SUSTANABILITY IN CUT FLOWER PRODUCTION IN SATARA DISTRICT OF MAHARASHTRA

摘要

Maharashtra has emerged as a leading State for production, export and consumption of flowers in the country. During the past few years, the cut flower growers, especially, rose growers in Satara district have diversified into capsicum or other cut flowers due to some lacunae in the production and marketing management strategies. Present study is an attempt has been made to find out the sustainability of cut flower production in Satara district. Satara district was selected purposively as it has higher proportionate area under cut flowers. Data were collected from 15 gerbera, 10 carnation and 5 rose growers, spread over nine villages of Koregaon and Satara tahsils during 2008-09. Break-even, sensitivity and sustainability analysis were employed for analyzing the data. The result of the study revealed that, gerbera was the major cut flower grown in the district. The middle age population and persons having education up to secondary level were engaged in cut flower sector. Majority of growers have obtained information about cut flower production technology from other cutflower growers. It was observed that majority of the cut flower growers have taken up it as a secondary business. Gerbera flower production has emerged as the most profitable agri-business in the study area. Under the present cost, yield and price structure, the gerbera growers have more cushioning for hike in input prices, reduction in yield and reduced the prices of flowers, as compared to other cut flower growers.