In a traditional white vase, Gerbera daisies, baby's breath, goldenrod, red photinia leaves and white wisteria created a more dramatic centerpiece. As I fussed over the flowers, I kept rearranging the combinations. I know my teachers would have done it
Umarpada, a tribal village in Gujarat, is set to change its economy by ...
The cooperative society along with 50 tribal farmers has already started an initial production of dutch roses in 30 acres. In next three years, it is expected to grow more than 1 crore cut-flower roses of various varieties in an estimated area of 500 acres (20,000 rose stems per acre). The society has invested close to Rs 25 crore through bank funding for the initial production and formed an arrangement with the tribals for reveneu-sharing.
"The wishful labour-turned-rose producer is expected to earn more than ten times of their current wage," says 51-year-old Shyambhai Vasava, sarpanch of Umarpada. Vasava leased his 10-acre land to the society for rose cultivation and is learning the green-house applications and processes to grow roses under strict weather conditions. Rose needs full sunlight or light at least 5-6 hours a day and should be planted with timely water supply.
The cooperative society is providing training and development to the farmers right from seeding the plant with drip irrigation facility till the process of cutting roses. "We want to change the face of the village and have partnered with the tribal villagers by taking their granted land for rose production," says Kamlesh Hirapara, chairman of the society. He is also forming a team for branding and cargo-handling purposes.
