Rose Exports from India falling
Rose growers in India, who have traditionally exported roses to Europe and the USA at Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine’s Day, are losing out to cheaper producers in Ethiopia and Kenya. Higher freight charges and rising costs of production are also contributory factors. Farmers receive a much higher price for exports than they do for domestic sales, but there are risk factors such as perishability, currency risk and demand volatility in exports. Cut flower exports have declined by 48% in the last four years, but the domestic market continues to grow.