India: Warm winter affects quality Valentine roses
This season had a higher number of warm days and floriculturists are spending sleepless nights wondering if it could affect their blossoms badly. This is a good time for business with Valentine's Day about four weeks away.
Exports are set to begin soon and growers have pinned their hopes on having cooler temperatures between January 20 and 30, so that the blooms stay fresh when they reach their destinations. Roses have a shelf life of 10-12 days.
December 2015 had 23 days which were warmer by 2-6 degree celsius compared to the previous year, chief consultant Praveen Sharma said. He works for Flora Consult that provides technology for floriculture projects. "Cloudy weather slows the growth which may come to the rescue of the flowers," Sharma added.
Rose grower Dnyaneshwar Patil said warmer temperature before Valentine's Day may mean getting the roses ready for export early.
"Lower temperatures ensure that flowers get ready later. Planning for Valentine's Day exports begins 55 days in advance. The last export shipment to international destinations is around February 9. In case of warmer temperatures in this period, chances of an early flush increase, which means that flowers meant for export are ready before they are shipped," said Patil.
They won't match the quality of roses required for export, he said. "Ready flowers open up and are unfit for exports. This may result in a distress sale in the local market," Patil added.
Read the full report at the Times of India