Gladiolus plant cultivation in jammu
Gladiolus an origin of South Africa as majority of species were found growing there and a few species in Asia minor (Afghanistan. Arminia and Caucasus in U.S.S.R , Syria, Persia etc).belongs to the family iridaceae, sub family ixiodeae, tribe 3, sub tribe gladoline.The herbaceous plant sprouts from Axillary buds of an under ground structure the corm that is made up of fleshy substance that supplies food for the growing plant. In India its cultivation dates back to 19th century, as Firmingers manual of gardening in India published in 1863 mentions that Charles Grey of coonoor grew some gladiolus from corms and seeds in his garden.
Gladiolus cultivation under Jammu conditions has a potential to change the economic scenario of farmers of Jammu as well as of the entire state. For generating both money as well as employment in rural areas gladiolus is such a crop suitable for establishing floriculture industry by progressive farmers and entrepreneurs and undoubtly the best bulbous flower in India. Its magnificent spikes in dazzling colours remain fresh for 10 to 22 days. Its cultivation in Jammu region has become an important sector as consumption of flowers is rising associated with economic development. Jammu division of has a wide range of climates and micro climates different production system, socio economic diversity and consumer requirements. Mostly farmers belong to small and marginal category.
Diverfication to horticulture crops is now the major option to improve livelihood security of small farmers and improved employment opportunities. Jammu division of the State is going to play a vital role in floriculture trade which will turn the economy of the state.Now Every year 25 -50 farmers take up its cultivation in Jammu region. In 1999 40,000 spikes of gladiolus were produced, from 1999-2002. 1, 00,000 spikes were produced .From 2002-2004. 1, 20,000 spikes were produced and from 2005-2007 3, 00,000 spikes were produced from the plains of Jammu region (from October to April).Despite all this Jammu import 85% of gladiolus spikes and other cut flowers from rest of the country. Floriculture sector is experiencing a rapid change the world over due to globalization and its effect on income generation. Consumption of gladiolus spikes in Jammu region has increased manifold. Now every corner of city has a flower shop with upright spikes of gladiolus and this trend will continue to increase because of its demand in the market and improvement in purchasing power. A gladiolus spike has a potential to change economic scenario of poor farmers. As per the status of 2006-2007(village Karloop) Jammu. A farmer has earnt a net profit of Rs.2250 per kanal from his wheat crop:Rs. 1000 from paddy crop:Rs.3000 from Radish cro: Rs. 1000 from cabbage : Rs. 250per kanal from Spinach and Rs. 14,000 per kanal from gladiolus spikes.
Jammu division is going to play a vital role in floriculture which will turn the economy of the state. It has shown a tremendous potential to produce gladiolus spikes of export quality. Gladiolus spike of Jammu is better in every respect in comparison to temperate regions of India as it bears 18 – 25 florets per spike of diameter 11 to 14.5 cm. (basal floret) and minimum 5-6 florets remain open at a time. Such type of gladiolus is called as Prims. And are liked by European countries. The soil of Jammu has also potential to produce Exhibition large flowered gladiolus (21 florets per spike and 7 florets open at a time).
Two cultivars of gladiolus were developed at directorate of agriculture Jammu viz Jammu Pride (Congo song x Red beauty). This cultivar is Dedicated to the soil of Jammu and is presently under multiplication. It bears 18.14 florets per spike with 5.62 florets remain open at a time and has a potential to produce 3 spikes from a corm. This spike has vase life of 13- 15 days (November sowing) and Durga anew hybrid gladiolus is an improved cultivar has a potential to produce 2.06 spikes per corm having 15 florets per spike. The spike remains durable for16.02 days and has been found profitable genotype for plains of Jammu and western U.P. a farmer can earn a net profit of Rs.245-405 per square meter from fist year and for subsequent years it is Rs. 380-540 per sq. meter.
consumers are becoming more aware of what to buy. They are becoming professional buyers. They tend to ask for higher choices in product quality levels depending on purpose of purchase, as well as for higher levels of service and a wider and deeper assortment. Now the trend has shifted from seasonal to year round production of flowers and the soil of Jammu has a potential to make spikes of gladiolus available when they are most wanted (like mothers day, Valentines Day) besides marriages , birthdays and other occasions.
The FAO-sponsored project on green house technology for small scale farmers should be implemented in Jammu which will give a confidence to farmers for green house production of flowers. Government of the state should be instrumental in setting up of floricultural units both for export and domestic markets. Cold storage facilities for flowers for export should be set up.
