The Punjab Provincial Development Working Party (PPDWP) on Tuesday approved release of Rs 264 million for Development of Floriculture Markets in the province as central Punjab is being increasingly viewed as a growing market for floral products, particularly of cut flowers and tulips, and is offering new opportunities to the farmers for increasing their income. The approval was given in PPDWP's 44th meeting of current fiscal year 2017-18 presided over the Chairman P&D Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan which was also attended by Secretary and all Members of P&D Provincial Secretaries and other senior representatives of the relevant Provincial Departments

According to the Agriculture Department, the department is launching a comprehensive plan to develop necessary infrastructure and rose farms for high quality grafted (cut flowers) especially roses across the province. The floriculture markets would promote development flowers farms of roses for increasing and diversifying export volume and generating employment opportunities in the area. Agriculture experts say that because of favourable soil and climate conditions, commercial flower business has the potential to expand exponentially, as there is a huge demand for cut flowers, especially roses and tulips, and net profit on investment is much higher in floriculture crops compared to other crops Over hundred varieties of flowers are being produced in Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chunian, Okara, Faisalabad, Sahiwal and Gujranwala and other districts of Punjab including carnations, Jasmine, Marigold, Sunflower, Tulips, and roses in dozens of colours.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2018