Indian Rose Growers See High Demand Amid Valentine’s and Wedding Season, Export Challenges Persist

Pune, 4th February 2025: Indian rose growers are witnessing a strong demand for their flowers this season, driven by both Valentine’s Day and a high number of wedding Muhurats between February 2 and 25. However, while domestic demand remains lucrative, challenges persist in the export market.

According to Praveen Sharma, President of the Indian Society of Floriculture Professionals, Indian rose exports have declined by nearly 25% between January and November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. However, a surge in February exports could help reduce the decline to around 10-12%.

“The Indian market itself is booming due to the wedding season, giving small growers a safer and more profitable option. Many prefer domestic sales over exports because of logistical challenges, high freight rates, and the lack of large-scale Export Oriented Units (EOUs),” Sharma explained.

While Valentine’s Day traditionally sees strong international demand, Indian growers often struggle to secure airspace and affordable freight rates. Most farms operate independently, with only a few clusters spanning over 50 acres, making it difficult to compete in the global market.

“India has an export potential of over ₹1,000 crore, but realizing this requires policy support for large-scale export-oriented projects,” Sharma said. “Currently, government schemes favor small farms, which hinders the development of bigger ventures capable of scaling exports.”

In 2023, India’s total rose exports stood at ₹54 crore, with Malaysia leading the importers at over ₹10 crore, primarily sourcing from Bangalore-based growers. The UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Israel also regularly import Indian roses, though in smaller quantities.

Despite the challenges in exports, Sharma remains optimistic. “If policies align to support larger projects, India could become a dominant player in the global floriculture market,” he said.

For now, domestic demand continues to be the preferred choice for Indian rose growers, ensuring steady profits amid the ongoing wedding and Valentine’s season.