iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
In a bid to ensure that Indians living abroad get supplies of fresh flowers to deities at home and temples, consignments of Geographical Indications (GI) have certified Madurai malli and other traditional flowers such as button rose, lily, chamanthi, and marigold which were exported today to USA and Dubai from Tamil Nadu.
To increase the shelf life of the flowers, mostly offered to deities at home and temples, exporters of the consignments were supported in the adoption of packaging technology by professors from the Floriculture Department of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore, according to an official release issued by the Commerce & Industry Ministry.
The flowers for the consignments were sourced from Nilakottai, Dindigul and Sathyamangalam, Tamil Nadu by APEDA registered M/s.Vanguard Exports, Coimbatore.
The exporters of consignments were supported by professors from the floriculture department of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore in adoption of packaging technology to increase the shelf life of the flowers. The exporters undertook direct contact with the farmers to cultivate quality flowers and the initiative generated employment to about 130 women workers and about 30 skilled workers.
“Direct contacts with the farmers to cultivate quality flowers were undertaken by the exporters and the initiative generated employment for about 130 women workers and about 30 skilled workers,” a press release added.
Madurai malli, known for its fragrance, was given GI recognition in 2013. GI protection prevents producers of similar flowers in other regions from using the specific tag and helps growers in the specific region preserve their identity in the local and global market.
Indian community in Dubai and USA would be able to offer fresh flowers to Hindu deities both at home and at temples while celebrating religious and cultural festivals after exports of flowers from India continue at regular interval.
During 2020-2021, fresh-cut jasmine flowers and bouquets (comprising of jasmine and other traditional flowers) valued at Rs 66.28 crores were exported to countries like USA, UAE, Singapore, etc. Out of which, a value of Rs.11.84 crores were exported from Tamil Nadu region through major airports of Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.
