GI certified Madurai Jasmine Flowers exported to US, Dubai

Geographical Indications (GI) certified Madurai jasmine and other traditional flowers like lily, button rose, chamanthi, and marigold were exported to United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on July 8, 2021 from Tamil Nadu.

Key Points

• This will fulfil the need of Indian diaspora for fresh flowers for deities at home and temples.
• These flowers were sourced by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) registered Vanguard Exports from Nilakottai, Dindigul and Sathyamangalam, in Tamil Nadu.

How much is the shelf life of flowers?

Shelf life of flowers have been increased with the help of Professors from floriculture department of Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore. They also helped the exporters with packaging technology, increasing the shelf life. Before that, Farmers were contracted by exporters to cultivate quality flowers. Thus, cultivation of flower generated jobs for some 130 women and 30 skilled workers.

Significance of the export

Flowers from India will be exported to both the countries on regular interval. Thus, Indian community in Dubai and USA would be able to offer fresh flowers to Hindu deities at home as well as in temples while celebrating religious and cultural festivals.

Export of flowers

In Financial Year 2021, export of fresh cut jasmine flowers and bouquets, comprising of jasmine & other traditional flowers is valued at Rs 66.28 crore. These flowers were exported to countries like US, UAE, Singapore. Out of total export value, Rs11.84 crore worth of flowers were sourced from Tamil Nadu. Flowers were shipped from major airports of Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai.

About Jasmine

Jasmine is scientifically called as Jasminum Officinale. It is one of the most popular flowers found worldwide. Scent of Jasmine is synonymous with splendor of Madurai’s Meenakshi temple. Madurai is a major market for malligai grown in the region. It has evolved into ‘Jasmine capital’ of India.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021