching Rs 10 crore in 2024-25. In the current year till date, the state purchased Rs 2.2 crore flowers from outside.
According to the information provided by Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, all types of flowers are imported as presently flowers grown in the state are mostly used in Goa itself.
The state also exports flowers; it exported only 0.01 tonnes as per statistics provided by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
Jasmine (Jayo) is cultivated in Mardol. However, there is no special scheme by the agriculture department to protect the Jayo farmers and the farmland.
Farmers in Mardol started cultivating Jayo after they had verbal agreement with a private landowner. They have been issued Krishi Card under the caretaker category, which makes them eligible to receive assistance under the Shetkari Adhar Nidhi scheme in case of damage to the crops.
No legal protection is given to the Jayo farmers, said the minister.
To prevent the dumping of marigolds during Dussehra and Diwali, the Goa Marketing Board imposes 1 per cent cess on imported flowers, he said.
The measures to promote flower cultivation are financial assistance to farmers in the form of subsidy, viz. 75 per cent of assistance limited to Rs 75,000 per hectare for ‘loose flower’ crops under open cultivation, 75 per cent assistance limited to Rs 2 lakh for fencing and 75-90 per cent assistance for the installation of irrigation infrastructure.
The agriculture department created a WhatsApp group called E-Krishi Sampark at the village level with the theme Vocal for Local for promoting purchases of marigolds.
In 2024-25, approximately 125 farmers received subsidy for the cultivation of loose marigolds.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in the assembly on Friday said that Goa reduced its dependence on imported vegetables by 40 per cent, and is exporting 20 per cent of its local produce.
However, flower imports have been on the rise in the state.
