A hands-on training cum demonstration on value addition in flower crops was organized by ICAR - DFR Direct rate of floriculture Research, Pune, on July 28, 2024, at the Pawana Growers association, Yelse village, Taluka Ma Hi-tech Dist. The training was conducted with the aim to empower the rural youth and women working in Hi-tech floriculture units to diversify the product range from cut flowers to value-added products.
Dr.Mahalaxmi V. Reddy, former Prof. Pjstsau Hyderabad, demonstrated various steps of dehydration of flowers and foliage and encapsulation using epoxy resins online. Dr.Reddy notified the audience of the demand for encapsulated souvenirs in the country. "Emotions attached to the flowers can be best preserved in resin encapsulation for up to 30 years."
Pandharinath Mhaske, director of Sneh Florist Centre for Floral Studies and co-ordinator of India Florist Association, demonstrated different fresh flower arrangements that are popular for various festivals and celebrations. He also explained how the value chain of fresh flowers works, and prices get increased manifold at every step of value addition in the florist trade. Mhaske trained youth in making various floral arrangements like hand-tied bouquets, crescent and cascading bouquets, centerpieces, floral basket vase arrangements for home or office, etc. from fresh flowers like Dutch roses, carnations, orchids, Gerberbera, tube rose, with fillers like gypsophila and blue daisy assorted foliage like solidarity, murraya, leather fern, dracaena, cordiline and sprengeri.
Dr. Ganesh Kadam, Sr. Scientist, ICAR, DFR Pune, demonstrated the steps in the selection and the method of flowers for dying, mixing of resins and embedding them in various types of molds. Dr. Renuka Katare demonstrated press-dried flower production and different jewelry items by using resin encapsulation technology.
A total of 69 participants, Including 47 women, participated in the hands-on training. Participants expressed satisfaction with the organization of this training at their doorstep and requested specialized training for the group of women.
Dr. Taraknath Saha, Sr. Scientist ICAR DFR, Pune, moderated the event while Mukund Thakar, President of Pawana Flower Grovers Association, gave the vote of thanks.
For more information:
Pandharinath Mhaske
Co-ordinator India Florist Association
Mob.: 9371009085
Email [email protected]