The Department of Agriculture in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is stepping up efforts to promote tropical cut flowers, recognising their commercial potential and role in income generation, employment, and eco-tourism. The initiative focuses on crops such as Heliconia, Ginger Lily, and Alpinea, which are well-suited to the Islands’ agro-climatic conditions.
The move aims to not only boost farmers’ incomes but also create employment opportunities, support eco-agro tourism, and empower women through Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Authorities say floriculture could emerge as a significant contributor to the local economy by connecting Island produce with mainland markets and tourism sectors within the Islands.
Under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) scheme of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), farmers are eligible for subsidies for tropical cut flower cultivation. The subsidy covers 50% of the cost, capped at Rs 62,500 per hectare, provided in two installments at a 60:40 ratio, for an area of up to 2 hectares on a pro-rata basis.
Officials are encouraging farmers to adopt floriculture as a commercial venture, highlighting the growing market demand for tropical flowers nationally. “Market linkages are being explored to ensure Island-grown flowers reach mainland buyers, while also promoting the beauty of the Islands to visitors and tourism operators,” the department stated.
In a bid to organise production and identify key floriculture clusters, the department will hold an orientation programme on October 7 at Gram Panchayat Beodnabad. The programme is expected to guide farmers on crop selection, cultivation techniques, subsidy access, and marketing strategies. Farmers are being urged to attend and participate actively to maximise the benefits of this initiative.
For additional information, farmers may reach out to the nearest Agriculture Sub Depot office or contact the Kisan Call Centre at 03192-243434 or 1800-345-1145. Officials emphasised that early adoption of floriculture could give farmers a competitive edge in emerging markets and tourism-related sales.
Experts point out that the Islands’ unique climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for tropical cut flowers, which could help diversify agricultural production and reduce dependency on traditional crops. Beyond financial gains, floriculture could enhance environmental sustainability and contribute to women’s economic participation through SHGs and FPOs involved in cultivation and sales.
The initiative also aligns with broader government efforts to integrate agriculture with tourism and market expansion, positioning Andaman as a hub for tropical flower production. Farmers and entrepreneurs in the region are being encouraged to explore floriculture as a viable business option, tapping into both local tourism demand and mainland markets.
With these measures, the Department of Agriculture hopes to create a sustainable floriculture ecosystem that benefits farmers, boosts local employment, promotes eco-tourism, and showcases the Islands’ natural beauty through tropical cut flowers.
