Valentine's day without a rose? Impossible! - Story of a "Rose"

Lovers in all over the world is awaiting February 14, to celebrate Valentine's Day,

Whether they can celebrates that day without a Rose? Reply in negative. Rose find that much of importance in that day.

Export of Roses from India is Increasing with Hosur and Krishnagiri of Tamil Nadu, occupying the fourth place in rose production in the world, emerging winners in floriculture.

According to the Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TITCO) that TITCO and MNA, an NGO for developing better rose varieties, had jointly established 125 are rose plantation in Amudhakonoadapalli, near Hosur where 3 core roses were produced last year. This year the target is set at five crore.

"We keep introducing new roses every Valentine's Day. This year we are set to introduce 'Kohinoor Rose' which has got a huge popularity in Europe", one of the official in TITCO said.

"The roses are exported not only to European countries but also to Japan, Australia, Singapore and UAE.

"The Taj Mahal variety, which was introduced last year was sold for Rs 35 to 40 per flower, Kohinoor for Rs 50, this year, official added.

This blossoming business, aided by State and Central subsidies, takes place mainly in the countryside surrounding the metropolitan city of Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi.

The Rose flower trade is said to create plenty of employment opportunities. Moreover, the export of cut flowers would earn a great deal of foreign currency.

But there is other side to the coin. The artificial cultivation of flowers in greenhouses is said to be the most polluting agricultural activity humanity had ever created.

The industry originates from western Europe, holding 60 per cent of the world trade in cut flowers. The Netherlands is by far the most important flower producing country.

During the past two decades, however, the flower industry had gained a foothold in the Third World, but run be developed countries. For instance, floriculture in Kenya is largely in the hands of foreign investors, including the British-Dutch multinational Unilever.

According to a report, the Indian flower industry pollutes the environment.

Though the Indian Government spends huge amounts on subsidies in export of flowers, the profits go to foreign investors.

The Indian laborers do hazardous work in greenhouses for moderate wages and without any social security.

Though floriculture creates employment, there is a need for achieving the right balance between the benefits and the costs in terms of workers health.

The land used for the greenhouses for roses appears to be bought from small farmers. The wages in the greenhouses are poor even by Indian standards, between 0.15 to one dollar per day. Moreover the fringe benefits are very bad as workers do not get the holidays and bonuses that are provided for in other sectors of industry. Added to this they run big health risks.

On this Valentine's Day, as the sweet smell of the roses waits in gentle breeze, a thought must definitely be given to the cost-benefit ratio of the industry and an optimal balance achieved to ensure workers safety and benefit besides environmental protection instead of merely forecasting profits.

- Asian Tribune -