ICAR Study Helps Women Farmers Adopt Better Floriculture Practices

Women play a major role in India’s floriculture sector, from raising nursery plants to harvesting and post-harvest handling. However, many flower production technologies are designed without considering the specific needs of women farmers. To address this gap, the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, has completed a gender-responsive study to identify practical technologies that improve productivity while reducing labour. The findings are expected to help make flower cultivation more efficient and inclusive.

The research examined different stages of flower production, including nursery management, planting, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest operations. Scientists evaluated how women farmers use existing technologies and identified areas where improvements could reduce physical effort and increase productivity. The study forms part of ICAR’s broader effort to promote inclusive agricultural research that benefits all sections of the farming community.

Floriculture requires continuous manual work throughout the crop cycle. Tasks such as transplanting, weeding, harvesting and grading flowers are often labour-intensive, with women performing a large share of these activities.

The ICAR study assessed tools and cultivation practices that can make these operations easier and safer. Researchers found that improving the design of farm tools and introducing better production methods can reduce drudgery while maintaining flower quality and productivity.

Scientists also highlighted the importance of training programmes that help women adopt new cultivation techniques, efficient irrigation systems and improved nursery management practices. Better access to technical knowledge can significantly improve farm performance and income.

Floriculture Offers Strong Income Potential

India’s floriculture sector has expanded steadily over the past decade as demand for fresh flowers, ornamental plants and value-added floral products continues to grow.

Commercial cultivation of marigold, chrysanthemum, jasmine, rose and gerbera provides employment for thousands of rural families. Researchers say improving technology adoption among women farmers can further increase productivity while creating additional livelihood opportunities in nursery production, bouquet making and other value-added activities.

The study also recommends stronger collaboration between research institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendras and state horticulture departments so that improved technologies reach farmers more quickly. Extension programmes designed specifically for women farmers can encourage wider adoption of modern cultivation practices.

Agricultural innovation becomes more effective when technologies meet the needs of the people who use them. By incorporating the experiences of women farmers into research and technology development, ICAR aims to make flower cultivation more productive and sustainable.

Researchers believe gender-responsive innovation can improve labour efficiency, strengthen rural livelihoods and support the continued growth of India’s floriculture industry. As demand for flowers increases in domestic and export markets, practical and farmer-friendly technologies will play an important role in improving both productivity and profitability.