Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu), Jan 29 : The business in roses is witnessing a mega boom ahead of Valentine's Day in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri District.

Krishnagiri, which is about 250 km from Chennai, has a climate that is ideal for rose cultivation. As a result of this, floriculture thrives and business in roses is witnessing a mega boom.

Pushpanchali Rose Garden, located in Krishnagiri is the largest rose production centre in the region, growing lakhs of roses in eleven varieties.

A one-hectare farm can grow as many as 70,000 rose plants. And each plant produces at least 20 to 22 flowers every year in ideal "glass house" conditions.

With Valentine's Day approaching on February 14, orders are pouring in from around the world for roses grown in this region.

"Our daily production of roses comes to around 15 to 20,000 roses. These are directly sold in the Indian market that is in Bangalore and New Delhi mainly. From this place, the deemed exporters are exporting them to other countries. The annual average rate of our roses is about Rs. 3 and the prices go as high as Rs10-15 per rose during the festive season," said Varghese, Manager, Pushpanchali Floritech.

During the Valentine season, grand gala and frost red colours are eternal favourites.

The owners of these farms are paying special attention to aspects like cooling, grading and growing coupled with the use of automated irrigation systems, the yield of flowers particularly the roses is at par with international standards.

"This yellow coloured flower is blooming and has not bent. This is because it has the support of the net. If there is no support of the net, these flowers won't be standing straight and will bend. This affects the quality of the flower," said Nand Kishore, horticulturist.

The domestic market is also witnessing considerable growth.

With Valentines' Day nearing, dealers expect a rise in exports as well as sales in the domestic market.

During this season, the flowers are mainly exported to the Middle East and European countries as well as Australia, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. (ANI)