Hosur (Tamil Nadu), Feb 11: Defying recession trends, the rose export business is booming ahead of Valentine''s Day in Tamil Nadu.

With Valentine''s Day approaching, Hosur, a resourceful small town in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri District, is bracing itself up for exports to western countries to the tune of five million roses.

"Already 30 lakhs flowers have been exported during Christmas and New Year. The export of flowers is proposed to five million that is
50 lakhs to the western countries and Middle East for the Valentine''s Day," said V. K. Shanmugam, a district collector.

The climate of Hosur is apt for the rose farming with nearly 42,400 acres of land being used for rose cultivation to meet the demands of Valentine''s Day.

Varieties, including Avalanche, Gold Strike, Discovery, Red Giant, Red Carvette and Tinike that are in high demand for the Valentines Day. Taj Mahal is a special rose being exported to foreign countries.

Major rose exporting areas in India are Bangalore and Pune.

Cut flowers such as rose stems constitute around one-fourth of the country's floriculture exports, which is less than one per cent of the international flower trade. (ANI)