Coimbatore is one of the major flower cultivation hubs in Tamil Nadu, known for its diverse range of flowers. The district’s favorable climate, soil conditions, and strong agricultural practices make it ideal for both domestic consumption and export. Below is a detailed breakdown of flower cultivation in Coimbatore

1. Marigold (Tagetes)

• Region: Coimbatore is one of the primary districts for Marigold cultivation in Tamil Nadu.
• Quantity: ~20,000-25,000 metric tons annually.
• Varieties: African and French Marigold.
• Uses: Widely used for religious ceremonies, festivals, and garlands.
• Highlight: Coimbatore’s proximity to major temple towns increases the demand for Marigolds, especially during festive seasons.

2. Crossandra (Kanakambaram)

• Region: Coimbatore is a leading region for Crossandra cultivation.
• Quantity: ~5,000-7,000 metric tons annually.
• Uses: Mostly used in religious rituals, garlands, and decorative purposes.
• Highlight: Crossandra is in high demand for its vibrant orange color and long shelf life.

3. Jasmine (Malli)

• Region: Coimbatore contributes to Jasmine cultivation, though it is more dominant in Madurai and Ramanathapuram.
• Quantity: ~1,000-2,000 metric tons annually.
• Varieties: Jathimalli, Gundumalli.
• Uses: Garlands, religious offerings, and essential oils.
• Highlight: While Coimbatore is not the largest producer, it plays a significant role in regional markets.

4. Tuberose (Sambangi)

• Region: Coimbatore is one of the important regions for Tuberose production, especially in areas with sufficient water supply.
• Quantity: ~2,500-4,000 metric tons annually.
• Uses: Popular for its use in garlands, decorative arrangements, and perfume production.
• Highlight: Tuberose from Coimbatore is highly sought after due to its fragrance and purity.

5. Roses (Rosa)

• Region: While Coimbatore is not the largest producer, the cultivation of Roses is significant, especially in nearby regions like Salem.
• Quantity: ~1,000-1,500 metric tons annually.
• Varieties: Hybrid varieties for cut flowers.
• Uses: Primarily for bouquets, decorations, and export as cut flowers.

6. Chrysanthemum (Sevanthi)

• Region: Coimbatore is home to a steady production of Chrysanthemums, especially for local markets.
• Quantity: ~1,500-2,000 metric tons annually.
• Uses: Used in garlands, ornamental arrangements, and for religious occasions.

7. Gladiolus and Exotic Flowers

• Region: Coimbatore, particularly in the outskirts and nearby hilly areas, supports the cultivation of Gladiolus and other exotic flowers.
• Quantity: ~500-1,000 metric tons annually.
• Uses: Primarily for export, especially for luxury flower markets and floral arrangements.
• Highlight: Gladiolus is often cultivated in Coimbatore’s cooler climate, and demand is higher in international markets.

Economic Impact:

Flower cultivation in Coimbatore provides livelihood to numerous small and marginal farmers. The district's proximity to major markets and export hubs enhances the profitability of floriculture. Additionally, the cultivation of flowers like jasmine and rose contributes to the perfume and essential oil industries, adding value to the local economy.

Regional Distribution:

• Annur Block: Notable for jasmine cultivation, covering approximately 24.79 hectares with a productivity of 10 tons per hectare.

• Karamadai Block: Significant cultivation of jasmine and mullai (another jasmine variety), with areas of 86.35 hectares and 111.46 hectares respectively, both yielding around 10 tons per hectare.

• Thondamuthur Block: Diverse flower cultivation, including roses and other ornamental flowers.
  
  

Cultivation Statistics:

According to the Coimbatore District Horticulture Department, the district has an annual average of 1.25 lakh hectares under horticulture crops, with an average annual production of 11.36 lakh metric tons.

While specific data for each flower type is limited, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) provides insights into the area, production, and productivity of flower crops in Coimbatore.

Challenges in Coimbatore Flower Cultivation

1. Water Management: Coimbatore faces water scarcity during the summer months, which can affect flower yields.
2. Market Fluctuations: Flower prices often vary significantly with seasons, especially during festivals like Pongal and Diwali, which can affect farmers’ profits.
3. Post-Harvest Losses: Flowers are highly perishable, and without proper storage or refrigerated transport, there can be significant losses.

Government Support and Initiatives in Coimbatore

1. Subsidies: The Tamil Nadu Horticultural Development Agency (TANHODA) provides subsidies for flower farmers in Coimbatore to adopt modern farming methods, including drip irrigation and greenhouse technology.
2. Cold Storage: Investments in cold storage facilities are increasing to reduce post-harvest losses.
3. Export Promotion: Government programs under the APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) assist flower growers with international export logistics.

Future Prospects for Flower Cultivation in Coimbatore

1. Export Potential: Coimbatore has a growing export market, particularly for Marigolds, Tuberose, and Gladiolus, to countries like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
2. Value Addition: There is an opportunity for farmers to focus on essential oils and dehydrated flowers, particularly for products like Jasmine and Tuberose.
3. Organic Flower Farming: As global demand for organic products rises, Coimbatore can benefit from a niche market for organically grown flowers.